What started as a homesick craving for fresh pasta has turned into Wānaka’s newest eatery.

Fresca Pasta Kitchen opened its doors just days ago with an all-day menu celebrating fresh pasta, plus a range of sides, snacks, sandwiches and treats.

Owners Luciana Garcia and Ignacio Sande, who have backgrounds in sports management, are brand new to the food industry, but pasta has always been a taste of home for the couple.

“We grew up in Uruguay, which has a really strong Italian heritage,” Luciana told the Wānaka App. 

“Over there, you can buy fresh pasta on every second block.

“Fresh pasta is about family and simplicity and getting together. It’s something we really missed.”

After 11 years in Invercargill, the couple moved to Wānaka in 2021. A business course helped shape their plan for the eatery and their home kitchen became their test lab.

“For the last two and a half years we have been experimenting and filling the freezer with pasta,” Luciana said.

‘Pasta crew’ member Jesica Pedrocca with some freshly made pasta.

The aim was to recreate what they missed from home - fresh, reasonably priced pasta people can enjoy in the eatery or at home - and fill the gap between supermarket pasta and a more expensive restaurant experience.

Ignacio said they fine-tuned the menu with help from an Auckland-based chef, and when the premises - formerly Ritual Cafe - became available, they jumped at the opportunity.

Pasta and sauces are made fresh each morning and in the first days since opening many have sold out by midday.

Luciana said the pair have been overwhelmed with the level of local support for their new venture. She said the feedback so far had been “great”.

“Pasta is something simple that most people love,” Luciana said. 

Fresca Pasta Kitchen is open 8am-8pm, seven days a week, at 18 Helwick Street.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App