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 19 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).
Ready to take a tour of Italy’s most famous cities all under one roof? Italia Moto brings each region to life on a pizza! Head to the Italian countryside with Bruno Pancetta – San Marino with truffle cream base, marinated potato, pancetta and parmesan. Or go coastal with Giovanni Gamberi – Sicily featuring pesto base, mozzarella, cherry tomato, marinated prawns in garlic, lemon and chilli. End your Italian escape with a scoop of gelato, and that’s amore!
Our pick: Bruno Pancetta Pizza
Where: 104 Helensvale Rd, Helensvale
You know where there’s BYO, there’s good times ahead. Papa Rolly’s is your go-to neighbourhood spot, bringing together all the home-style, beloved dishes from their family of eateries (you know em Gemelli). Pair your favourite bottle with a woodfired pizza or a hearty pasta. Hell yeah!
Our pick: Bella Donna pizza
Where: 124 Pappas Way, Carrara
True to its name, Fire Baby brings heat and flavour in equal measure. Think hot-out-of-the-oven pizza washed down with an Inferno Mezcal Margarita! This Southport hotspot serves up woodfired pizzas, share plates, and cocktails in a seriously sleek space. It’s the kind of spot that quickly becomes your go-to, weeknights and weekends alike.
Our pick: Quattro Formaggi pizza
Where: 8-10 Welch Street, Southport
Rossa brings authentic Italian to Southport with blistered crust, doughy bases and fresh, flavourful toppings. Simple, rustic, and utterly delicious, it’s a place where the pizza does all the talking. Grab a glass of red, take a seat, and let the laid-back Italian atmosphere wash over you. For purists and casual diners alike, Rossa hits all the marks.
Our pick: Pepperoni Pizza (best seller)
Where: 59 Meron Street, Southport
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, Italian sausage, ham, mild salami, and oregano? Drool.
Our pick: Arca Salumi Pizza
Where: Where: Level 1, 84 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
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. Date night sorted!
Our pick: Fabio’s Pizza
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Lobby Level, Broadbeach
If you haven’t been to Gemelli in Broadbeach, are you even a true Gold Coaster? Rustic yet stylish, with handcrafted pizzas, house-made pasta, and a buzzing atmosphere, Gemelli nails Italian food with a modern twist. Authentic, flavour-packed, and full of heart, this is the kind of place Nonna would happily approve of.
Our pick: Patate Pizza
Where: 2/2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Double Zero is certified Neapolitan pizza heaven (fun fact: they were the first Neapolitan pizzeria in QLD). Think gorgeous woodfired pizza with leopard-spotted crust, cooked for just 90 seconds! Award-winning, authentic, and endlessly satisfying- this is where true pizza lovers go to geek out.
Our pick: Crudo Pizza
Where: 2/2715 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Two essentials in one place: award-winning pizza and gelato. Every woodfired dough pillow (aka, pizza) is bursting with flavour and fresh toppings, no matter which you choose. Then, you gotta finish strong with creamy house-made gelato. Or, you could finish stronger again with a Tartufo Di Pizzo (half hazelnut, half chocolate gelato, and filled with melted chocolate!). You don’t need to convince us.
Our pick: Al Salame Pizza and Nocciola gelato (2 scoops is a must)
Where: East Tower The Phoenician Building, Shop 10/104 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Sapori is a little slice of authentic Italy with a welcoming, cosy atmosphere and pizzas that showcase perfectly fermented, woodfired bases. The interior is just adorable, the toppings are generous, the wine list is solid, and the staff are friendly as they come. Needless to say, it’s a top choice for casual dinners or celebratory nights out. Sapori feels like that neighbour who always knows exactly how to make pizza perfect.
Our pick: Marg on Steroids Pizza
Where: Santa Cruz Village, 60 Santa Cruz Blvd, Clear Island Waters
They’ve built a loyal following so devoted, you’d think they were running a pizza cult (a cult we would happily be a part of)- fans happily trek across town just for their Franc Jnr’s fix. Famous for their thick Detroit-style slices, this spot oozes old-school charm. Walking in feels like stepping into a ’90s pizzeria where everything is unapologetically classic- retro vibes with bold flavours.
Our pick: White Boy Rick (that sesame crust lives in our dreams)
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach and 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Where do we even begin with Lenny Pizzeria & Bar? Let’s just say, their 72-hour fermented dough hits different—light, chewy, and full of flavour that’ll have you questioning every other slice you’ve ever had.
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 and Calamari Pizza served with confit garlic, parsley and lemon. You know the drill: two, four, six, eight…
Our pick: Fancy 4 Cheese
Where: 58 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
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 fantastic for several reasons, including a top-tier traditional pizza selection. To name just one, the long-standing fave, Margherita, which also comes in a 1/2 metre in size. You won’t be disappointed.
Our pick: Diavola Pizza
Where: 4/1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
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: 2/10 James St, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Pizza is the laid-back, old-school hero locals love. Big, cheesy slices that hit the spot every time, casual service, and a relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for takeaway to the beach or a simple night in. Stone-baked with local ingredients = seriously good pizza.
Our pick: Hawaiian (simple is just best, sometimes)
Where: 7/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Laid-back, intimate, and perfect at sundown – T’amero brings delicious pizza without the fuss, a lil fancy, and all the flavour. The vibe is welcoming, the pizza is consistently excellent, and the whole experience feels just a little special. Vino, crispy slices and sunset- yes please!
Our pick: Rustic Pizza
Where: 6 Treeview Dr, Burleigh Waters
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: Number 1 or Vegan Lovers
Where: 1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
A cosy and super 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: Peri Chicken Pizza
Where: 7/2 Eighth Ave, Palm Beach
One minute, we’re passing through Currumbin minding our own business, and the next, our mouths immediately commence watering at the mere sight of Tommy’s telltale red and white umbrellas 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.
Our pick: Caprina Pizza
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Cult fave pizza slinger Franc Jrs comes to Nobby Beach.
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.
Every pizza you will adore Crispy Italian Bar.
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.
You’re ‘shore’ to fall in love with Surfers Paradise’s La Calabrese at Ocean
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.
