Havelock North’s diverse array of international food continues to flourish and is only bolstered by the popularity and quality of Alessandro’s. It has recently moved (upsizing due to its success) and is now located across the road and down the alleyway from the beloved Pipi restaurant, probably its greatest competition for delicious Italian food in the village.

Alessandro’s is best known for its pizza. With chewy, charred pizza bases to die for, the focus for me is definitely on the bottom and not what’s on the top. However, the pizza selections are also delicious – and in a choice that isn’t my usual, my recommendation is the pear, walnut, honey and blue cheese pizza. It is absolutely fantastic and each ingredient shines. For those wanting a lighter bite, but still sampling the famed pizza base, try the foccacia sorrentina – basically just a smaller, lighter pizza with rosemary, garlic, salt etc.

There is a courtyard out the front of Alessandro’s which has some crossover with Piku, the neighbouring Japanese tapas restaurant, and the merging of outdoor areas creates a lovely, vibrant atmosphere. It’s great for Friday night drinks, as the area is humming from well before 5pm, and carries on well into the evening.

Prices are standard – mid $20s for the pizza, there are a few different salads to choose from and of course, tiramisu is a staple on the dessert menu. I love pasta, so I say somewhat incredulously that I have not tried the pasta from Alessandro’s. I will get some next time, but if you go in the meantime let me know how it is! My main criticism of the restaurant – the beer list is terrible! There are do no craft beers available and I. Do. Not. Like. Asahi.