As the bastion of Italian cuisine, the humble pizza’s hearty constitution never fails to bring us together and provide great comfort. While there are many establishments serving up laudable renditions of arguably the greatest gift Italy ever gave the world (followed closely by pasta, Peroni and gelato), we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites.

1. Farina
Using the world’s best purpose-produced flour and the adept hands of Pizza Chef Sergio Maglione, winner of the New Zealand World Pizza competition, you’re in good stead to choose from any one of these renowned creations. (244 Ponsonby Rd)

2. Il Buco
Long renowned for its traditional Roman offerings of pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), Il Buco maintains a firm footing in the pizza realm with 30 varieties of flavoursome toppings that have garnered a cult following. (113 Ponsonby Rd)

3. Epolito’s
Merging traditional Italian flavours with New York’s signature thin-crust pies, the pizza at this Grey Lynn local demonstrates what beauty can be born when cultures collide.  (166 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn)

4. Francesa’s Pizzeria
A truly authentic Italian pizza place, the finest dish on the menu is arguably ‘Francesca’s Choice’. Layering tomato, mozzarella, spinach, salami and eggplant on a light, wood fired base then finishing it all with a sprinkling of chilli, we recommend grabbing one to go and wandering on down to the beach. (201 Point Chevalier Rd, Point Chev)

5. Dante’s
Distinguished by the authenticity of their wood fired pizza, Dante’s takes its authenticity very seriously in order to deliver Auckland’s best Neapolitan pizza, stamped by Italy’s prestigious Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN). (136 Ponsonby Rd)

6. SPQR
Harking back to its Roman namesake, this convivial Ponsonby Road hotspot is as much a destination for entertainment as it is its delicious Italian fare, featuring a virtuous fresh buffalo mozzarella rendition with pesto, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes and watercress. (150 Ponsonby Rd)

7. Prego
Purveyors all things edible and Italian, these culinary maestros certainly don’t drop the ball when it comes to their pizzas. (226 Ponsonby Rd)

8. Toto’s 
Shout out for the metre-long, anyone? (5A Hardinge St, CBD)

9. Chapel
Though this Ponsonby Road stalwart is better known for its wild Saturday nights and leisurely Sunday arvos, the takeaway pizzas are well worthy of a position on this list. Dished up on hand stretched bases, with gluten free available too, you can even order the tasty delights via UberEats.  (147, Ponsonby Rd)

10. Divino Bistro
The generous selection on offer at this Parnell favourite can make for a difficult dining decision. But with no bad choices on the inclusive menu, there’s really no going wrong. If you do prefer a little guidance, however, the Napoli hits the mark, every time. (15 Nicholls Lane, Parnell)

11. Dragonfired Pizza
Almost worthy of the ferry trip alone, these Waiheke mobile pizza legends have garnered themselves a bit of a cult following. Parking up at Little Oneroa Beach throughout summer, the menu works on a ‘build your own’ basis, if you’re stumped for the best combo, just ask the team. (Little Oneroa Beach, Waiheke)