There’s something undeniably special about a perfectly charred, wood-fired pizza. The smoky aroma, the blistered crust and the balance of high-quality ingredients all come together in a way that no electric oven can replicate. Across Australia, a handful of venues are taking this traditional craft to new heights, serving up some of the best pizza you’ll find outside of Naples. Whether you’re after classic Italian flavours or modern gourmet toppings, these restaurants deliver the goods straight from their roaring wood-fired ovens.
Gemelli Italian – Broadbeach, QLD
Real Italian food handmade with love is what’s on the menu at Gemelli, an institution on the Gold Coast Highway in Broadbeach. With a name that translates to "twins" in Italian, this buzzing venue brings together authentic flavours, an airy alfresco dining space and a lively atmosphere that mirrors the energy of Italy. Sitting just minutes from the golden beaches, it’s the perfect spot to sip on a glass of red while soaking up the Queensland sun. The rustic interiors and a commitment to traditional cooking techniques make it a must-visit for those chasing authentic Italian eats.
When it comes to wood-fired pizzas, Gemelli delivers a masterclass in simplicity and flavour. Expect expertly crafted dough cooked to perfection in their traditional oven, with toppings like fennel, pork and chilli sausage, broccoli, fior di latte, shaved provolone and fresh basil. If you’re in the mood for pasta, the fettuccine tonno is a standout, featuring Italian tuna, olives, capers, cherry tomatoes, chilli and rocket, ensuring a bold yet balanced flavour in every bite.
Trattoria Basiloco – Byron Bay, NSW
Few places embody the relaxed yet refined coastal dining scene quite like Trattoria Basiloco. Nestled on Lawson Street in Byron Bay, this family-run spot brings the taste of Sardinia to Australia’s most iconic beachside town. The breezy, laid-back interiors—complete with aqua-blue banquettes and a buzzing bar—set the stage for an evening of classic Italian indulgence. Whether you’re perched at the bar sipping on a negroni or sharing a plate of calamari with friends, Basiloco delivers a slice of the Mediterranean in every sense.
But it’s the wood-fired pizzas that truly shine here, with a focus on authentic, thin-crust bases topped with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Salsiccia pizza, loaded with mozzarella fior di latte, Byron Bay sausages, garlic broccolini and a kick of chilli, is a must-try, perfectly marrying the richness of the sausage with the freshness of the greens. If pasta is more your speed, their house-made pappardelle with slow-cooked lamb ragu, herbs and Pecorino is a dish that embodies comfort and authenticity.
Paolo’s Pizza Bar – Hervey Bay, QLD
For those looking to experience a taste of Naples in Hervey Bay, Paolo’s Pizza Bar is the place to be. Located on The Esplanade in Torquay, this venue offers a stunning beachside setting paired with some of the best traditional Italian pizza in Queensland. The moody interiors—featuring dark charcoal walls, whitewashed brick and quirky, cartoon-style artwork—set a contemporary yet welcoming tone. At the heart of it all sits their imported Italian wood-fired oven, ensuring every pizza comes out with the signature leopard-spotted crust that true pizza lovers crave.
Pizza purists will love the Pesto Pollo, which brings together basil pesto, mozzarella, tender chicken, mushrooms, onion and Parmesan, delivering a beautifully balanced bite of fresh and savoury flavours. Not to be overshadowed, the linguine allo scoglio—a luxurious seafood pasta packed with prawns, mussels, calamari and clams in a spicy cherry tomato sauce—is a dish that transports you straight to Italy’s southern coast.
Sapori – Clear Island Waters, QLD
Hidden away in Clear Island Waters, Sapori is one of the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets for authentic Napolitano-style wood-fired pizza. This charming, family-run spot captures the essence of traditional Italian dining, with a covered verandah that’s perfect for warm Queensland evenings and a chic black-and-white-tiled interior that oozes modern elegance. As you step inside, the rich aroma of baking dough and melting cheese instantly lets you know you’re in for something special.
At Sapori, the wood-fired pizza is the heart of the menu. The dough is handmade fresh daily, then cooked in a custom-built wood-fired oven to achieve that perfect balance of crisp, chewy crust and rich, flavourful toppings. The Hot Salami pizza, topped with mozzarella, spicy salami, fresh basil, oregano and a drizzle of chilli oil, is a standout, offering just the right amount of heat. If you’re after something heartier, the spinach and ricotta ravioli with tomato, garlic, basil, stracciatella and balsamic glaze delivers on both comfort and indulgence.
Franco Pizza & Wine Bar – Thirroul, NSW
For those in Thirroul, Franco Pizza & Wine Bar is the ultimate destination for gourmet, wood-fired pizza and expertly curated wine pairings. This sleek and stylish venue—boasting shiny black tiles, recycled timber and an open kitchen—offers a contemporary take on Italian dining while staying true to time-honoured techniques. With a 72-hour fermented dough, each pizza comes out light, crisp and bursting with complex flavours, proving that patience truly pays off.
The signature Franco pizza is an absolute must-try, featuring a tomato base, pork fennel sausage, spicy nduja, fior di latte, mushrooms and olives—a combination that perfectly balances smokiness, spicef and umami. If you’re in the mood for pasta, the linguine with prawns, garlic oil, nduja, mascarpone and gremolata in Napoli sauce is a showstopper, packing a punch of fresh, oceanic flavour with a hint of heat.
Australia’s wood-fired pizza scene is thriving and these venues prove that true Italian craftsmanship is alive and well down under. From the sun-drenched shores of Broadbeach to the vibrant energy of Byron Bay and the cosy, wine-bar charm of Thirroul, each of these pizzerias offers something unique while staying true to the soul of traditional wood-fired pizza. So, whether you’re a die-hard Margherita fan or love pushing the boundaries with bold, gourmet toppings, there’s a seat (and a slice) waiting for you at one of these incredible restaurants. Buon appetito!
