Put down that kale smoothie and get your loose pants on. Despite what most of our news feeds may suggest, there's a reason why the humble pizza is consistently found to be the most 'Grammed food in the world.
Whether you're a margherita purist, a meat lover or into a serious deep-dish, we’ve found the best pizza in Auckland for you to devour. These joints offer fresh, quality ingredients that can make the experience feel almost healthy (almost).
So without further ado, here are the best pizza parlours in Auckland.
Norma Taps
Shed 3D, City Works Depot, 90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD
We love a Margherita (in both pizza and beverage form) but Norma Taps opened our eyes to a phenomenal new topping that we'll be dreaming about for days—XO sauce, chili pork and fennel sausage topped with salt and vinegar shredded potato. The row of golden taps at the back of the bar isn't just for show either, they dispense a curation of New Zealand craft beer from the likes of Parrotdog and Sawmill and wine from Big Fizz and Still Life all of which make perfect pizza pairings. And if beer isn't your schtick? They've got tapped cocktails too, and they're really, really good.
Gorgeous New York Pizza Bar
327 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland
Naomi, Gisele, Elle and Kate Moss might not exactly be names that come to mind when we're talking pizza. Enter Gorgeous—making us feel far better about our cheesy gluttony—with all pizzas named after supermodels or other equally enviable ladies. Ok maybe you're not quite going to believe that the Peking duck and hoisin sauce pizza will turn you into Lucy Liu but perhaps it will make you smile. Owner Wayne is constantly innovating and the quality ingredients and out-of-this-world flavours mean you'll always be back to try something new. With four veggie options on the menu for our plant-based friends and even a cheeky calzone, make sure you leave space for some spaghetti on the side, and don't forget the next-level desserts. Easily one of Auckland's best pizzerias.
Turtle: Pizza & Pints
The Green, Tenancy 2, Building 10/666 Great South Road, Auckland
Image credit: Turtle: Pizza & Pints | supplied
Tucked away in the bustling heart of Greenlane, surrounded by a sea of office buildings, lies Turtle: Pizza and Pints. Here, Detroit-style pizza, known for its thick, airy base, is a specialty. Turtle’s dough is aerated to perfection, so patrons can enjoy a side and a pint without feeling like they need to be rolled out of the venue. And for those with dietary restrictions, their gluten-free base (made in-house, by the way) are so good, it might just move you to tears. Our top picks? The Leonardo (a four cheese masterpiece) and the Raphael (pepperoni, loaded with cheese) plus a juicy hazy IPA fresh from the tap.
Pizza Presto
8 Commerce Street, Auckland CBD
Inner-city gem is not one to miss. Just follow the aroma of metre-long pizzas to find the wee spot tucked away on Commerce Street. Can’t commit to a whole metre? Swing by for a slice from their front cabinet, we recommend the addictive D’oro. With flavours changing daily, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with something new and delicious with every visit. A best-kept secret by workers in the CBD, Pizza Presto have fine-tuned the art of a speedy slice on a tight lunch break and will have you back on your way in under two minutes.
Archie’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
63 Davis Crescent, Newmarket, Auckland
wood-fired pizzas are just as good as the pizza heaven that can be experienced in Italy itself—the Margherita is sublime. This is a great option if you’re going out with people who aren’t as die-hard pizza fans like yourself, as Archie’s also offers an extensive menu of salads, pastas and mains which are (nearly) as good as the pizzas.
The Proper Pizza Company
12 O'Connell Street, Auckland CBd
Image credit: Proper Pizza | Facebook
Established in 2018, has already become one of Auckland's best pizza joints. Found on O'Connell Street, the pizza dough is house-made using the freshest ingredients. What makes their pizzas the real deal is the unique crust. Light, crunchy and sprinkled with sesame seeds, they’re a harmonious balance between doughy and crispy. With breakfast options and pizzas up to 60 centimetres wide, there’s enough for everyone to get a slice of the action. Our top pick is the indulgent black truffle. Crammed fresh mushroom, scamorza cheese, pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano, pine nuts, and their special white wine sauce—before you know it half a pizza will have disappeared (guilty).
Dante’s Pizzeria
136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland | Eastridge, 215 Kepa Road, Ōrākai, Auckland | 2/40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
For the real Italian experience look no further than Dante’s Pizza. If you've ever eaten pizza in Italy, Dante’s is the closest thing to the pizzas you’ve been dreaming of ever since you left—which is why it makes our list of the best pizza in Auckland. The simple topping options are made with the absolute best available mozzarella, prosciutto, oils and other authentic ingredients. Don’t just take our word for it though, Dante’s was the first pizzeria in New Zealand to receive the prestigious accolades of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), making Dante’s one of the best traditional pizzerias in the world. If this isn't the best pizza in Auckland, we're unsure of your judging skills.
Umu Pizza
469 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland
Image credit: Umu Pizza | Jaidan Bhaga
Since they opened their doors in 2018, Umu Pizza has become a firm Auckland fave. A step inside will have you face to face with an epic wood-fire oven and surrounded by a trendy pastel colour scheme featuring a neon slice. Each pizza is packed with local and free-farmed ingredients with a sourdough base that is simply delicious. With a menu starring eight legendary pizzas, you’ll find the choice tough between a range of scrumptious toppings. You can't go wrong with the seven—featuring an irresistible tomato base, mozzarella, chilli flakes, pickled vegetables and smokey goat chorizo.
Farina
244 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Look no further than Farina for a truly authentic pizza experience. Certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana—the authority on traditional Neapolitan pizza—you're guaranteed to taste the gold standard in mouthwatering pizza (the Boscaiola is our top pick) and transport your tastebuds straight to the streets of Italy. Don’t forget to finish your feasting with a cheeky pannacotta doused in mascarpone citrus for the complete experience.
Prego Restaurant
226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Sometimes the oldies are the best. Prego has deservedly sat on Ponsonby Road since forever, churning out delicious Italian food and remaining one of the best date night spots in the city. Sit outside in the courtyard and enjoy one of Prego’s perfect pizzas in the sunshine. Or for something extra, the risotto is the dish of our dreams. You’ll be forgiven when one wine turns into three and lunch turns into dinner.
Epolito’s Pizzeria
166 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Epolito's Pizzeria | Facebook
Sitting on Richmond Road, Epolito’s brings a taste of NYC to AKL. These enormous pizzas are best eaten with the huge floppy slices folded in half. The amount of cheese on these bad boys would make even Action Bronson a happy man. Epolito’s differs from most of the others on this list in that their ingredients are locally sourced, making the most of our homegrown bounty. The 'Brooklyn' may just be our favourites; boasting homemade sausage, olives and parmesan—Mmmm.
Nomad
5 Point Chevalier, Point Chevalier, Auckland
Found in Point Chev, Nomad presents perhaps the most interesting pizza menu on this list. As the name suggests, Nomad takes its menu inspiration from across the globe but there are enough Italian-inspired options to keep the traditionalists happy. Try the La Bella Italia—tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto, parmesan and topped with rocket. Vegetarians will love the pizza made just for them—tomato, mozzarella, courgette, mushrooms, peppers, spinach, feta and olives. For a truly delicious meal, treat yourself to a bottle of champagne to wash the dough down. Gluten-free options are available.
Settebello
9 Totara Avenue, New Lynn, Auckland
When the pizza is this authentic and tasty, you’ll want to return to Settebello all the time. The secret to Settebello’s light bases is the 20 hours of rising time, which results in beautiful pizzas that don’t leave you feeling like you need to roll out the door. Their wood-fired oven is full of manuka wood, giving a Kiwi twist to the otherwise traditional taste. Pro tip: Try a handmade calzone for a true Italian experience.
Non Solo Pizza
1052/259 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Image credit: Non Solo Pizza | Facebook
Whether you’re going on a romantic date or your parents are shouting dinner, Non Solo Pizza is one of the best pizza restaurants in Auckland. Cloth napkins, impeccable service and a sophisticated atmosphere brings a touch of finesse to your pizza dining experience. If you’re not yet cheesed out, why not round off your meal with some of Non Solo Pizza’s incredible imported Italian cheeses. Or, opt for the chocolate fondant if you're up for something special.
Papa’s Italian Eatery
61 Sandringham Road, Kingsland, Auckland
It’s no coincidence that has been around for over 20 years. The pizza is amazing and Papa’s always shows you a good night. It has boutique Kiwi and Italian wines, so of course, that's a great start, and there’s a solid menu of traditional and not-so-traditional flavours. Try the pollo al burro which boasts tandoori chicken, yoghurt, cashew nuts and fresh cilantro. While pizza purists may scoff at these inventive flavour combos, given their long reign on the menu they must have a solid following. And keeping up with the status-quo, Papa's offers Gluten Free pizza too.
Craving more Italian goodness? Check out Auckland's best Italian Restaurants.
Image credit: Norma Taps | supplied.