Niko’s Pizza

Small selection of Greek food and just one vegetarian dish (vegetarian lasagna). All we ordered was swimming in oil, so all we could taste was grease. Might be good for NZ standards but not enough for European. Sorry Niko.

I almost gave Niko’s four stars because the owner (Niko maybe?) is so lovely but at the end of the day their pizza isn’t amazing and it’s quite expensive ($ 25 for a plain Napoletana) given the quality of the ingredients and the size of the pizzas.
Don’t get me wrong the pizzas are tasty — super thin crust with liberally applied, fresh ingredients but my Napoletana had way too much Oregano (which was dried, not fresh) and not enough basil pesto.
Plus when we called to order our takeouts we got the answering machine, which told us to leave a message with our order but when we called back 15mins later to confirm they say they never got it. Plus we wanted delivery and they simply said they weren’t doing delivery tonight. Perhaps it was too busy, it was a Friday after all!
Judging by the wait time and how busy the restaurant was when we picked up our pizzas at 9:45pm, it’s clear that Niko’s is a local favourite but for me, i’d rather make the hike across the bridge to Dante’s or Toto’s!

If you want to have authentic Greek food in Auckland then Niko’s Pizza on the North Shore is perfect for this occasion.
Located on Anzac Street a short walk from the busy Hurstmere road, is this awesome eatery that brings you tasty Greek food with flair.
The happy and charming Niko was at hand for my first ever experience, full of laughter and entertainment.
As my partner and I were the only inside diners that evening, he recommended a lovely bottle of Pinot Noir which was accepted. I really wanted to try the Greek Special Pizza– and accompanied by a Greek salad– I was happy to sit, and sip wine and eat pizza for a while.
I felt like I could have been back in Greece, I was surrounded by Greek food, music, décor, and great service.
I had to try the Kataifi for dessert and this recipe I was told came directly via Athens. A delicious Greek pastry filled with almonds, walnuts and pistachio. Just divine.
I know there are not many places in Auckland like Niko’s Pizza, you have genuine service from the owner, and you can sense his passion for what he does and the love of his home country.

Although this is a Greek place, I have actually not tried any of the Greek specialties, although they do sound amaze-​balls if they are made as well as the pizza I have had here.
I also did not have Greek Pizza, but rather the traditional Italian pizza. To qualify it was a little late at night and I had been drinking, but the pizzas my friends and I shared we all agreed were super-​delicious. Good to see they also do takeaways and delivery in the local area.
Although it’s a tiny restaurant and not the flashest joint in town, the ambience always looks great and the prices are very reasonable at $ 5 for BYO corkage and many meals for South of $ 20. It’s a good value weeknight dinner out sort of place.

It was a bit weird for me to find a Greek pizzeria, but once I tasted the Greek lamb pizza, I realized it was a match made in heaven. This little pizzeria is not much to look at from the outside, and compared to some of the more up market restaurants on the block, it looks just like any other cheap take away.
I’ve experienced enough of this world to know that you should never judge a restaurant on its looks, as the worst food I’ve had came from flashy places, and the best from street vendors. In the case of Niko’s Pizza, it is among the best pizzas I’ve had in my life. The lamb was just perfect and the base, superb.

If asked what my favourite cuisine is I’d have to go with Mediterranean, and pressed further I’d probably go Greek. Along with Nicolino’s down in Devonport, I’d say that Niko’s Pizza in Takapuna is my favourite Greek restaurant on the North Shore. Niko’s is pretty small — it’s a wonder anyone fits inside it to eat in, and the outdoor tables are quaintly tiny. For this reason, most of the meals are taken away and the restaurant often looks empty. Don’t let this turn you away though — you’d be losing out on some top notch, authentic Greek fare. Whether it’s pasta, pizza or salads, Niko makes it just right with plenty of love. He’s a top bloke — always cheerful no matter how little business he’s getting, and he’s clearly at one with his cuisine. I for one never get sick of his pizzas — perfectly fired crusts and tasty toppings. For me, the best eat in Taka.