Sal’s Takapuna

I love this pizza but it’s just too damn pricey! I would totally eat here more often if I could get a two — slice lunch with a drink for around $ 10.

Pizza is as close to authentic NY style thin crust as you’ll find outside of the city, and it hit the spot. Only complaint is that the garlic knots came out nice and warm on the outside, but still cold on the inside. Heck, I ate them anyway, but it would’ve been nice if they’d been more evenly cooked.

Came here on the recommendation of a friend. Never been to a New York pizzeria, but I’ve had plenty of pizza in other parts of the States. He said to try the wings, actually.
The wings weren’t that great.
They were a bit dry, the dressing was oily and separating in the container and reminded me of nothing more than yesterday’s left over butter chicken. The blue cheese sauce was okay, sharp and tangy, but even that wasn’t enough to get through all the oil on display.
The pizza was a bit better. Large, thin, and floppy, like I always imagined. The slices I got didn’t have a great crust, but the toppings were good. Quite greasy, but I didn’t really expect any different. As I said, I haven’t tried a «genuine» NY pizza, so I couldn’t say if it’s a decent representation or not, but it was okay. They weren’t anything amazing though, and I’ve definitely tasted better pizza, both here and in the US.

Authentic NY style pizza. Sal’s Takapuna has finally added chicken wings and mozzarella sticks to their menu which I am very grateful. $ 5 pizza slices if you don’t feel like ordering one of their massive full pizzas and they always have MLB or NBA on their satellite television. It’s so refreshing to enjoy pizza without it being smothered in sugar loaded bbq sauce. Cheers Sal’s for bringing the REAL DEAL to NZ shores!

Got in the store 30 mins before closing time. No acknowledgement from any staff members. Even after I help one of them picked up some bottles from the floor that she dropped. Stood at the front counter for around 8mins before someone say to us that they have closed because them «sold out» of everything! Bad service is non-​excusable.

I heard of Sal’s about three years ago, the lure of New York style pizza was too great to pass up. But even then, I really didn’t know what that MEANT. It wasn’t until this pizza arrived, and I asked «who lost their spare tyre?»
Let me warn you now, if you’re used to dominos or Pizza Hut, then Sal’s will be a big surprise. The Pizzas are *huge* and swimming in oil! the toppings are fairly simple but so authentic.
Sal’s Takapuna seems to be a departure from the tiny boutique Pizza places (K Road, Queen St, Commerce st) and almost sprawls (almost. Still only room for 6 tables or so) as set into the Strand with its summer beach atmosphere, it’s an ideal compliment to a summer ice cream during a Christmas holiday But equally at home as an emergency pizza run on a cold winter night.

I’m a regular at the city locations so had no reason to expect Takapuna to be anything less than excellent. I took my New York native partner along for his first taste of New Zealand pizza. Unfortunately we were completely ignored by the three staff on duty (one wiping tables, two chatting at the back of the restaurant behind the counter), despite the restaurant being near empty, and after a couple of minutes of waiting we just left. In putting their ‘authentic New York pizza’ strapline to the test, my American proclaimed it to be the least authentic ‘New York’ experience he’d ever had.

It’s good to see a couple more Sal’s around Auckland, because the constant crowd on Commerce Street was a bit too much after a while. The Takapuna branch looks awesome inside and out and I like the pizzeria theme they’ve got going on here. There’s a bit more room here and you can sit-​in and enjoy your pizza (there’s extra tables outside aswell).
I don’t know many people who haven’t had Sal’s by now, and most are fans. The pizzas are massive and greasy– you can buy a slice on its own or grab a whole pizza. I usually go for half and half, which is ideal when you don’t want to buy two pizzas but can’t decide on one! They offer up a couple great sides aswell; the garlic knots are pretty good the the pepperoni wheels take the cake. They’ve got a small selection of drinks (which I highly recommend with Sal’s pizza) including beer pitchers and vitamin water. I’m hoping that eventually Sal’s will add a couple of new pizzas to their menu too, as there’s only so much pepperoni and cheese pizzas I can eat (those are my favourites though).
If you’re after a quick bite that you know will taste great, try Sal’s– the location is fantastic and the price is really reasonable.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Sal’s pizza. How it’s so, so good mostly.
A friend of mine recently ordered a pile of pizzas for a get-​together at her house, so I got to try the pepperoni and a vegetarian pizza of some description.
The pepperoni looks good, and is quite tasy, but boy is it a grease-​fest. The large pieces of salami literally swim in melted cheese and a pool of melted salami oil. Yummy.
The vegetarian option was less tasty but far less greasy, perhaps a few herbs would make this one a winner. I’ll be giving Sal’s a rest for a while though.

The difference between Sal’s Takapuna and the Sal’s in town is a bit like the difference between the two Mexico restaurants. The menus are identical — big ass, uncomplicated New York pizzas. But the one in town i smaller, a little manic and intense, humming. Like I imagine an actual New York pizzeria would be like. The Takapuna branch by contrast has the feel of a large New York loft — brick walls, a higher ceiling, a bit more space. Just a bit more chilled out generally, and that fits the Takapuna setting nicely.
I don’t need to tell you much about the pizzas. They’re gloriously big, colourful, tasty and criminally oily. It’s one of the more primal food pleasures. There’s nothing complicated, nuanced or plastic about Sal’s pizza. Just get Pepperoni and go hard.

I’m a HUGE pizza fan but for some strange reason I can be really picky about the kind of pizza I prefer. Oddly enough I’d have to say my favourite pizza ever is good old Hawaiian from Dominoes — only $ 4 or something ridiculous. Now this isn’t to say I don’t try and enjoy other pizzas. I recently came along to Sals in Taka.
My Boyfriend and I ordered a pizza and got it split into two flavours (always handy). One half was pepperoni and one half was meatball. I have to say the meatball was sincerely disappointing. The pepperoni was good! We had taken our pizza down to Takapuna Beach to enjoy. The only bad thing about this was actually carrying the giant beast down the road. It seriously was huge!
I think if I were to come again I might just grab a slice of pepperoni and leave the full pizza devouring to my trusty Dominoes Tuesdays.

Sal’s is so freakin’ good. We all know about New York style pizza, mainly from American TV shows and movies, but we never had it this good in New Zealand until Sal’s. This pizza comes from an old family recipe (don’t they all) but nah seriously it’s amazing. The guys name was Salvatore Leo, he was a pizza maestro and his son made it into a thing.
It’s true American style so there isn’t any crazy flavours its just simple and delicious. My favourite and recommendation by far is the Pepperoni. It is dripping with cheesy oily goodness. There’s something about the base that tastes ridic. Ugh, give it to me now.
You can order a slice or a whole pizza (they’re huge). They also have other little treats like garlic bread and cheesy scone things. Get the pizza delivered or sit in-​store and enjoy a beer from their fridge. Yes, they sell beer. Heaven. Or, if it’s nice out, take advantage of the location and take your pizza down to Takapuna Beach.
If you like pizza, even just a little bit, actually even if you don’t, try Sal’s. It rulzzzz.