Al Forno in Pohara

The quietest pizza joint. I've had American Italian Pizza, Italian Italian Pizza, but Al Forno New Zealand Italian Pizza, chur è il migliore! - chur it's the best.

Amadeo (Italian) and Ngāwai (Kiwi) take no shortcuts. They apply a Walter White-esque precision to dough-making. Utilizing local and imported Italian ingredients. Their authenticity surprises many. "Speaking with Italian pizza chefs, they think I'm making pizza with pumpkin. [How can you do it in New Zealand?] They ask." It's not just the ingredients, it's love that makes Al Forno great. As Amadeo speaks, I can see his passion, and he appreciates the care of Chef Ngāwai.

Watching that dude craft my Truffle pizza is...almost arousing. White base crem fresh, greens, mushrooms, onion, olives. He then tops it with mozzarella and Italian black truffles. And at the table, a drizzle of chili oil, stop it.

The energy put into my food matters. With everything speeding up in the world, it's therapeutic to wait for and eat this pizza.

A business that started with the money Amadeo's family had set aside for his future wedding has more to add to their story. With a food truck and fresh, cook-at-home pasta, potentially coming soon.

I live 27 minutes from Al Forno. It's worth it. Order whichever dessert is on the chalkboard.

Saturdays & Sundays 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm *More hours during summer 020 4100 0136 790 Abel Tasman Drive, Pohara