Portofino
A husband-and-wife Italian restaurant that has long topped TripAdvisor's Gisborne rankings, with well-liked seafood risotto and lasagne.
Located at 12 Peel Street in the city centre, the restaurant is run by a husband and wife: he greets guests and she runs the kitchen. For years it has ranked first among Gisborne restaurants on TripAdvisor, and it received a 2025 Travellers' Choice award. The menu uses local produce for Italian dishes and pizza, and diners often order fried squid, lasagne, seafood risotto and a range of pasta. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. The cosy atmosphere suits a date, but the team is small, so book ahead for dinner in peak season. Takeaway is available.
Opening hours
Lunch and dinner; please call ahead to confirm (+64 6 868 5700)
Nearby sights
- Tairāwhiti Museum
- Gisborne Inner Harbour
- Gisborne City Vintage Railway (Wa165)
- Puhi Kai Iti / Cook Landing Site
- Gisborne Botanical Gardens
- Waikanae & Midway Beach
- Titirangi / Kaiti Hill Lookout
- Te Poho-o-Rawiri Marae