There’s something irresistibly primal about wood-fired cooking. The crackle of flames, the kiss of smoke and that golden char on a crusty pizza or slow-cooked meat - it speaks to a deep, delicious instinct. Across the country, a new breed of eateries is bringing fire back to the centre of the plate. Whether it’s a sizzling pizza, seared seafood or a slab of pub fare made better by smoke and flame, these venues make a compelling case for ditching the gas and going old school.
Here’s where to find the most mouth-watering woodfired dining experiences right now.
The Original Coopers Alehouse – Adelaide CBD, SA
Set in the beating heart of Adelaide on Pulteney Street, The Original Coopers Alehouse is a love letter to South Australia's most iconic beer. With its exposed stone walls, timber finishings and roaring pizza oven, this pub is a warm and welcoming haven whether you're catching up over lunch or settling in for an evening session. The heritage-listed building hums with character, while the bar offers a full range of Coopers' beers and ciders on tap, plus a wine list celebrating local vineyards.
The wood-fired oven steals the spotlight, turning out hearty, rustic fare that elevates the pub food genre. Go for the Alehouse Supreme pizza, a maximalist masterpiece crowned with Napoli sauce, ham, salami, olives, onions, mushrooms, capsicum, pineapple and bubbling mozzarella. Prefer something off the grill? The dry-aged Scotch fillet is a stunner - charred to perfection, served with herbed garlic chats and doused in a rich Shiraz jus. Whether it's schnitzel or steak, this is pub dining that’s anything but ordinary.
Pizzeria Romana – Nunawading, Vic
Tucked away on Market Street in Nunawading, Pizzeria Romana is what happens when Italian heritage meets Melbourne’s pizza obsession. Walk in and you’re met with the comforting scent of dough and flame. Inside, the mood is charmingly rustic with exposed brick and warm pendent lights, creating the ideal space for a lively family dinner or a casual night with friends. It’s the kind of place where locals linger over wine and argue about the best pizza topping - just as it should be.
The real magic, though, is in the pizzas. Cooked in a roaring wood-fired oven, the base is blistered and chewy in all the right ways. Try the standout prawn pizza with zucchini, cherry tomato, garlic, chilli, capers and rocket, all drizzled with lemon-infused extra virgin olive oil. The calzones are equally compelling - think molten mozzarella, artichokes and prosciutto tucked into golden crusts. Round it out with a Nutella calzone and a scoop of vanilla gelato if you’re feeling indulgent. (You are!)
A waterfront gem tucked inside Yaringa Boat Harbour, CPTN Jack’s is a salty, sea-loving ode to the good life. With a name inspired by a rakish fictional captain and interiors that evoke nautical charm, the venue is made for lazy lunches, sundowners and seafood feasts. Whether you're lounging in the alfresco area with a crisp lager or diving into a sit-down dinner inside, the vibe is relaxed luxury with a coastal twist.
The wood-fired oven takes centre stage with a Chef’s set menu designed to showcase flame-kissed seafood and Mediterranean staples. Kick things off with wood-fired prawns glazed in coriander, chilli and lime butter - the kind of dish that leaves you licking your fingers and wishing for more. Mains sail into elegant territory with the sea bream, paired with vongole, confit lemon and a bright parsley sauce. It’s refined, relaxed and just a little bit rakish - exactly like CPTN Jack would’ve liked it.
Da Toto Pizzeria Napoletana – Lawson, NSW
Just off the Great Western Highway in the Blue Mountains, Da Toto brings the soul of Naples to the Highlands. The space is bustling, vibrant and full of character, from the cartoon mural on the wall to the scent of wood smoke and slow-simmered sauces wafting from the kitchen. It’s a little slice of Italy nestled in Lawson and the locals know they’re onto something special.
Here, the wood-fired pizza is the main event. The Rucolina is a standout - white base with fior di latte, peppery rocket, 24-month-aged Parma ham, shaved Parmesan and cherry tomatoes. It’s simplicity done right, letting premium ingredients shine. Don’t sleep on the pasta or the housemade polpette, served Napoletana-style in a rich tomato ragu. At Da Toto, every dish feels like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen - if Nonna had a blazing pizza oven and a killer playlist.
King Tide Brewing – Coffs Harbour, NSW
Coffs Harbour’s King Tide Brewing is more than a brewpub - it’s a culinary playground where beer and fire unite in glorious harmony. Tucked into the laneway scene on Studio Lane, this local favourite pulses with energy, thanks to a rotating list of house-brewed craft beers, live music and food that goes well beyond standard pub fare. The space has a contemporary industrial charm, but the vibe is all about community and shared moments.
The wood-fired charcoal oven is the not-so-secret weapon behind some of the venue’s best dishes. Case in point: the crispy pork knuckle. It arrives golden and crackling, accompanied by beer mustard, sauerkraut, roasted chat potatoes and a rich gravy that demands to be mopped up. Pair it with a malty amber ale and you’ve got the ultimate Winter warmer. The slow-cooked lamb shoulder is another crowd-pleaser, plated with sumac yoghurt and braised cabbage, showing just how versatile wood-fire can be beyond pizza.
From the hills of the Blue Mountains to coastal harbours and buzzing city streets, these venues are proving that wood-fired cooking isn’t just about the flames - it’s about flavour, craft and a touch of theatre. Whether you're a die-hard pizza lover or chasing the smoky allure of seafood and slow-roasted meat, this list delivers the goods. So, next time you catch a whiff of burning wood, follow your nose. There’s magic waiting on the plate.
