Restaurant Review: Capizzi Pizzeria

PHOTO BEN FRASER

Capizzi Pizzeria - Tutanekai St, Rotorua

ROTORUA has its own little slice of Italy, in the heart of the city. Stepping into Capizzi Pizzeria is like stepping into Rome. The authentic Italian decor will make you want to sit in and enjoy your pizza, salad or gelato.

Head chef Deep Thakur might not be Italian, but he is obsessed with Italian cuisine, and gets over to Italy once a year.

In the Italian tradition, the restaurant's specialisation in pizza has meant it does not do pasta dishes.

Its delicious, handmade, wood-fired pizzas are available whole or by the slice, and for takeaway.

The food is your classic Italian pizza but cooked fresh, so you don't leave with that bloated feeling. Mr Thakur said you could eat the pizza every day and not get fat.

I wouldn't tempt fate, but the pizzas do taste fresh and clean. I ordered the toscana classic, which would serve two people easily. The pizza was not instant, but you would not expect that with authentic food.

Capizzi also has an extensive range of gelato. I tried the salted caramel and it was delicious. It also serves a range of salads, including the classic caesar salad and agropoli.

The drinks. Capizzi is fully licensed, serving beer, Kopiko Bay wine and cider, as well as a range of non-alcoholic beverages. It also serves dine-in and takeaway coffee.

The service: Friendly, approachable and helpful.

The price: The pizzas range from $17.50 for a 12 inch, $18.50 for a 14 inch, and $21.50 for a 16 inch - not bad at all, particularly if you dine in and enjoy the ambience. The salads range from $8 to $9.50.

Overall: Great quality for your money and a unique and enjoyable experience.

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