Southside Pizza

Southside Pizza – Takitumu District, Rarotonga

Southside Pizza is a casual, takeaway-friendly pizza venue on the Southside of Rarotonga, located in the Takitumu District opposite Wigmores Store. The operation emphasizes authentic, hand-stretched pizza dough prepared to order and baked quickly in super hot ovens, delivering a soft interior with a lightly blistered crust. Guests can choose to dine in at the covered courtyard or opt for takeout. The atmosphere is described as having island ambiance with a relaxed, social vibe and background island music.

Hours and access

• Regular hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
• The site has historically indicated a focus on evening service during the week, with a note about a temporary closure and an anticipated reopening period. For the latest status, check directly with the venue.
• Location details: On the Southside, opposite Wigmores Store; look for the flags to identify the entrance. Free street parking is available.

Cuisine and menu

• Core concept: Authentic Italian-style pizza dough made over three days, hand stretched to order, and baked in high-temperature ovens for a soft-crunchy texture.
• Offerings: A range of pizzas with both classic and creative toppings, including vegetarian options.
• $20 Pizzas: Classic Margherita (vegetarian) – tomato, basil base with mozzarella blend, parmesan, fresh basil; XL Pepperoni with pepperoni, red onion, tomato-basil sauce, parmesan; Garlic Cheese Extreme – triple cheese sauce with parmesan and fresh basil.
• $25 Pizzas: Italian Chicken – creamy basil, oregano, garlic sauce with tender chicken pieces; Southside Supreme – house-made meatloaf, pepperoni, pineapple, red onion, parmesan, and boss BBQ sauce; Veg Out – roasted pumpkin puree base with roasted vegetables and basil (vegetarian).
• Notable additions: Beefeater-style options and signature variants such as Butter Chicken Curry, Hula Hawaiian (ham, pineapple, red onion), and other creative combinations.
• For the Tamariki (kids): Cheese & Pineapple or Cheese & Tomato.
• Other menu items: Beef Mac & Cheese (seasonal/limited offer), salads, desserts (Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Cheesecake Icing; Mango Custard Slice with Crumble). The establishment also offers side dishes and a rotating menu component, with efforts toward family-friendly options.
• Dietary notes: Vegetarian options are indicated on the menu; the venue offers a variety of toppings to suit different tastes.

Beverages and dining experience

• Licensed premises with a selection of beers (including Rarotonga Brewery), wines, and cocktails/slushies available for dine-in. BYO is not offered.
• Dining options include dine-in in the covered courtyard and takeout; outdoor seating is available, and delivery is listed as an option.
• Payments: Cash-only at the current time, with EFTPOS anticipated in the future.

What visitors can expect

• A focused, pizza-forward experience with an emphasis on dough quality and fast, high-heat baking.
• An informal, welcoming setting that emphasizes value (with $20–$25 pizzas) and generous toppings.
• A family-friendly option with a dedicated kids’ menu and casual, outdoor-friendly seating.
• A practical choice for an evening meal on the Southside, with the convenience of dine-in or takeout and a casual atmosphere enhanced by island ambiance.

If you’re planning a stop for pizza on Rarotonga, Southside Pizza offers a substantive, crowd-pleasing menu, a robust emphasis on dough making and hand-stretched authenticity, and a relaxed setting suitable for families and travelers seeking a straightforward, delicious pizza experience.