There are many special experiences on offer in Oamaru and Cucina is one of them. Carefully crafted by owner-operators Yanina and Pablo Tacchini, this restaurant demonstrates and achieves the ultimate goal of any serious hospitality venue: make them happy and they will come. Don’t go past Pablo’s empanadas with hand-cut beef, caramelised onion, roasted peppers and chimichurri or his Argentinian-style soup packed with pork, beans, pumpkin, corn, chorizo and chilli oil. The fresh pastas are a knockout and you’ll find it difficult to choose between house-smoked chicken ravioli, potato and parmesan gnocchi and an open lasagna, although our bet is firmly on the black rigatoni, crispy pork with black garlic and mushroom. Desserts will lead you to Argentinian-style flan, scorched pavlova or a burnt marshmallow and dark chocolate mousse. Check website for opening hours MAINS: $32-$48