Rustica — Local services in North Island

My wife and I highly recommend eating at Rustica!!! Visiting from California, this was our first time in New Zealand. After the walk around Mount Maunganui, we were very hungry. As we approach the various cafes, the distinctive aroma of freshly baked pizza gently flowed out of Rustica on Adams Ave which immediately attracted our attention. Upon looking at the menu, we saw multiple tasty possibilities. We finally selected the Boscaiola, then placed our order with a very friendly, young Italian woman who had a very welcoming smile. When the pizza was brought to our outside table, we were delightfully surprised. We both commented after our first bite that this was the best pizza we ever had. The special sourdough crust was cooked perfectly - not too thin, not too thick. The sauce, mushrooms, sausage and mozzarella complimented each other exceptionally well. It was an excellent pizza!...

Pizza's are fantastic!!

They had a great range of pizza's, catering to the classics as well as the more unique flavours. We tried a handful, all were tasty but the stand out was definitely the the Tartufata!

The wait time was reasonably long, advising 20 minutes which became closer the 35 minutes. It was a very busy night however and being so close to the beach we enjoyed a lovely stroll.

It was also fun to sit in the small store, soak up the atmosphere and watch them craft the pizzas!

While waiting I also notice they served coffee's/hot chocolates. While I can't comment on the taste as I didn't have one, the price of them was incredibly good value so I will have to be...

Such good pizza and a caring staff.

A 72h sourdough base means you can eat a whole pizza and unlike most places it won’t feel heavy in your stomach. We loved the first pizza so much, we went back for a second one and didn’t feel bloated after. Sourdough is in fact, even good for your gut - so delicious pizza and something for your health 😎

Highly recommend trying the hot chocolate too, with the whipped cream it’s the perfect balance of chocolate and cream 🤤

All their packaging is eco friendly, and they clearly make an effort to keep their environmental impact low.

Best pizza in Tauranga hands down, highly recommend...