7 Venues Where Pizza is the Name of the Game

As we focus on the Mediterranean way of life and cuisine this week, we can’t go past pizza!

Pizza dates back thousands of years, tracing its roots to the flatbreads with toppings that were popular with ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Most people agree modern pizza with tomato sauce, cheese and toppings was born along the western coast of Italy in the city of Naples.

Whoever invented it, this little slice of paradise has become a staple in our diet, whether a takeout family dinner, or a meal in the comfort of your favourite Italian restaurant where pizza and vino go hand in hand.

Here are seven of our favourite pizza joints:

 

Follow the tantalising aromas of pizza cooking in the oven down Andrew Ways in Margaret River to find Sons of Naples Italian ristorante. This modern dining destination oozes a moody vibe of dark walls adorned with an eclectic mix of vibrant artwork, potted palms and a rustic alfresco area where chilling out with a glass of wine is encouraged.

Jump right in with fried chicken wings, nduja ketchup and pickled baby zucchini, before saying grazie to slices of pizza such as the Butcher Blast – San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, free-range leg ham, salami and pancetta.

 

For a taste of regional Italian flavours, organise to meet friends at Al Taglio restaurant, a Surry Hills establishment located on Albion Street. Filled with a lively buzz, a modern open-plan interior draws a sleek crowd of Sydneysiders, while a relaxed outdoor setting is well suited to kicking back over after-work drinks through balmy evenings.

A selection of premium ingredients is imported from Italy, including cured meat and cheese, to go with local organic wines and beer, along with the best regional, seasonal produce to make gourmet and gluten-free pizzas like pecorino, cherry tomatoes, oregano, burrata and basil.

 

Fronting Yarra Street with easy confidence is Geelong’s Centra Hotel, an all-in-one dining destination for Italian-style cuisine. Bedecked in elements resonating with a modern public drinking house, Centra has walls of exposed red brick radiating warmth and a touch of rusticity, while opposing walls are crisp white for a spacious, clean and airy feel that encourages visitors to dine, laugh and relax with ease.

A passionate kitchen team maintains close connections with growers and suppliers, ensuring the Italian menu stays seasonal, paired with wine, craft beer and cider; opt to satisfy ravenous hunger with a slice of chilli prawn pizza with nduja, grilled asparagus, fior di latte and salsa verde.

 

A stone’s throw from the shoreline of Brighton Beach and jetty, marvel at the sunset or let the kids run off for a dip in the ocean as you wine and dine at The Alchemists’ Kitchen on Jetty Road in Adelaide. Embracing the limitless opportunity and alchemy of a wood oven, settle in with a glass of red and chill out in minimalist surrounds of black and white table settings and a stacked stone fireplace, ideal for cosying up in chilly months.

Don’t go past the Samurai pizza with thinly sliced Scotch fillet steak, wasabi mayo, crispy capers, smoked mozzarella and pickled white onion; or lamb shoulder, red onion, garlic yoghurt, salsa verde, mint and parsley.

 

Delivering Italian tradition to the table, La Margherita on Cleveland Road is the place to head for a memorable meal with family and friends. Located in Eastside Village, you will feel as if you are eating in Italy at this dining destination, where a covered alfresco area is ideal for balmy days and indoors is warm and welcoming with floral murals, trailing greenery and cosy table settings.

From a menu showcasing gourmet pizza and pasta, devour slices such as fresh mozzarella, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, prawns, basil and garlic oil; or perhaps the Mamma Mia tempts, topped with mushroom, fennel sausage, pancetta, scarmorza cheese, truffle oil and oregano.

 

A slice of Italian tradition and a passion for good food are on the plate at The Pizza Garden on Asquith Street in Morningside. This family-owned restaurant boasts an impressive outdoor dining space that is both family and pet-friendly, as diners take in the tantalising aromas of gourmet pizza cooking wafting in the air. 

Break up your week dining here and if you come in early you can get the special offer of $20 for any pizza from 5 pm-6 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays when dining in; think pizzas like Calabrese with mozzarella, spicy salami, roast capsicum and olives.

 

Capturing the vibe of the old west bringing a sense of rustic charm to each of its roadside locations and events, Brisbane foodies head to Deadwood Pizza to appease cravings for a slice of heaven. Pulling up at Wamuran Community Hall and Cruice Park in Woodford on alternating weekends, this mobile family, built, owned and operated food van is adorned with cattle skulls and gas lamps as hungry hombres are lured in by the tantalising aromas wafting from the wood-fired oven.

Order either a classic or gluten-free base and your choice of toppings such as Tropical Spice – ham, pineapple, onion, jalapeños, capers and cheese, on a BBQ base – or the Supreme with ham, olives, salami, pepperoni, mushrooms, onion, capsicum and cheese.