The flavour of tradition,
made fresh for you.
authentic
Italian Food
It’s slow-fermented dough that breathes.
Sauces cooked low and slow, full of depth.
Olive oil as bright as the Tuscan sun.
And smells so good they make time pause.
This is food that stays with you long after the last bite.
It’s slow-fermented dough that breathes. Sauces cooked low and slow, full of depth. Olive oil as bright as the Tuscan sun. And smells so good they make time pause.
This is food that stays with you long after the last bite.
Ciao! I'm Sam,
welcome to my kitchen
From crispy pizzas to heartfelt dinners and easy, delicious ready meals — I make Italian food that feels like home.
I. Private Events
An intimate dinner for two. A lively birthday gathering. A long table filled with friends you haven’t seen in years. I bring the food, the atmosphere, and the ease so you can just enjoy.
II. Pizza Parties
Flour-dusted hands. The smell of fresh basil. Your guests watching dough transform into crispy, golden perfection in minutes. It’s interactive, it’s fun. Ideal for any event, whether indoor or outdoor.
III. Pop-ups
The buzz of the crowd. Music in the air. Those “you have to try this” moment passed from friend to friend. From weekend markets to one-off events. Fresh, local, and cooked right in front of you.
IV. Weddings
From interactive wood-fired pizza that brings everyone together to elegant Italian feasts served under the stars, we create authentic culinary experiences for weddings throughout Wanaka and the Southern Lakes.
Would You Try an Award-Winning Pizza?
I was honoured to take 3rd place at the National Pizza Competition in New Zealand; a celebration of skill, passion, and authentic flavour.It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’d love for you to taste what that means in every bite.
Ready to give it a try?
About Me
I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a chef.
I grew up chasing the smell of garlic frying in olive oil. I grew up watching dough rise slowly under a clean cloth, hearing the bubbling of sauces that had been simmering since morning, and stealing olives before dinner started.Food has always been my language.
Now, it’s my work: creating moments where people feel connected, whether they’re old friends, new neighbours, or visitors who just found themselves lucky enough to be at an Italian table.
My Food Philosophy
The ingredients matter. The season matters. The people matter most of all.
Cooking, for me, is about slowing down the world just enough to notice the aroma of garlic in hot oil, the sound of a knife on a wooden board, and the smile when someone takes their first bite.I create food that’s rooted in authenticity — traditional techniques, regional recipes, and the kind of quality you can taste before you even sit down.
Quality Ingredients
Personal Touch
Traditional Techniques
Authentic Recipes
Authentic Recipes
Traditional Techniques
Personal Touch
Quality Ingredients
Your Table is Waiting
I’m not a catering company with a menu you have to fit into. I’m the chef who adapts to you.
Whether it’s your wedding anniversary, a surprise birthday, or a Tuesday night you want to make special, I bring food that feels personal and moments you’ll remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book?
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I recommend booking at least 2 weeks ahead, especially for weekends and special events.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
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Absolutely! Italian cuisine is incredibly diverse, and I can adapt most dishes for various dietary needs.
What's included in the private chef experience?
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Everything – ingredients, cooking, serving, and cleanup. You just need to provide the space and appetite!
Do you require a deposit?
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Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your date. The remaining balance is usually due 1 week before the event.
Whether it’s cooking up a feast or just swapping food stories, I’m here for it.
Chef Sam Mari
Phone
+64 027 250 3182
Follow us
Say hello or let’s make a plan.
Say hello or let’s make a plan.
Wedding catering in Wānaka
& beyond
Wood fired pizza & Italian feast catering for your special day
Make your wedding unforgettably delicious with authentic Italian cuisine crafted on-site. Our mobile wood-fired pizza oven brings restaurant-quality food to your celebration, creating not just a meal but an experience your guests will rave about long after the last dance.
Pizza station
The centerpiece of your reception. Unlimited wood-fired pizzas with a selection of classic and gourmet toppings, made fresh throughout your event.
Full Italian banquet
Start with antipasti and bruschetta, continue with wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta, and finish with Italian desserts.
Private chef service
For more intimate weddings, our private cheffing service offers a personalised Italian menu prepared and served at your venue.
Cocktail-style catering
Bite-sized pizza slices, arancini, and Italian finger foods perfect for mingling guests.
Perfect for Wānaka
weddings
Our mobile setup is ideal for Wanaka's stunning venues:
Vineyard weddings
Lakeside receptions
Private property celebrations
Marquee events
Intimate garden gatherings.
What's included
Full mobile wood-fired pizza setup
Professional, friendly staff
Fresh, high-quality ingredients
Beautiful presentation
Flexible service times to suit your day
Dietary accommodations (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan options available)
More than just pizza
While our wood-fired pizzas are our signature, we can create a full Italian feast for your wedding. From antipasti platters and fresh salads to pasta dishes and desserts, we'll work with you to design a menu that reflects your vision.
