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 16 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

First of all, if there’s a feeling that eating pizza evokes, it is stoked and second of all, Burleigh Heads has a new pizza joint and you will indeed be stoked upon sampling every single slice

It’s called Stoked Wood Fire Pizza, as if you didn’t know and it can, as of a short time ago, be found at Stockland Burleigh Heads in the new fancy food area that is also home to coffee legends Nook.

Who also, as it turns out, are the owners of Stoked (so you know it’s the goods).

It’s a corner spot, all glossy white tiles and a pink neon sign (our fave) but the pièce de résistance is the pizza oven itself, all the way from Tuscany and tiled (by the team) in an array of pink, gold and copper hues that we would like for our house thank you very much. Might also need a pizza chef to go with it though.

Speaking of pizza chefs, Stoked’s are two of the best around – Ollie who once owned a pizza caravan (surely the best kind of caravan) and Gervin, who has whipped up tasty eats from Europe to Melbourne and now, right here on the Gold Coast. Good news for us.

Also, remember Slurping Panda, the epic little venue in the Burleigh Arcade that is no long with us (RIP)? Well, the man behind that venue is also one of the owners of this venue. So double good news for us.

On the menu are a Romano style of pizza with crispy bases and well-proportioned amounts of toppings for each slice (which isn’t considered enough in the world of pizza making).

Let us discuss a few faves, which we, of course sampled, so we could bring you the very best story. Somebody gotta do it.

The Margherita though it may seem simple is in fact, not. Made with cherry tomatoes, Bocconcini and sweet basil and is a delightful little flavour-packed pizza. The Prosciutto is also the goods with, yep, prosciutto di parma, roquette and soft mozzarella.

Our favourite though is the Seafood pizza with Aussie prawns (fresh off the trawler), calamari, green mussels, roast garlic, chilli, parsley and cheese and it is the perfect balance of flavours, not too oceany and it looks pretty too.

The dessert pizza is of course, a must-try, it’s got all of the Nutella, plus bananas, strawberries and marshmallows and not one person will judge you if that’s your actual dinner.

One of the very best aspects of the new foodie space at Stockands’ is that the entire area is BYO and there is a bottle shop a mere ten steps away so you may pop in there while your pizza is cooking in the sparkly oven.

What a time to be alive.

Yes, you may also take the pizzas away and indulge in the privacy of your own home should you so wish.

Either way, do yourself a favour and go get Stoked.

LOCATION: Stockland Burleigh Heads, West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 11.30am until 8pm daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

There are very few things in life better than a traditional pizza straight out of a woodfired oven and made with a whole lot of Italian love. Except maybe a smorgasbord of cheeses and also handcrafted pasta topped with all of the Parmesan. Actually, we love them all equally.

Which is why it absolutely warms our hearts to bring you news of a brand new Italian deli that recently opened in Palm Beach by people whose work you already know and love.

It’s Pepé Italia Deli by yes, the team who gifted us Burleigh’s Pepé Italia in early 2017, so you know it’s going to live up to your highest expectations.

The newbie can be found in Palmy’s brand new refurbished shopping precinct Pavilions, on the highway and it’s the first restaurant to open its doors there. With street frontage, plenty of natural light and happy Italians scattered throughout, it’s a place you’re going to want to spend a bit of time.

Inside you’ll find cabinets filled with a variety of cheeses and dried meats (both local and imported form Italy) and fridges packed with homemade pasta and pre-prepared meals like lasagna and meatballs (oh my) you can take home and pretend you made. Which is exactly what we’re going to do.

The deli is a more casual, pared back version of the Burleigh restaurant but the dishes on offer are quite similar.

On the Antipasti menu, everything was a taste sensation but we particularly loved the Wagyu Bresaola with Wagyu beef, shaved parmigiano, reggiano, rocket and lemon juice – so so tasty.

Pasta-wise, everything is made in-house and while you should probably sample every single dish, we were quite partial to the Ricotta e Spinaci with spinach and ricotta, agnolotti, butter, sage and parmesan cheese and Paccheri Positano with clams, mussels, baby calamari, prawns, barramundi, cherry tomatoes and Napoli sauce. Both absolutely stunning.

In terms of pizza, you obviously can’t go wrong especially where Pepé Italia is concerned. If we had to choose one, it would be the Tropea with San Marzano tomato, fresh buffalo mozzarella, prawns, basil, garlic and chilli. Very fresh and very delicious.

Let’s not forget the desserts and if you’ve ever had an Italian dessert you’ll know they cannot be skipped. There’s homemade Tiramisu, Cannoli Siciliana and Semi Frozen Dark Chocolate to name a few and they’re the perfect accompaniment to a pizza and pasta feast (obviously).

Of course there isn’t a single thing on the menu we would eat over and over again so choose your own adventure and prepare to be wowed.

If you’d like a little tipple to go with your experience, all your favourite cocktails are on offer as well as beer and wine of both the Australian and Italian persuasions.

Perhaps the best news of all though is Sunday Apertivo – a tradition in Italy where everyone gathers on a Sunday afternoon for drinks and the venue provides the food. Which is exactly what’s going to happen at Pepé Italia Deli every Sunday. It’s the Italian version of a Sunday session and everyone’s invited.

Perfection has moved into Palm Beach Gold Coasters, get down there for some good old fashioned hospitality.

LOCATION: Pavilions Palm Beach, 10 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
HOURS: 11am until late Wednesday to Saturday and 11am until 8pm Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith