Neptunes Pizzeria

A slice of magic (and really good pizza) awaits down Gisborne’s main drag. Neptunes Pizzeria was never destined to blend into the Gladstone Road streetscape. Emerald greens, deep reds and rich gold tones paint the entranceway, evoking an under the sea experience – it’s The Little Mermaid meets Gizzy.

The family-run business was started by Leah McCann, who took over the building back in 2020 at a time where curbside pizza pickups were much needed for households in lockdown. While it used to be the site of previous pizzerias, Leah inherited the ovens and made everything else her own – from the aesthetic to the quality of the product – to ensure Neptunes wasn’t just another takeaway chain in town. The focus on excellence begins at the base, where each ball of naturally leavened artisan sourdough is hand-stretched on site, before getting coated in homemade tomato sauce and fresh, local ingredients. The menu is extensive, so chances are your go-to order is available – and that includes gluten-free and vegan options too.

When the sun is out and shining, there’s no better place to spend an evening with friends and family. Tables and chairs spill out onto the golden sun soaked streetfront creating a real buzz in the heart of Gisborne. However, on days where all you want to do is sink into the couch with a pizza to yourself and a few cold ones, they’ve got you covered with takeaway boxes stamped with their mascot: Neptune himself rising out of the sea with a slice of pizza pierced through his trident (the brilliant work of local designer Ben Galbraith). 

Neptunes feels right at home on the East Coast, with its nautical theme and genuine friendliness that small towns do best. It’s a great place to swing by if you’re visiting for a few days – and for locals, the magic never seems to fade from this neighbourhood gem.