Sep 23, 2016 Cheap Eats
Above: Toto’s Pizza.
DRAGONFRIED PIZZA
Little Oneroa, Waiheke
Summer is when this beachside beauty comes into its own (winter hours are weather-dependent). The short menu of made-to-order woodfired pizzas, calzone and pocketbreads punches above its weight for simple, healthy, tasty food (the pizza bases are guilt-free organic wholemeal). To sit on the sand and scarf down their Greek lamb pocketbread (stuffed with braised organic lamb, tzatziki, tomato and seasonal greens) is to know a particular kind of summery bliss.
Pizza, vegetarian friendly
EPOLITO’S
166 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn
Since moving from Onehunga to Grey Lynn, Epolito’s have had fans traverse town for their authentic New York-style pizza delights. Owner and chef Chickalena Rose is an NY native who was taught by a Sicilian, so pizza is in her blood. Some love the artichoke and lemon, others swear by the homemade meatballs or sausage.
Pizza, licensed
IL BUCO
113 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby
The sign outside boasts “the best pizza in the whole wide world” and we think they’re pretty close. Loads of options by the slice, and great for vegetarians. There’s also coffee by eighthirty, which we like very much.
Pizza, vegetarian friendly, free range
PIZZERIA ROSSO POMMODORO
356 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn
Sandwiched between two garages and opposite a petrol station, this authentic (and a bit 90s) Italian pizzeria seems like a well-kept secret. Pizza- maker Luca Malerba knows how to wood-fire to fluffy perfection, with bases that withstand generous toppings without sogginess. Pizzas are $15 on Tuesday and Wednesday nights; we recommend the crudaiola.
Pizza, vegetarian friendly, licensed, BYO
SETTEBELLO
3/1 Rata St, Blockhouse Bay
Some say it’s the best pizza Napoletana in the whole city, and we are inclined to agree. After all, pizzaiolo and owner Francesco Acri represented New Zealand at the World Pizza Championship in Italy this year after winning the NZ Pizza Championship in 2015. While authentic, the toppings lean towards generous at Settebello, and we like that. The “earlybird” $15 pizza-and-Peroni deal is pure gold.
Pizza, vegetarian friendly, licensed, BYO
STUMPY’S PIZZA
702 Dominion Rd, Balmoral
If you find yourself wandering down Dominion Rd and don’t fancy dumplings, go and see Stumpy. His woodfired pizzas are a thing of joy; smoky, chewy and crispy all at the same time. Go for the buffalo mozzarella — it’s worth the extra couple of dollars — and the prosciutto is a highlight.
Pizza, vegetarian friendly
TOTÓ PIZZA
53 Nelson St, Central City
Work event? Wedding? A whole load of drunk friends? Whatever the scenario, Totó’s solution is pizza by the metre. Many, many metres if necessary — they can feed up to 220 people in one go. It’s good, too, with chunky tomato sauce and an excellent topping-to-cheese ratio.
Pizza, vegetarian friendly, licensed, free range
