Black Sand Pizzeria and Bistro — Restaurant in North Island

Since no staffmember cared enough to ask us how our food or dining experience was, I will share it here. It lacked on every level. We made an online reservation, left my contact-info for them. When we arrived they told us there was only 1 pizza dough left. You could/should have contacted us before arrival about that, since you are a pizzeria. People intend to eat pizza. We figured out our starters, but apperently one is made out of pizza dough, so not an option if we still wanted that 1 pizza. Ok, we chose another starter. We had sweetcorn, wich was delicious and brie out of the oven. Not french brie but still ok. Except the spoon they served it with was not clean. We mentioned it and instead of an apology the staffmember got defensive and explained how it happened. The spoon touched 2 of our breadslices but that did not seem to be bothering her. We asked to wait a little time before our main, pizza vegetariana, came. The staffmember we asked earlier reacted suprised. In the meantime our drinks were finished for at least 5 minutes and we had to ask ourselves for a new drink. When the pizza came it was wet. The toppings just came sliding of the dough. We think the pizza had been waiting 20 minutes, with all toppings on it, before it went into the oven. Again, when they removed our plate, no questions asked. We are just passing through here, and I think many people do, so they won't bother to ask how you think the food is, they still have enough travellers...

Occasionally you stumble across an absolute gem of a restaurant, something that is truly special. From the moment I walked in, I loved this place. The feel of it is simple, unpretentious, comfortable, welcoming. Owner Shelly instantly made us feel like we were regulars with her warmth and friendliness.

The menu is not too small, or too big, and filled with an inviting selection of dishes that literally scream 'eat me!' It's authentic Napoletana style pizza and a seasonally-driven bistro menu, all freshly and perfectly prepared by Matt in the kitchen. It's not often I find a chef who delivers such extraordinary tastes, that I wished I could just keep on ordering more. The only way to solve that problem was going back - a total of 3 times in one weekend. I only wished I lived closer so I could go every week. These beautiful folk have changed the way I view brussel sprouts forever - that dish of theirs is just...

Enjoyed a very nice evening here with good friends . Was in Oakura from out of town visiting friends and had wanted to dine here as I’d heard great things Lived up to the hype and some Food was absolutely top notch , really enjoyed the wood fire pizza and the way it was cooked by Martin ! Highlight was being treated to Matt the chefs cuisine and sharing that amongst our table of friends Great flavours and incredibly fresh ingredients! Enjoyed some local beers too ( rocky point XPA) and all in all it was a great evening Was made to feel very welcome and wait staff did a great job ensuring we were well looked after Would absolutely recommend and look forward to...