La Bella Italia restaurant in Lower Hutt is one of the 70 best pizza restaurants in the world, according to Ristorazione Italiana magazine. The magazine is headed by Heinz Beck, who holds three Michelin stars.
La Bella Italia is the only New Zealand restaurant to be named on the list, and one of only three in Australasia.
"It's an honour to represent New Zealand on this list," said owner Antonio Cacace. "The award is a testament to our goal of keeping traditions alive."
Cacace, a third-generation hospitality worker, and his wife started the restaurant 18 years ago.
