They’ve stolen a pizza our hearts!
They’ve stolen a pizza our hearts!
A food that needs zero introduction – pizza is Italy’s gift to the world that just keeps on giving (to our happiness levels and waistlines, mainly). From office parties to cozy date nights, this god-tier culinary creation is the celebratory cornerstone of gatherings everywhere. We can think of no occasion that isn’t improved by the addition of this beloved Italian staple…. and if there is, we don’t wanna know about it.
A dish steeped in tradition; pizza is divisive as it is delicious. Team crispy, or team chewy and chonky, deep dish style? Then there’s the question of the toppings – to olive, or not to olive? – and don’t even get us started on pineapple!
Heck, even trying to narrow down which of our fine establishments serve the best slice is a controversial endeavour. Which is why we’ve compiled this trusty guide to all the most legit GC pizza joints in whom pizza-loving locals eternally crust.
Here are 17 of the best, from North to South, so you can dig in without delay (okay maybe just a little delay, molten hot cheese is no joking matter).
Mozza Mozza
We mean, you only need to cop a look at the whopper wood-fired oven sitting pride of place to know these guys mean business. Mozza Mozza sure knows how to sling a mean Margherita… and Capricciosa and Diavola and… yeah, you catch our drift (they also throw the best discotheque-themed, spritz-studded bottomless brunch going, but we digress…)
Offering a playful, family style vibe, Mozza Mozza dishes up insanely good Italian feasts with a side of groovy disco beats on the daily. Local hospo legend Dave Galvin has again bestowed unto northern Gold Coasters absolute gem of a spot where good vibes and even better slice is a given. Get down on a Thursday for the ‘Pizza Party’ to end all pizza parties.
Our pick: Hawaiiana (fight us)
Where: Located inside Southport Sharks, Cnr. Olsen & Musgrave Ave, Southport
La Calabrese at Ocean
Situated right next to the pristine beach, La Calabrese at Ocean is all about traditional Italian ingredients with a modern twist. The pizzas in particular are food-gasmic, and if you don’t concur then soz but #weir-dough. Anything but your average pizza, a process called ‘biga’ is used to make the dough and honestly, the ‘yeast’ we can do is divulge why this technique is so special. How about a Fior di latte, fontina, porcini mushrooms, prosciutto di parma, truffle oil? Drool.
Our pick: Marylou
Where: Where: Level 1, 84 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Pizza & Kebab
Late night just pizza hits different – and you haven’t lived until you’ve hit up this Orchid Ave icon for a dirty kebab and/or giant slab of pizza at stupid o-clock after a night of boozing and boogying. With fresh and authentic pizzas, kebabs, snack packs and more, if you’ve got a hankering for something carby, cheesy or saucy, SPK will hook you up with the greatest midnight snack you’ll ever have. Also open in Arundel, the hours may be slightly different, but the pizza quality is the same!
Our pick: Pepperoni Pizza
Where: 24 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise & Corner of Napper Road & Daintree Drive, Arundel
Gemelli
If you haven’t been to Gemelli Broadbeach (or one of its sibling restaurants), are you even an actual Gold Coaster? Cooking up real Italian food made with love, their traditional methods combined with modern flair mean all the meals are a ten-outta-ten. With a cosy yet cool rustic vibe, there are always bums on seats and the atmosphere is lit. If you’re craving the kind of handcrafted Italian eats Nonna would approve of, this place is the whole package.
Our pick: Salina Pizza
Where: Mantra Broadbeach on the Park, 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Cucina Vivo
If simple Italian flavours done exceptionally well toot your horn, then make a date with The Star Gold Coast’s Cucina Vivo. Chef Fabio has gained quite the cult following, affectionately known as the best Pizzaiolo Chef outside of Italy. This man is the master of the woodfire oven, and the ever-popular venue’s secret weapon. Once you’re suitably wined and dined (aka, beyond satisfaction) – buy your digestive system some time to work its way through that carb coma by swinging by the never-ending assortment of fun things The Star has going down. Date night sorted!
Our pick: Fabio’s Pizza
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Luna’s Pizza & Wine
If you’re in or around Broadbeach and craving authentic, woodfired goods, Luna’s Pizza & Wine is where it’s at. The postcode-sharing little sib of Sofia’s, Luna’s is the more laid-back of owner Henry Hunt’s Euro-inspired venue super duo. This alfresco vibing gem offers cute and cosy mall-front dining, so you can perch up and watch the world go by as you tuck in to top notch Italian eats. Italian-born Head Chef and Pizzaiolo, Mattia Bianchi, has been in the biz for 20 years, so what he doesn’t know about pizza isn’t worth knowing, if you ask us.
Our pick: Capricciosa Pizza
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Matteo’s
Local pizza slinger Matteo’s describes itself as a slice of paradise in Clear Island Waters, and we’re inclined to agree. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, think crisped-to-perfection circular specialties like heirloom tomato studded Prosciutto Pizzas served alongside Salsiccia E Zucca made with pumpkin, Italian sausage, crispy sage (and multiple types of cheese, obviously). Legit as they come, the fresh pasta and pizzas are handcrafted daily following old family recipes, before the latter is tossed in the woodfire oven. Mouth = watering.
Our pick: Orcamado Pizza
Where: 60 Santa Cruz Boulevard, Shop 6-8, Clear Island Waters
Goccia
When it comes to insanely good pizza, you can always crust in Goccia to deliver the goods. Created by two bona fide northern Italians; think classic Italian pizzeria – and if that doesn’t tell you everything you know, 500+ google reviews and a 4.9 average rating sure as slice should. A charming neighbourhood gem tucked away inside Mermaid Beach Village, Goccia is the go-to for many a pizza lover across GC… if you can manage to get a table, that is. Order literally anything from the menu and you’ll be happy as Larry, just remember to leave room for the tiramisu #Non-negotiable.
Our pick: Papalina Pizza
Where: 1A/2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Franc Jnrs Famous Pizzeria
Now doling out double the deliciousness, we’ve been on cloud nine ever since this cult fave cloned itself a little farther up the Coast. Amassing a horde of adoring pizza fans that would happily follow them to the ends of the earth to get their Franc Jnrs fix, their Detroit style Sicilian slice is famous among pizza-lovers across the GC. Luckily for us, we now only need go as far as Nobby’s or Cooly to get our hands on that signature, crispy-edged pie. Unapologetically old school, Francs feels just like your traditional 90’s pizzeria, only way cooler.
Our pick: White Boy Rick (that sesame crust lives in our dreams)
Where: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta & Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
Crispy Italian Bar
Here’s a factoid for you – in Italy, the term “bar” stands for more of a watering-hole-meets-cafe hybrid; combining coffee, cocktails, sweet snacks like pastries and quintessential savoury Italian fare… so basically, all the best things. Unintentional micro geography lesson aside; this concept is exactly what owner Riccardo ‘Ricky’ Proserpio set about recreating at Crispy – and now you know this place is awesome for several reasons, including (but not limited to) a top-tier traditional pizza selection. Such as the perennial fave, Margherita, which also comes in 1/2 metre size. You won’t be disappointed.
Our pick: Diavola Pizza
Where: 4/1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Osteria del Mare
Burleigh’s resident ristorante and pizzeria, Osteria del Mare is another authentic Italian neighbourhood nosher known for its impeccable pizza prowess. Owner and Chef Andrea Riva, originally from the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, takes an authentic, old school approach to the cuisine of his motherland and we are beyond happy to oblige him. Tuck into creations like the portobello mushroom and truffle topped Tartufo, and ride the carb-train straight to complete and utter bliss.
Our pick: Little Piggy
Where: 2/1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Justin Lane
There’s no denying that Burleigh stalwart, Justin Lane is the king of pizza. It’s come a long way from its humble beginnings, growing from a wee little pizzeria into a heaving multi-level restaurant, bar and event space. The perfect spot for a casual slice and catch up with your crew (so we assume the cocktails are implied). Pick your cutest stretchy pants, you’re bound to run into at least 35 people that you know. And that’s just on a Monday.
Our pick: Justin’s BBQ Smokehouse
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Balboa Italian
You’ve seen it. We’ve all seen it. The sprawling, modern industrial stunner fronting Palmy’s main drag is a total traffic-stopper, and we’re pleased to confirm that its contents are as epic as the outside. And when it comes to amazing nosh across the board, Balboa Italian sure isn’t pulling any punches. In particular, the pizzas are #goals #IYKYK – and if you don’t – we would suggest remedying this immediately. Take your pick between the selection of red and white sauce bases, or try them all because carbs, shmarbs.
Our pick: Boscaiola Pizza
Where: 1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Toro’s
A cosy and uber cute spot where Mediterranean and Moroccan vibes collide; Toro’s does pizza with panache. With peach tones for days (#swoon) – the spread at Palmy’s cosy slice slinging haven is quintessentially Italian, but with a healthy dose of tasty modern takes to keep us on our toes. The super relaxed yet chic vibe is just our type, and the pizzas will delight even the most discerning pizza connoisseur. There’s even dessert pizza if that’s your jam… (well, Nutella, technically speaking). Yep, she’s a winner on all fronts.
Our pick: Di Toro Pizza
Where: 7/2 Eighth Avenue, Palm Beach
Lenny Pizzeria & Bar
Where do we even begin when it comes to Lenny Pizzeria & Bar? For a rather questionable analogy – just imagine Burleigh icon Justin Lane and the locale Mudgeeraba had a baby; courtesy of local culinary legends, Oliver Botha (of Justin Lane, The Fish House, Hellenika and Rick Shores fame) and Justin Lane founder, Robert Morwood. And yeah, consider our case rested! Not unlike the duo’s signature 72-hour fermented dough recipe, which imparts their bases with a next level taste and texture.
No matter how you slice it, the addition is a total score for Railway Street’s dining scene – with sensational woodfired delights like fermented chilli kissed Prawn Pizza and Butternut Pumpkin Pizza served with whipped feta and salsa verde. You know the drill: two, four, six, eight…
Our pick: Fancy 4 Cheese
Where: 58 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Tommy’s Italian
One minute, we’re passing through Currumbin minding our own business,–and the next, our mouth commences immediately watering at the mere sight of Tommy’s telltale red and white umbrella’s adorning the promenade. And that’s before we’ve even caught wind of the freshly-flamed bites bubbling away within! In only a few short years, this two-storey cutie has become a fixture along the suburb’s seaside strip; serving up multi-million dollar ocean views and mighty fine pizzas to match (and cocktails… because nothing says happiness like a slice of Italy in one hand and a margi in the other).Who can resist? Certainly not us.
Proving that good genes run in the family, Tommy’s has a little sister, Little Tommy’s. Just 500m down the road, it’s the more approachable, relaxed and uncomplicated one, with equally great pizza.
Our pick: Tartufo Pizza
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Bread & Butter Kirra
If you’re looking for pizza with a view, Kirra’s Euro-eats all-rounder, Bread & Butter, provides exactly the type of vantage (and carby goodness) that we need and mentally transport ourselves to the Amalfi Coast for the afternoon. Perch up on the terrace and feast upon classic, stone-baked combos like Primavera or the pesto-drizzled Pollo. Add in some tapas and an Aperol Spritz or two and you’ve got yourself a party! Who needs holidays when you have pizza like this?
Our pick: Siciliana Pizza
Where: Shop 1, 76 Musgrave Street, Kirra
Words by Kellie Leader
No Gold Coasters, your eyes ‘dough’ not deceive you – at long last, the local legends behind famed pizza joints Franc Jrs and Francie’s are slinging their signature slice from a brand new location in Nobby Beach.
The newest eat-in iteration for the Franc fam – an old school vibing pizzeria – is packed with plenty of soul, promising that same trademark, ‘good, honest Italian food’ fans have long been smitten with.
Fromage fiends can settle in for their Franc fix – with laidback vibes alongside cult fave Classic pizzas, crisp, Detroit style deep-dish pies, and frozen Margi’s.
With a lineage that can be traced back to 1996, the Francie’s origin story is fascinating, rich – and similar to the effects of a few too many frozen Marg’s – a little fuzzy around the edges.
An operation now run by Anthony Pattinson, Claudia Pattinson, James Young and Carlos Lara – the charming, 60pax Coolangatta neighbourhood pizza joint known as Francie’s was born way back in an era when, along with pizza, Anthony counted Baywatch and RnB among his great loves.
The humble spot with a shoebox-vibing kitchen was soon overwhelmed by its own success – by year two they were averaging 150 peckish patrons a night – a number that blew out to 250-300 punters in the years that followed, a frenetic pace that they couldn’t maintain.
Ultimately opting to close the door on Francie’s (cue first crush levels of heartbreak), another opened in the form of Franc Jrs, the compact and casual takeaway style little bro.
When it came to delivering a new and improved restaurant offering, the challenge was retaining the charm, while scaling up and refining the offering to meet demand.
The new venue is a 60 seater with indoor and outdoor tables, opting for counter service to streamline the experience.
Complete with mob movie vibing mood lighting, red leather and wood finishes aplenty, the interior fit out is a throwback to the classic, 1940’s Italian American style restaurant.
The result is a nostalgic feeling Anthony likens to the 90’s rite of passage – hitting up the local salad bar, “like Pizza Hut’s all you can eat, only really, really good”, he adds.
Anthony’s life-long passion for slinging ‘pies’ – is immediately apparent in the drool-worthy menu.
The offering is split into three types – Traditional 13-inch ‘Francies classics’, 16-inch cheese pies and square, Sicilian ‘Detroit style’ pizzas, as well as a full vegan selection to boot.
Now pizza, along with a sneaky pun or three, is certainly something we’re no stranger to – with catchy monikers such as Francie’s Classic, ‘Sage Against the Machine’ made with fresh fior di latte, roasted mushrooms, pancetta, sage & pecorino, only further fuelling our obsession.
Fans of the Franc Jrs Signature – the loaded and crispy edged, Sicilian style slice – can get amongst Tomato, made with roasted cherry tomatoes, confit garlic, whipped lemon ricotta & chilli sauce or the cheese-packed White Stripe, topped with hot honey.
And with the calibre of slice selection the Franc Jrs crew is slinging, we certainly wouldn’t blame anyone struggling to choose.
But if the fan following for these pizza purveyors is anything to go by – satisfaction is a sure thing (and a carb coma).
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
When: 4pm-10pm Wednesday – Saturday
Words by Kellie Leader.
We need to talk about Crispy Italian Bar and no, this isn’t a watering hole for local signores and signoras who’ve copped too much sun. This brand new hot-off-the-press Burleigh-based trailblazer is introducing a traditional Italian dining concept to our ‘hood, showing the GC why it’s time to look outside the (pizza) box.
Opening last week, Crispy Italian Bar was born out of two friends’ shared passion for their culture and cuisine. In Italy, the term “bar” means a place offering a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, also serving coffee, pastries, and savoury Italian fare. After sampling a slice of the Crispy Italian action first-hand, we’re pleased to confirm that this awesome concept and our GC lifestyle go together like panini and pizzas – which is exactly what they serve.
We simply a-dough passionate owner Riccardo ‘Ricky’ Proserpio for bringing us the ‘bar Italiano’ experience as literally no-one else is doing it here #bravo. He and uber-talented Head Chef Matteo Tricarico don’t just have epic Italian names, but an extensive background in hospitality. With cool factor and charm in equal measure, this modern take on a traditional fave looks and feels as good as its nosh and sips.
As you cruise down the GC Highway at Burleigh, the striking red and white umbrellas and festoon lights grab your attention and give you a whiff of what awaits inside. Once you step into this incredible space, you’ll find a multisensory wonderland filled with Southern European goodness.
With an authentic red and white aesthetic sprinkled with dashes of yellow and green, it’s everything we want from an Italian joint. Think red and white grid tiles, funky red couch wall seating and matching stools, and one of our fave wall murals, like, ever. Giving a nod to the quintessential bar Italiano experience, amazing artist Lau Longone has flexed her painting prowess with olive vines, lemons, tomatoes, red red wiiiiiiiiine, a giant pizza, and the hero – Crispy Italian Bar’s signature chilli.
Let’s start at the bar shall we and duh, obvs. Those keen on a caffeine hit can order from the exclusive premium selection of coffee-based bevs, like a traditional Italian Cappuccino served with their exclusive Attibassi premium coffee blend. Naturally there’s a hearty wine list, plus a selection of beers, soft drinks and juices.
What we really love is the Digestivo menu with the likes of Limoncello, Frangelico, Amaretto Disaronno and all the ‘o’s. And what we really really love are the cocktails and no-one does an Aperol Spritz like the Italians! The failsafe blend on of Prosecco, sparkling water, Aperol served with ice & orange slice is the perf sunset sip, before moving into their signature cocktail, the Espresso Martini with a shot of coffee, Kahlua and vodka. Salute!
The wood fired pizza oven not only looks the part, but churns out the most flavoursome pizzas and paninis you ever did nom. From the brunch menu, we’re ordering the Panino Goloso Wood Fired Panini with melted mozzarella, smoked leg ham, premium champignon mushrooms, artichokes and special crispy sauce. Or for something with a bit of a mash-up, how about an Australiano Wood Fired Panini with avocado, carbonara sauce, melted mozzarella, crispy sauce, bacon and our national spread; vegemite.
Fast forward to night-time and the dinner menu is lit. Who can go past an entrée of Burrata Cheese and sure as heck not us. We’re talking homemade bread with Nonna’s secret recipe marinated cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, vegan pesto, burrata cheese and extra virgin oil, and srsly, they had us at Nonna.
Then, it’s pizza o-clock and we’re crushing hard on the Mezzanotte Wood Fired Pizza with a tomato base, mozzarella cheese, Italian mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese and shaved parmesan. We strongly recommend the Bella Carne which also boasts a tomato base and mozzarella cheese, along with mild salami, Italian pork fennel sausage, and premium leg ham. Which brings us to dessert time and shut.the.door coz they make a Nutellami with folded Nutella stuffed pizza, topped with icing sugar, whipped cream and chocolate pralines #WeDie.
So if it’s freshly sourced local ingredients beautifully cooked in a wood fired oven, a coffee at any time of day or an aperitivo at sunset, every pizza you will love Crispy Italian Bar.
Where: 4/1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
When: 9am – 10pm Friday & Saturday, 9am – 9pm Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Closed Monday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.
Ocean gazing whilst eating your body weight in delicious Italian fare – that’s the dream. Unless you’re in togs with that annoying friend who documents everything on her grid, but there are apps for that so yeah, still the dream #filtersonfilters. Well, this is precisely what Surfers Paradise’s La Calabrese at Ocean is proposing and WE.DO! To place us in even higher ‘spirits’ just add a refreshing cocktail and forgive us, but sun’s out pun’s out we say.
Situated right next to the pristine beach, La Calabrese at Ocean is all about traditional Italian ingredients with a modern twist. Keen foodies and/or folk who frequent Melbourne will recognise the name (sans the ocean part) and we’re pleased to confirm that the cuisine is equally on point. After two years of success – pandemic and all – a sea-change expansion was planned and boom, we’re blessed with our very own authentic yet contemporary Italian slinging La Calabrese…with ocean views to boot #CopThatMelbourne!
Owner Ruixin Wang (Rae) worked with Savitri Gandakusumah from Dreampods Group to bring the restaurant’s aesthetic to life, offering both indoor and outdoor dining and a swoon-worthy 90 square metre ocean-view terrace. With capacity for 200 guests, can someone we know pls book a huge ‘shell-abration’ and invite us already?! There are also special VIP seatings for a more exclusive experience and this has us written all over it.
Boasting a blend of the ‘old’ and ‘new’ generations of Italian professionals, the entire kitchen and floor team hail from Calabria, Tuscany, Sicily, Milan and Brescia. Their passion for cooking and food is infectious and they’re Italians right, so #obvs. They love nothing more than talking about food culture and food education, which is fine by us coz we love nothing more than listening!
Speaking of food, Head Chef Rocco Premoli can do no wrong in our eyes, rolling out a menu brimming with ‘things that make you hmm mmm’. For antipasti, you can’t go past the Crudo Di Pesce, with marinated kingfish, citrus dressing, watermelon, chives and green oil. The pizzas in particular are food-gasmic, and if you don’t concur then soz but #weir-dough. Anything but your average pizza, a process called ‘biga’ is used to make the dough and honestly, the ‘yeast’ we can do is divulge why this technique is so special. Combining the sugar of the Italian flour with yeast to go through a pre-fermentation process, this is just the first step of dough-making and srsly, #skillz.
How about a Mortadella with fiordilatte, mortadella, Stracciatella cheese, fried squid and pistachio and if you’ve never tried pistachio on a pizza, you’re welcome. Or if you’re channelling a pasta (ALWAYS), you can’t go past the Agnolotti with homemade ravioli, beef cheek, sage butter, and parmesan fondue. Make sure you pair it with the signature Focaccia Black Garlic, a wood-fired focaccia house made black garlic butter because carbs on carbs is life.
It’s dessert o-clock and besides being one of our favourite times (besides cocktail o-clock…which is 24/7), we suggest a Panna Cotta with lavender, honey, chocolate crumble and beetroot gel. Now we’re thinking about cocktails coz we’re us, and the Tipsy Illy with Disaronoo, illy cream and fresh strawberries totally caught out eye. As did the Paradise Margarita with cazadores tequila, Chambord, blackberries, jalapeno and lime juice coz this combo srsly floats our yacht.
So for those partial to a traditional Italian chow-down with a modern glow-up, you’ll get precisely that – with a hearty side of ocean views – at La Calabrese.
Where: Level 1, 84 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: 5.30pm – 9.30pm Monday – Wednesday & 12pm – 10pm Thursday – Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.
