If you’re on the lower north shore and craving pizza that doesn’t taste like it came off a conveyor belt, award winning Divide8’s latest outpost should be on your radar. This fresh-faced spot feels built for the neighbourhood – whether you’re flying solo, grabbing a bite with your partner (or four legged friend), or wrangling a hungry kid post-soccer.
I dropped in with my brother and 8-year-old niece for what we thought would be a casual dinner. What we got was a flavour-packed feast that we’re still talking about. We started strong with the OG Meatballs, which were generously meaty and smothered in a rich, tomatoey sauce and hunks of aged grana padano. On the side? Garlic bread that walked the line between crunch and chew, with just the right amount of butter and garlic. For the chicken wings we chose the Louisiana spicy sauce, which were messy, but in the best way, so grab a handful of napkins and go for it!
But let’s talk about the pizzas, because wow. The Leo D Capricciosa was a standout: savoury, balanced, and loaded with plenty of ham, pancetta, artichokes and hand cut mushrooms. My brother’s Bigger in Texas brought the heat (we got the chilli on the side to play nice with the niece) with cajun chicken and maple bacon on a BBQ sauce base. My niece’s choice was the vegetarian Four Cheese Truffle pizza which was lush, though the candied walnuts added a sweetness and crunch that split the table’s opinion.
What really sets Divide8 apart is their pizza bases and toppings as they’re next level. The bases are light, chewy, and clearly made with love. You can tell everything here is super fresh, definitely not out of a pre-made packet and made to order. That means it takes a little longer, but it’s absolutely worth the wait.
Sadly, their Choc Tops were out of action the night we visited, but the rich chocolate brownies got an enthusiastic thumbs-up from our tiny dessert connoisseur. We were too full for the churros (next time, for sure), and yes, any leftovers go home in a box.
The space is casual and clean, with bright white lighting, a few tables inside and out, and bar seating where you can people-watch while the kitchen hums behind the counter. It’s a vibe that works for a quick meal or an easy local hang. Divide8 might fly under the radar, but it’s punching well above its weight in flavour and quality.
Divide8 ,1/48 Albany St, St Leonards, Open: Sun-Thurs 4-9pm, Fri-Sat 12-10pm
