Meet the Neighbours – Al Volo Pizzeria
Al Volo is an authentic Italian, family-run pizzeria and cucina (kitchen) based at the top of Mt Eden Rd - opposite Galbraith's Ale House. Their pizzas are made using a 150-year-old family recipe in a traditional Neapolitan wood fired oven. They use only the finest imported Italian meats, locally handmade mozzarella according to traditional methods, fresh locally grown produce and the very best Neapolitan flour.
Tell us about yourself.
Tony Rodokal, manager, has been working at the pizzeria for five years.
Luca Villari, chef and owner, has owned the restaurant for six years.
What is Al Volo’s back story / what made you want to go into business in the first place?
Luca said Italian cooking is in his blood, literally. Having grown up in Fondi, Italy, his love of Italian culture and food began in his childhood watching his Nona cook for the family. His dad owned one of the first Italian pizzerias in Auckland, on the North Shore, so it was only a matter of time before he started his own restaurant.
In your eyes, what is the best thing about the restaurant?
Tony said the best thing, by far, is the customers. “We get a lot of regulars and we all know each other by name. If I have a night off for whatever reason, the next time I see a regular they’ll ask me what I was up to.” He said the restaurant feels like a home away from home, and the people in it are family.
Describe Al Volo’s cuisine in three words.
Family. Loud. Authentic.
Tony said the three words also describe Luca perfectly.
What is the most popular food order?
Tony says he gets asked that question all the time but he still cannot narrow it down to one, so instead he listed five of the top dishes; the Arancini Balls starter, the Parmese, Al Volo, Danny Bollo pizzas and lastly, the classic Tiramisu desert.
What do you want customers to know about the restaurant?
Tony says everyone is always welcome and to have fun while you’re here.
Living next-door to the CRL can be difficult at times, what are you most looking forward to once it’s complete?
Tony says he is looking forward to the CRL unlocking Auckland’s rail networks and therefore making it easier for people to be able to discover Al Volo, and if they like it, treat it as their own little home away from home too.