Listen, if I’m presented with the opportunity to eat a delicious pizza at three in the morning, I’m taking the opportunity. You might assume that any pizza attained at this time of the night would be sub-par, and I was of a similar frame of mind prior to this review.
However, Auckland’s Proper Pizza took me completely by surprise. This little gem is tucked away on O’Connell street close to Chancery Square. This street is home to mile-high gelato, European-style cuisine and cobbled streets, and it honestly made me feel like I was taking a trip to little Europe.
I’m typically pretty uptight (at least that’s what my therapist tells me), but here’s the thing, I relaxed as soon as I stepped in the door. The smell of cheese and baking crust filled my nose, the comfortable booths with window seats beckoned, and the friendly banter of the staff echoed throughout the store. The warmth of this environment was reflected in the warmth and delicious taste of the pizza, and that’s what we’re really here to talk about.
I won’t be too cheesy. We don’t have much thyme, so let’s slice through this review, so we can have our pies and eat them too.
I’m done.
The Best Seller: The Black Truffle Pizza
Long story short: this pizza is their best seller for a reason. Before trying this, I’d never had truffle on a pizza, and now I’m not sure I’ll ever go back. The truffle oil and black truffle create this rich, earthy flavour that contrasts with the sharpness of the three cheeses. That’s right, three: Scamorza, Pecorino, and Parmagiano Reggiano—the names of your new Italian best friends. The crunch of pine nuts and the crust adds some much-needed texture, and the “Proper Marinade” sauce cuts through the harmony of earth flavours just right.
So, yeah. Give this one a go for sure.
An Old Favourite: The Proper Pizza
If you’re looking for a couple of minutes of comfort (because trust me, the pizza will be gone that fast), then look no further than the Proper Pizza. This is the eatery’s signature menu item. Ham, fresh mushroom, and salami adorn Proper’s signature marinade and cheese. The salami and ham combo make for a delicious, meaty and savoury bite, and the marinade cuts through the flavour to keep you coming back for more. Great to sink your teeth into, and will be gone as soon as it’s on the table. Trust me.
Twist on a Classic: The Margherita
A Margherita is dependent on the ingredients you use to make it—there’s no hiding with this kind of pizza, and Proper really came through with theirs. The mozzarella fior di latte was creamy and smooth, the olive oil provided just the right touch of deep flavour, and the basil cut through the entire medley with a note of refreshing summer. Combined with the crunchy base, I honestly had a hard time putting this pizza down.
Proper Pizza has many other pizzas on their gourmet menu, every single one available until four in the morning which elevates them in my book. Who doesn’t want pizza at four am?
This is all to say: next time you find yourself feeling snackish in the city centre, do yourself a favour and find this little joint on O’Connell Street. You’ll never go back to Dominos again.
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