On the menu: As the name suggests, Pizza Crave is dedicated to good pizza. All the pizzas have a Napoli tomato base and mozzarella and come in 23cm or 32cm sizes.
There is a good variety - from the Classic Margherita and Four Cheese pizzas to more unusual offerings such as Braised Lamb Shanks and Gravy. Sides include pizza bread, roasted veges, steak fries and salad. In keeping with the Italian theme, the dessert is a selection of bellissimo gelato.
There are several vegetarian options and gluten-free is available on request.
We shared: Two 23cm pizzas - the Proscuitto, Nashi Pear with Parmesan & Walnut, and the Chorizo & Caramelised Onion with Feta. Our selection was greatly assisted by owner and chef Logan Currie. Most people tended to go for the standard meaty options, he said, but his favourites were the simpler ones. He explained his "less is more" policy when it comes to toppings - a few good-quality ingredients get his vote over lots of competing flavours. After hearing his description of his picks' delicious, subtle flavours, we were sold.
As soon as our pizzas arrived, we could tell they were going to be tasty and fresh - and we weren't disappointed. The bases were crispy and thin; reminiscent of a home-made pizza rather than the more typical doughy bases. There was a generous helping of fresh rocket on top, which eased my guilty conscience about indulging in a pizza dinner.
I don't usually order prosciutto, but the way it was cooked gave it a milder flavour. It was nicely complemented by the pear and walnut. The chorizo pizza was flavour-packed and we agreed that the caramelised onion jam gave it a delicious twist. The pizzas were small but very satisfying and we were left feeling surprisingly full. I don't think we could have managed two large pizzas.
For the adventurous: I would suggest the Black Tiger Prawns and Chorizo (marinated in chilli and garlic, with vine-ripened tomatoes, parmesan and fresh wild rocket), $18 for the large.
Value for money: The prices are higher than the big pizza chains, but it's worth it. And it's still more affordable than many restaurants.
The buzz: Pizza Crave is actually a takeaway joint, and the drinks available are just the standard soft drinks. It would be good to see them expand the range in the future.
There are tables available and we enjoyed our meal outside. However, the pizzas can be put on a platter and served at the neighbouring bar for a more comfortable atmosphere. Or perhaps pop in and grab a pizza to eat at the beach just minutes away. The owner was friendly and helpful and we didn't have to wait long for our meal.
The verdict: As a pizza-lover, I have sampled many kinds from around town and would recommend this to others. It was a refreshing to find something a little different - a pleasant combination of casual takeaway and restaurant-quality food.
Pizza Crave's gourmet pizzas are superb and I wouldn't mind testing out some of those other interesting flavours on offer. And yes, I certainly was left craving more.
The details:
Where: Corner of Maunganui Rd and Rata St (opposite Breakers), Mt Maunganui.
Phone: (07) 218 8824
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, 4-9pm; Thursday, 4-10pm; Friday and Saturday, 4-10.30pm.
Prices: Garlic pizza bread $7; mains $11-$17 for small pizzas or $18-$22 for large; sides $5.50.