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. Tuck into creations like the portobello mushroom and truffle topped Tartufo, and ride the carb-train straight to complete and utter bliss. Mark the first Tuesday of the month in your calendars and head to Osteria Del Mare for Pizza Club. Bottomless pizza, plus a wine or a beer for $35.
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

As the weather is getting colder we think it’s a fair time to enjoy some heartier and soul-satisfying dishes, and nothing quite ticks those boxes like handmade pasta goodness — with ALL of the cheese naturally. The Gold Coast has many fine Italian eateries, so we painstakingly undid a notch on our belts and to compile a list of the very best. Because we’re nice like that.

We dare you to finish this list and not be tempted to attempt a GC pasta crawl for the ages (0/0 cardiologists recommend)

Gemelli – Spaghetti al Gamberi
The Gemelli twins are known for creating an authentic Italian experience and all their dishes, including mouth-watering pasta, are made fresh inhouse daily. While it’s near impossible to narrow our fave down to just one, if you twisted our arm we’d choose the Spaghetti al Gamberi every day of the week. These guys combine prawn cutlets, zucchini, chilli, garlic and olive oil in the best possible way.
Where: 2/2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

La Calabrese – Gnocchi Sorrentina
Sorry pasta purists, we simply cannot help ourselves whenever these fluffy little hand-crafted pillows of deliciousness are concerned. Again, not technically a pasta but we can all agree, if it’s a big ol’ bowl of comfort food you’re in the mood for, no one can gnocc the magical properties of Wood-fired homemade potato gnocchi, tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, parmesan cheese & basil coming together for one big party in your mouth. Even though cake gnocchi by the ocean doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, this still might be even better yet.
Where: Level 1, Meriton Surfers Paradise, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Cucina Vivo – Spaghetti Carbonara
Cleverly denoting rustic and traditional Italian restaurant vibes whilst being located in the very modern The Star Gold Coast; the dining is certainly reminiscent of any local restaurant you’re going to find in Rome. The house-made Fettucine Carbonara is served in a rich, creamy sauce, pancetta, egg, cracked pepper and pecorino cheese. We implore you to go try it.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Lobby Level, Broadbeach

Glenelg Public House – Truffle Gnocchi
Ok ok, so gnocchi isn’t technically a pasta. But folks, hear us out. The kitchen at The Glenelg Public House is home to some of the Coast’s finest culinary steak wizards so when we say you have to swing by Mermaid Beach to savour their Truffle Creamed Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and air-dried Pecorino Cheese, don’t even question it!
Where: 9/2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Justin Lane – Pappardelle, Pork + Veal, Bolognese, Grana Padano
Few things in life are certain, but we all know that you’re guaranteed a great feed at Justin Lane. We LOVE their pizza, but their pasta game is also strong so you should probably try them all. Our pick of the bunch is the Pappardelle Pork + Veal Bolognese. Just like Nonna used to make. Eat, drink and be messy y’all.
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Balboa – Roasted Lamb Cannelloni
Oh, Balboa you aesthetically pleasing thing you. Their fit-out, complete with a glamorous chandelier and bright red Vespa, is reason enough to visit. The pizza is outstanding, but most importantly their pasta is to die for. Do yourself a favour and try the Roasted Lamb Cannelloni. With porcini bechamel and  truffle mushroom jus this dish is what dreams are made of.
Where: 1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Ioesco – Spaghetti Marinara
As the ancient probverb goes: Knee’s weak, Mom’s spaghetti (okay so meme, technically) And the only spaghetti worth ditching Mum’s for, is the Spaghetti Marinara at Ioesco. We think even she’d agree that you can’t compete with local seafood perfectly finished in white wine, garlic and just a touch of tomato. Bringing their modern take on authentic Napoli eats to Sanctuary Cove, a trip to Ioesco is a treat for the tastebuds, and the marina views certainly aren’t bad on the eyes either.
Where: 3a Masthead Way, Hope Island

Mozza Mozza – Cacio e Pepe
Here’s a philosophical question for you: Is cheese wheel pasta, or Cacio e Pepe as it’s traditionally known, just Mac and Cheese for adults? Hopefully we’ve offended no purists with this potentially blasphemous #showerthought. Either way, roll on down to Mozza Mozza and get your cheese and carb fix all in one – for some wheel-y good value, grab two for $50 on Thursdays #yescheese
Where: Cnr. Olsen & Musgrave Ave, Southport

Sofia’s – Cacio e Pepe
Okay so since we wheeeelly love them that much, we couldn’t choose just one cheese wheel pasta. Might we suggest trying both to determine the ultimate Cacio e Pepe champion, y’know, for science? Plus, if you haven’t yet been to check out Sofia’s gorg new digs that were upgraded late last year, this one goes straight to the top of the priority list #shesa10but.. #thereisnobut #shesjusta10
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Radici Pasta House – Tagliatelle Tartufo E Porcini
Flying under the radar down on the southern end of the Coast, Radici is an Italian family-run restaurant who decided to make sunny Coolangatta home 5 years ago. This dish epitomises why Italian cuisine is so damn good. Take black truffle pesto marry it up with imported pork and fennel sausage and then smother it over handmade tagliatelle. That folks, is one of the finest dishes of pasta you will have south of Sicily.
Where: 99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Tommy’s Italian – Rigatoni all’amatriciana
Last stop on our virtual pub pasta crawl (but, avert the eyes cardiologists because, well firstly, are you lost – but does anyone else have the sudden urge to try this IRL). Who wouldn’t be satisfied after a hearty bowl of the god-tier cylinders that are too good to be tube, doused in a whole lot of red sauce, pecorino and crispy guanciale. If this is rigatoni, we don’t want to be right.
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Words by Kellie Leader.

Iconic venues across the Gold Coast are either slowly being renovated or completely changing hands. View this as good or bad; either way, the results are modernised going out spots that rival our southern neighbours in the big cities!

The all-new Gold Coast Tavern is nestled beside the Nerang River and just across the road from our brimming arts hub, HOTA. Now under new ownership, the venue previously known as One50 Public House, Surfers Rowers and the showing your age Margarita’s on the Water, has been completely refurbed in a multimillion-dollar revamp. The riverside venue offers an eye-catching proposition for an afternoon of sipping cocktails, a catch-up with mates over beers and sport, or just a good old fashioned lazy afternoon pub-style lunch on Bundall Road.

This is another striking venue brought to you by hospitality group JDA Hotels, who reopened the Mermaid Beach Tavern earlier this year. Hot off the back of that success, it looks like they have hit the nail on the head once again.

Once inside, there are different areas for everyone, a bar/bistro space with unmatched views on the river and Surfers Paradise skyline, a fully serviced gaming room with a separate bar, and multiple breakaway function rooms spaces upstairs. It has to be said, though, the real highlight has to be snagging yourself a table close to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. Should you keep your eyes peeled, there is every chance you’ll spot some passing swans and even the occasional dolphin or two! (No joke, you heard it here first!)

The essence of the venue is to create a space where anybody can come in at any time of the week and find themselves with the best drinks and excellent quality food. Across the bar, you’ll find a wide selection of spirits, wines and a terrific line-up of local, national and international beers. The cocktail offering is equally impressive with a solid selection of everyone’s favourite classics like Mojitos and Espresso Martinis, the impeccable supplement to a sunny afternoon spent gazing as the water ebbs by.

On the food side of things, the effort has been put into creating a modern-style pub menu with forward-thinking dishes. You’ll still have classics like the Chicken Schnitzel and 250g Grain Fed Rump, but you’ll also have the option to spice things up a little bit with inclusions such as Prawn, Lemon & Pea Fettuccine or Chicken Karaage Burger. There’s also a healthy collection of 13″ pizzas freshly made to order and a sizeable kids menu offering enough variety to please even the most discerning toddler.

Besides drinks specials throughout the week, the venue will have events running nearly every evening of the week: Tuesdays are quiz night, Thursdays music trivia, and Fridays through till Sunday will feature live music sets. Monday night is a 2-4-1 meals promo evening, and Wednesday night is steak night: mark those in your diary folks!

Another fantastic feature of the Gold Coast Tavern are their function spaces upstairs. Varying in size, the three areas are suited to a host of events, social gatherings and corporate occasions, from large-scale presentations and celebrations to intimate board room style meetings. Interested parties are encouraged to enquire, but we are told these spaces are currently booking out fast!

Well Gold Coasters, yet another superb family-friendly venue now calls itself home on the banks of the Nerang River and aren’t we a lucky bunch to welcome this institution back!

When:
Venue: Every day 10am-2am
Bistro: Mon to Thurs and Sat: 11:30am-3pm & 5:30pm-9pm, Fri & Sun: 11.30am-10pm
Where: 150 Bundall Road, Bundall

Words by Alex Mitcheson.