Cheese the Day at these 6 Pizza Restaurants

As we focus on the Italian 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 six of our favourite pizza joints:

For relaxing and authentic Italian dining, Adelaide diners head to Coccobello on Glen Osmond Road in Frewville. Starting with the antipasti, followed by pizza, pasta and mains and ending with the desserts, you will feel the taste and vibes of Italy all around you. The staff bring to the tables a warm hospitality welcome and make you feel like you are on holiday in one of the towns of the Bel Paese.

 

Pizza lovers can pick up a slice of Mare Mare topped with fior di latte, prawns, calamari, anchovies, zucchini and chilli, or devour the Pollo – basil pesto, free-range chicken, radicchio, baby spinach, mixed cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette and fior di latte – washed down with a glass of Chardonnay.

Discover the aromas, textures and flavours of Italy with a Mod Oz twist at Two Sugars on Pakington Street in Geelong West. Inside is stylish and rustic at the same time, with polished concrete floors, recycled timber and a circular pendent light installation; while on warm days the streetside alfresco area is the ideal spot for people watching over a vino.

 

Say ciao to starters of arancini with cheese and Bolognese sauce, or salt and pepper calamari, salad, olive oil and balsamic vinegar; then chow down on pizza choices such as Maialina – tomato, mozzarella, pork and fennel sausage, hot salami and ham – finish with a Nutella pizza, vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries.

Dishes made from the heart and served with love are what you’ll find on the menu at Little Venice Pizzeria on Lyons Road in Drummoyne. Curved floor-to-ceiling glass windows bring the outside in with an abundance of natural light, while potted and trailing greenery adds a calming vibe as guests settle in with a vino to ponder a menu boasting gourmet pasta and pizza offerings.

 

Say grazie to starters like garlic prawns cooked in white wine and lemon juice, or buffalo chicken wings with ranch and BBQ sauce; moving onto pieces of pie such as tandoori chicken, cheese, onion, capsicum, tomato sauce and tzatziki, or smoked salmon on a Philadelphia base, with rocket, cherry tomato, Parmesan and balsamic glaze.

Find the true taste of Italy at Del Piero’s Italian Restaurant on Mowbray Road in Lane Cove. This family-owned and operated go-to Sydney dining destination oozes rustic charm with ceiling beams, trailing greenery, twinkling lights and a mural of Italian soccer player Alessandro Del Piero on the wall serving a pizza.

 

Whether you’re looking for a delicious pizza, a plate of pasta, or hearty takeaway, there is a dish on the menu to satisfy all palates; think gourmet slices of Moroccan lamb, with feta, Spanish onion and parsley, or prawns, octopus, mussels, garlic and fresh seafood on a white base.

Referring to the time period when pizza was first created in Naples, Melburnians stop by Circa 900 Pizzeria Napoletana on Sussex Street in Pascoe Vale to appease Italian cravings. Specialising in true Neapolitan pizza and street food using recipes passed down through generations, drop into this well-loved dining destination and relax in warm and rustic surrounds of exposed brick as tantalising aromas waft from the pizza oven.

 

Kickstart your culinary adventure with calamari fritti, served with seafood sauce and lemon wedges, then chow down on Mexicana pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, sopressa salami, roasted peppers and chilli flakes, or Agnello – marinated lamb, roasted peppers, Spanish onion, goats’ cheese and garlic sauce, on a tomato base.

Located in the beautiful historical town of Chiltern, Posh Plonk on Main features a cellar door, restaurant and function space showcasing the region’s finest produce. Rusticity abounds at this dining destination with well-worn brick and trailing greenery, or chill out on a velvet couch with a glass of wine in hand to peruse a menu boasting breaky, pizza, platters, plates and pours.

 

On balmy days, soak up the rays alfresco and devour pulled pork pizza with apple, BBQ sauce, slaw, aioli, vintage cheddar, roasted cashews, spring onion and mozzarella on a tomato base; or roast pumpkin, goats’ cheese, Greek yoghurt, rosemary, walnut and mozzarella.