Pizzas have come a long way since the first Pizza Hut restaurant opened in New Lynn in 1974 by Garry Melville-Smith.
Fast forward half a century, and how the pizza scene has evolved - from American-styled pizzas to the chewy, crispy crust of the Neapolitan school.
In recent years, one Pizza eatery in Auckland has stood out because of its pizzas by the metre.
Pizza Presto began as an online business and later opened its first store on Commerce Street, occupying the space where NZ’s first Sal’s Pizza was located.
Famous for its metre-long pizzas, specially made dough, and ever-changing seasonal toppings, the business has carved out a niche for itself in the Auckland pizza scene.
In May this year, the business moved across the road into Snickel Lane, where it’s now changed from the metre-long to half-metre pizzas instead.
Mike Ross, who had previously been with Non-Solo Pizza and Farina among others, co-founded Pizza Presto along with his wife Angela and son Mitchell Ross.
Mitchell, fondly known as the ‘Dough Nut’, helms Pizza Presto’s kitchen as head chef.
Angela described themselves as a proud family with Irish and Maori lineage, but with Italian heritage in training.
“Our pizza style is using as much local produce as possible to bring good quality, affordable pizza for everyone with an aim to showcase New Zealand pizza,” Angela said.
“Our pizza styles, innovation, and Italian training deliver a unique pizza menu like no other.”
Pizza Presto has a purpose-built room for making the dough, which is made with no animal products, making it vegan-friendly.
“All of our pizza starts life as a vegan product,” Angela said.
A full-metre pizza is often too much even for one family, which was part of the reason why the decision was made to do it by the half-metre.
The dough recipe comprises just four basic ingredients, which is flour, yeast, salt and olive oil, and boasts of a thick base and crust while still being fluffy, light and airy.
With the special dough base, the pizzas are crisped in a brick oven and topped with top-of-the-range ingredients.
If you are feeling adventurous, the Pugliece features an irresistible combination of anchovies, feta, red onions, capers, olives, oregano, chili slathered in a store-made tomato sauce and cheese.
For prawn and spice lovers, the Spicy Gamberi is a must-try, and those who love beef and want to take their taste buds on an Island holiday, then the Pisupo - corned beef paired with caramelized onion, coconut cream, spinach and red onions will surely hit the spot.
For a flavour-packed taste that’s closer to home, the Salsiccia - with pork fennel sausage from the Grey Lynn Butcher, broccoli, chili, and cheese is a must-have.
Pizza Presto also comes in “fresh-frozen,” where you can “cook” your pizzas at home, and they also do catering with pizzas that are perfect to feed large families and teams at work.
Make sure you take advantage of the Pizza Presto exclusive ChowLuckCard offer for its “Plus” tier members and do not miss the two half metre pizzas of your choice and brownies for $50.
Download ChowLuckCard for more info and to enjoy the deal.
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Pizza Presto
Snickle Lane Shop 6 Fort Lane, Auckland Central
