Turtle: Pizza & Pints

The Verdict

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Greenlane, surrounded by a sea of office buildings, lies Turtle: Pizza and Pints—a hidden gem that might just be missed if one isn’t in the know. This quirky spot is the latest from Andrew and Hannah Childs from Behemoth Brewing, who have brilliantly channeled their love for the “turtles from the 90’s” into a fun and familiar dining experience.

Turtle specializes in Detroit-style pizza, known for its thick, airy base—a style that’s hard to come by in Auckland. But here’s the twist: Turtle’s dough is aerated to perfection, so patrons can enjoy a side and a pint without feeling like they need to be rolled out of the venue. And for those with dietary restrictions, their gluten-free base (made in-house, by the way) are so good, it might just move you to tears.

Upon stepping inside, guests are greeted by an ambiance that’s both inviting and nostalgic, with subtle nods to the “turtles from the 90’s” throughout the décor. The menu is a delightful mix of slab pizzas and delectable sides. Crowd favourites include the crispy curly fries and fried cauliflower.

When it comes to the pizzas, there are no wrong choices, but the Leonardo (a four-cheese masterpiece) and the Raphael (a pepperoni pizza loaded with cheese) are standouts. Don’t let the size of these pizzas fool you—they’re thick; Each slice is a full meal in itself.

On the drinks front, Turtle boasts an impressive selection of Behemoth Brewing beers on tap, from sessionable lagers to thick, juicy hazy IPA’s which pair excellently with any of the pizzas on offer. But if beer isn’t your thing (who are you though?), you can wash down your slices with a cocktail, wine or your soft drink of choice.

Whether you’re a Greenlane local or hunting down the perfect pizza and pint with a slice of nostalgia, Turtle is the hidden gem you need, stat.

Words: Joshua Lee | Image credit: Turtle: Pizza & Pints