113 Ponsonby Road,
Ponsonby
Auckland,


(09) 360 4414

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4 out of 5

The name means “the hole” and that accurately describes the size of this tiny Ponsonby Road pizzeria, offering thin crust pizza by the rectangular slice, just as they do in the Italian capital. There are no tables, just six chairs scattered around, no bookings accepted, and the slices come on plastic trays. We sly-grogged using one of the paper takeaway coffee cups – Il Buco doesn’t have a liquor licence.

For all this lack of pretension we had a great sidewalk dining experience, with more of the feeling of Greenwich Village than Rome. The architecturally designed boho fit-out gave the place just the right shabby chic feel.

We chose stuffed mushrooms and suppli (3 for $2), then 6 slices for $20 deal – there were about 20 toppings offered – the potato-topped slice was original and potentially addictive, the Diablo venison sausage had a punch like Rocky Marciano, the roast vegetable slice was difficult to eat elegantly but a highlight. The only all-over cheese to be seen was on the Americana, while the only disappointing slice was the spinach and feta.

This was the kind of place you sensed that it was worth sacrificing sleep to have an after dinner espresso or even an affogato. We tried a divine tiramisu ($6) and wandered down the boulevard having feasted on fine food and had an authentic urban experience.