Calimero

Overview

Calimero has dished out their internationally themed pizzas and pastas from the suburbs of St Heliers since 1992. Just a short walk from the beach on Long Drive, the takeaway joint would bode well if you’re looking to impress by showing off some local knowledge, as well as picking up an easy sea side meal.

A far cry from your average pizzeria, Calimero boasts a selection of unconventional pizza combinations on their menu, taking their lead from the flavours of mega-cities across the globe. They have titles like The New Dehli, which features tandoori chicken with a yogurt dressing dollop; the Moscow, which pairs blue cheese with pear and walnut; the Bangkok, with green curry chicken, cashews and banana, and the San Francisco, using the seafood combination of baby octopus, cockles, shrimp and anchovies. For the less adventurous, there's also the classic variations like the Margarita, Hawaiian, Salami and a few vegetarian options. Keep an eye on the blackboard for rotating specials too. Prices are at the upper end of the spectrum and you’ll fork out anything from $18 to $26 for a large.

As well as pizza, Calimero delve into pasta, this time sticking with a more traditional route. There’s bolognese, a very creamy cabonara, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagne, vegetarian cannelloni and a selection of light pastas for the health conscious. To finish it off, you could treat yourself to some organic ice cream or a slice of the homemade Tiramasu.

While taking away is the most popular option, there are a limited amount of spots to sit down inside. If your date would prefer to watch a steaming pizza oven rather than head down to the glorious sands of Kohimarama or St Heliers, then your in luck. The majority of the work is done in full view out the front of the shop so you can see the pizza magic unfold before your eyes.