Stoke the Culinary Flames at these 4 Wood-fired Pizza Joints

The use of wood-fired pizza ovens is believed to have originated in Naples, Italy in the 1700s.

The high heat generated by these ovens resulted in a unique flavour that couldn’t be replicated using other cooking methods – this style of pizza has since become known as Neapolitan pizza or ‘true Italian pizza’.

Here are four joints to stoke the culinary flames with wood-fired pizza to die for:

Located within The Vintage Estate, discover NINETEEN on Claret Ash Drive in Pokolbin for great food, drinks and company. From stacked stone fireplaces to a covered alfresco area with sweeping views, this restaurant projects an elegant vibe of polished concrete, exposed beams and sleek modern furnishings.

 

Ideal for family gatherings, special events and romantic rendezvous, settle in with a glass of wine and graze on Peking duck spring rolls with hoisin, sesame and coriander dipping sauce; wood-fired pizza always hits the mark, think toppings like prawns, chorizo, chilli and mozzarella on a tomato base, or pick up a slice of Meat Lovers with pepperoni, ham, chorizo and mozzarella on a BBQ sauce base. Pasta lovers opt for boscaiola with smoky bacon, sautéed mushrooms and cream, topped with Parmesan.

When visiting the Illawarra region and the taste for authentic Italian cuisine calls, make your way down Bellevue Road to discover Figtree Gourmet Kitchen. As the area's longest-established wood-fired pizza restaurant, join the locals and relax in a modern interior of polished wood floors, exposed brick walls, timber top tables and black metal seating.

 

Expect to find a menu filled with gourmet pizza, freshly made pasta, hot pots and schnitzel; begin with Cajun wood-fired wedges, with melted cheese, bacon, jalapeños and sour cream, or chicken nachos, guacamole and sour cream. For the main, wood-fired pizza choices such as Caribbean with fresh ham, pineapple, mozzarella and tasty cheese always entice, along with the Houston Star – chilli beef, fire-roasted capsicum, Spanish onion, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole.

With a culinary philosophy firmly rooted in the Italian tradition of seasonality and prime ingredients, award-winning Mancini’s Original Wood Fired Pizza on Burwood Road is a Belfield iconic dining destination. Wooing crowds since 1992, this neighbourhood gem combines old world and modern style via recycled timber, black and white tiled floors and spacious floor-to-ceiling windows, to create a versatile environment for relaxed family lunches through to special occasions.

 

Say grazie to starters of sizzling garlic prawns with Napoletana sauce or grilled baby octopus; before devouring gourmet pizza slices such as King Neptune with prawns, semi-dried tomatoes, ricotta and shallots, or Diablo – beef, sour cream, pepperoni, onion, tomato, jalapeños and avocado. Vegetarians opt for Giardino with mushrooms, capsicum, onion, olives, eggplant and semi-dried tomatoes.

Arana Hills foodies follow tantalising aromas along Dawson Parade to find The Wood Fired Oven and appease ravenous hunger pangs. This restaurant, food truck and catering business boasts warm and welcoming surrounds of wood panelling, vibrant red and orange walls and a live screen to watch all the sports action as you peruse an extensive menu of wood-fired pizza, strombolis, calzones, smoked delicacies and desserts.

 

Perhaps go straight for slices such as Chicken Supreme – smoked chicken, black olives, capsicum, mushroom, pineapple and mozzarella on a tomato base – or slow-cooked pulled pork, capsicum, pickled jalapeño and mozzarella on a signature BBQ sauce base. Meat lovers opt for the Carnivore, with pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, chorizo, Spanish onion and cheese; or the Works with pepperoni, chorizo, ham, feta, olives, sun-dried tomato, capsicum and mozzarella.