Pizza restaurants

Poppa's Pizza

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

74 Albany Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand $10–20
4.3
373 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Poppa's Pizza in Dunedin North is a beloved local gem that serves up some of the finest pizza in the city. Specializing in classic and hearty New Zealand-style pizzas, Poppa's has crafted a menu that perfectly balances rich flavors with fresh ingredients, making it a standout choice for both students and families alike.

Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the casual, welcoming vibe—a perfect spot for a quick bite after a long day or a late-night treat. The atmosphere hums with the comfortable energy of busy students and locals, creating a sense of community that's as satisfying as their food.

The pizza selection is impressively curated, with highlights like the Paesana, which features Poppa's special sauce, bright capsicum, pungent onions, and gooey mozzarella—all baked to perfection on a light, crispy base. For those craving something heartier, the Lazarus pizza combines tender halal chicken with savory mushrooms, olives, and a fragrant drizzle of olive oil and garlic, creating layers of flavor that linger delightfully on your palate.

Poppa's also takes pride in its drinks and shakes menu, which complements the pizza offerings beautifully. Their Vanilla Vortex milkshake offers a nostalgic, creamy indulgence that perfectly rounds off a meal. For fans of something a little more decadent, the Otago Oreo 1869 shake is a cookies-and-cream dream come true, thick and luscious with crumbled Oreo and vanilla ice cream.

Customers repeatedly praise the consistent quality and value. Bronwen Omf mentions grabbing a pizza during late shifts, delighting in how "it is always consistently good and a reasonable price too." Keri highlights not just the food but the vibrant atmosphere: "Really cool vibes in this place but it’s the food that makes it." Pete Kirkwood’s nostalgic review speaks volumes about the lasting impression Poppa’s leaves, noting it tastes just as good as it did nearly two decades ago.

Whether you’re drawn in by the promise of a perfectly seasoned Dipollo pizza loaded with halal chicken, spices, and onions or the timeless appeal of the Salami with Poppa's signature sauce, this pizzeria delivers bites of comfort and joy. Add to that friendly, efficient service and quick turnaround times—perfect for busy students and late-night cravings—and Poppa’s Pizza firmly stakes its claim as a Dunedin culinary institution.

For anyone seeking authentic, satisfying pizza with a flavorful punch, served in a lively and welcoming environment, Poppa’s Pizza is an unbeatable choice that keeps customers coming back, slice after perfect slice.

03 Notes from regulars

373 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.3
Based on 373 verified notes
5 239
4 84
3 30
2 13
1 21
All Fungi Pizza Cheesy Garlic Bread Vegetarian Pizza Pizza Base Waffles Pizza Size Dominos Affordability Online Ordering Serves Gluten-free Options
Bronwen Omf.
2 month ago
Great Pizza. I Get it when working the late shift sometimes. It is always consistently good and a reasonable price too. Yummy and quick for busy students
Save Share
Keri.
4 month ago
Really cool vibes in this place but it’s the food that makes it. Some of the best pizza I’ve ever had, if not the best. Great pricing and the fries were fantastic
Save Share
Pete Kirkwood.
5 month ago
This was a favourite place to eat when I was in Dunedin at university 17 years ago. Incredibly, it still tastes just as good as I remember it, highly impressed
Save Share
Leina Isno.
5 month ago
Excellent and efficient service! Best slices around especially at 10pm when you're a postgrade student trying to get ready-made food on the go.
Save Share
Wendy Turner.
5 month ago
Had fabulous Poppa's Special today...first time in about 25 years...and still the best pizza ever. Lovely light bases, and terrific toppings.
Save Share
Alexandra Hawkhead.
6 month ago
My dad used to rave about poppa’s pizza when we were growing up (as our family had moved away from Dunedin) but I was pleasantly surprised to return to it 20+ years later and find that they still make absolutely bomb pizzas. So delicious. Thank you for living up to 20+ years of personal hype The poppa’s special is especially great and so is the Parmesan covered garlic bread. We bought a pepperoni to reheat in the oven the next day which was also really good. Thank you!!
Save Share
Carlo Luis Lee.
6 month ago
Decently priced pizzas, definitely won't break the bank, but also won't be considered cheap compared to Pizza hut and Domino's. Selection is plenty and they're all well cooked not sure what kind of oven but very smokey in taste which is nice, though be wary of smelling a bit smokey should you stay a while or even tearing up.
Save Share
Stephen McNeill.
6 month ago
Pippa's Pizza has been around since 1975. It was therefore around when I went to Otago University in 1977, but I have absolutely no memory of it. This is probably because I am of Scottish heritage and therefore avoided paying for anything as a student. Well, here we are in 2023, and we tried Poppa's on a wet Easter night. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The menu is interesting - I would call the pizza style "regional", by which I mean that it seems to be rather specific to Albany Street, but probably not to Italian pizza style. Having said that, it filled up the two students we had on hand, so that is saying something. You can even get a beer or wine there too - students these days are clearly more sophisticated than I ever was! So, overall, good solid food. Will fill you up, pleasant atmosphere, reasonable (if not cheap) prices, and great for a get-together between bouts of biochemistry or business studies at the information centre across the street. Just don't take your native Italian therefore a traditional pizza...
Save Share
04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday (today) 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Finding the door

74 Albany Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • College students
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Transgender safespace
Planning
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
Parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
  • Parking
Saved this place? Add a note after your visit.

Notes from real diners are how the next person finds this table. 50–80 words is perfect.

Write my note