A cult classic, lunchtime go-to and family favourite - pizzas are no doubt a crowd pleaser. Whether you’re planning a party, looking for a vegetarian feast or simply searching for an authentic Margherita, we have found the best pizzas in the city for any day, night, gathering or date.
For the special tomato sauce | Proper Pizza, 12 O'Connell Street
Using a special tomato sauce and adding a mixture of exotic spices, Proper Pizza brings some unique flavours to their pizzas. Make sure to enjoy your delicious pizza with a cool craft beer or a tasty wine and stay as long you want.
Image credit: Dr Rudi's Facebook page
Pizza with a view | Dr Rudi’s, Cnr Quay & Hobson Street
Piled high with delicious toppings and in either 1, 2 or 3 feet in length, Dr Rudi's pizzas are great for an afternoon catch up with friends. Vegans, vegetarians, the gluten intolerant, and meat lovers alike are all catered for. Complete with an incredible view of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour and two bowling lanes inside, Dr Rudi’s is the perfect post-work spot or great for a weekend night out.
For the homey feel | Romani Cafe, 28 Fort Street
The small but cosy space is decorated with Italian table cloths and the mouth-watering smell of pizza as you walk in invigorates your senses and will have you drooling within seconds. Plus as soon as you walk in you are greeted with big bright smiles and service so nice it's almost like being in an Italian family home. Try out the Primavera Pizza with corn, salami, onion, capsicum, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.
For intriguing toppings | That’s Amore, 2M/1 Courthouse Lane
That’s Amore believes that the secret to making a perfect pizza is all in the dough. Using Italian and New Zealand products, the eatery pride themselves in making authentic pizza dough that is crispy and baked to perfection. The Carbonara is a chef recommendation and the pizza equivalent of the classic pasta dish.
Best pepperoni | De Niro Ristorante, Elliot Stables, 39 Elliot Street
De Niro’s pepperoni pizza spread with fresh tomatoes, Italian salami and plentiful amounts of mozzarella, is just perfect for a lunchtime treat. Situated in the hustle and bustle of Elliott Stables, De Niro is a great spot to meet friends for your lunch break.
Wine and dine | Gusto at the Grand, 90 Federal Street
Gusto at the Grand serves traditional Italian food made to share. Their garlic rosemary pizzetta is perfect to enjoy alongside an array of Primi and Secondi dishes on the menu. Dining at Gusto at the Grand is definitely an experience to be savoured and enjoyed.
Pizza by the waterside | Saint Alice, 204 Quay Street
Sitting on the deck over looking the Viaduct Harbour with a slice of pizza in hand is the best way to spend an afternoon in the city centre, and you can do just that at Saint Alice! Woodfired with a deliciously thick crust and topped to perfection with the best selection of ingredients, a pizza at Saint Alice will not disappoint.
For vegan and dairy free | Pizza Presto, 8 Commerce Street
Pizza Presto is here to cure your authentic Italian pizza cravings. Their pizzas come in individual sizes or a whole metre long. For our vegan and dairy free friends out there we recommend you try the Vegano with tomato sauce, red onion, mushrooms, capers and fresh rocket - delicious!
Cheap and cheerful | Sal’s, multiple city centre locations
Topped with their legendary sauce, Sal’s uses the same ingredients as traditional New York pizzerias, promising an affordable but memorable experience. Sal’s pizzas have a crunch to the bite and make for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option with multiple locations around the city centre.
Pizza to feed a crowd | Toto Pizza, 5 Hardinge Street
Toto Pizza continuously searches for the best ingredients for their truly mouthwatering, authentic Italian menu. Go in for a piece by the slice, a 12" pie, or if you've got a group to feed (or you're just feeling extra hungry) get a whole metre long pizza! And don’t worry, Toto Pizza hasn’t forgotten about those of us with different dietary needs. All pizzas can be made gluten free, and there is even a delicious vegan pizza too.
For its lively atmosphere | Vivace, 85 Fort Street
Vivace has been a successful inner city restaurant in Auckland for over 20 years. The environment is lively, offers a warm ambience with excellent table service, a superb wine list and a menu which caters for diverse palates. We love their spicy prawns pizza - feta, capers, red onion, prawns and a chilli garlic salsa. Simply delicious!