When it comes to restaurants that specialise in pizza, I’m always a bit pessimistic about getting bang for buck. However Heaven Pizza ate away a small bit of my pessimism for pizza parlours albeit with the aid of a bill trimming entertainment book voucher (2 for 1 pizzas).

Located on upper Cuba st, I must have walked past this place many a time without noticing it. Wooden decor and dark lighting has it looking like a vacated antique shop. Points should be given for the fireplace area tucked away at the back, very appealing for a cold rainy day.

The service did not match that of a restaurant, something I would expect for the price. Ignored when walking in we picked up our own menus and table. After 10 or so minutes of waiting I made an order at the counter.

One salmon (smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, dill) and One salami(Bacon, pancetta, ham, onion, pepperoni, mozzarella) pizza ensued in good time. The pizza bases were soft and fresh and covered in a good amount of cheese. The amount of salmon was a little bit on the light side but still enough to satisfy. The meat pizza was definitely my pick of the two, maybe it was the big pieces of meat or the dash of spice. Overall good but not spectacular pizzas and nicely made bases.

Special mention must go to their Tuatara Pilsner and Heffe on tap, something you’d be hard pressed to find at a Wellington pub let alone a pizza parlour.

At on average $20 for a pizza and average service, Heaven Pizza is a definite step above the mass produced Dominos & Pizza Hutt but chased closely by Hells Pizza in terms of price and quality. I would be more inclined to visit Heaven Pizza for the Tuatara beers on tap with pizza as a snack.

Overall Rating 6/10

• Location: 5
• Value: 6
• Service: 4
• Quality: 8
• Environment: 6
• X-factor: 5

Heaven Pizza, 247 Cuba St, Wellington