The round-up: here’s a slice-by-slice guide to the Gold Coast’s best pizza
Franc Jrs, Coolangatta and Nobby Beach: Pizza paramours travel from far and wide to devour a slice (tray) of Franc Jrs famous Detroit-style deep-dish pizza. While the original Franc Jrs in Cooly adopts a more casual, takeaway-focused, order-at-the-counter vibe, the brand-new Lavarack location offers fast-and-fun table service, allowing diners to slide into the leather booths and explore the booze offering a little more – think fun wines, Franc’s own locally brewed beer, margaritas and cups of frozen limoncello. No bookings, just add your name to the pizza box at the front.
Lenny Pizzeria & Bar, Mudgeeraba: There’s been a lot of talk about Lenny lately, which is not at all surprising given the venue’s pedigree – Lenny Pizzeria & Bar is the latest culinary offering from Robert Morwood, one of the original founders of Burleigh Heads institution Justin Lane, alongside fellow chef Oliver Botha, who worked as an apprentice in the early days of the beachside establishment. Credited for breathing new life into the suburb’s village green, Lenny’s is booked to capacity almost nightly so best get in early if you want to nab a spot.
Goccia, Mermaid Beach: This is the real deal – if you haven’t had an authentic Italian experience at Goccia, you need to rectify the situation immediately. Order a glass of Italian vino then settle in as your white or red-based pizza is fired in the oven. Hot tip – the Bosco with mozzarella, porcini mushroom, blue cheese and prosciutto is pretty life-changing.
Matteo’s, Clear Island Waters: The neighbourhood Italian has quickly become a cult favourite among locals, with the quaint trattoria serving up woodfired delights with a splash of homestyle charm. Although Matteo’s dishes up a mouth-watering array of Italian favourites, the Neapolitan-style pizza with signature Roman crunch is the epitome of delicious dining. The mortadella on a white base is a banger!
Crispy Italian Bar, Burleigh Heads: The word ‘authentic’ gets bandied around a little too liberally these days, but Burleigh Heads’ Italian bar Crispy is well and truly worthy of such a descriptor. The venue is the handiwork of mates Matteo Tricarico and Riccardo Proserpio, who wanted to share their cuisine and culture and fill the panini-shaped void in our collective hearts with mouth-watering Italian cuisine, coffee at any time of the day, perfect pizza and aperitivos at sunset. See for yourself why it’s earned a spot on the list.
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Sogno Italiano, Mermaid Waters and Burleigh Waters: When Sogno Italiano opened its doors in Mermaid Waters almost two years ago, the response from the local pizza-loving populace was an immediate and resounding yes. Fast-forward a couple of years and tables in the suburban 55-seater are just as in demand as the day they opened, prompting owners and cousins Sushil and Prajwol Maharjan to scope a second spot just a pizza-toss from their original Mermaid Waters home. One of the main drawcards of the new Burleigh Waters venue is an impressive woodfired oven that churns out perfectly crisp crusts.
Bar Evelyn, Coolangatta: Occupying an unassuming nook along Surf Parade in Coolangatta the moody and intimate wine-centric pizza bar delivers a succinct menu of snacks and share plates and, of course, pizzas. While the debate continues to rage as to whether pineapple has a place on pizza, here it does, but not in the way you expect. Order the spicy jalapeno and pineapple to see for yourself.
T’amerò, Burleigh Waters: If you love the idea of sundowners that slide merrily into pizza-filled evenings, T’amerò in Burleigh Waters is just the place you’ve been searching for. The neighbourhood locale was closed temporarily last year, but thankfully we didn’t have to wait too long in between slices as the crew behind Toro’s Pizza in Palm Beach took the helm. The pizza pals wasted no time giving the menu a little spruce to include a selection of starters, an expanded pizza offering as well as some seriously tasty slushie margs.
Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads: As one of the originals on the GC pizza scene – you’re guaranteed a good munch here, with sourdough pizzas in delightful combinations like meatball-topped with pork, fennel and chilli. The cabbage, mint, peas, chilli, aioli, radish and ricotta salad is a great vibe on the side.
Arlo’s Pizzeria, Chevron Island: For a casual bite or a takeaway pizza pie, Arlo’s is a no-brainer. The perfectly crisp bases are handcrafted and topped with a range of flavours from traditional Italian to more modern combinations, with a bunch of weekly specials thrown in to keep you guessing. Bring your own bottle of vino, kick back and let the masters do their thing.
Balboa Italian, Palm Beach: Of an evening, Palm Beach locals are often met with the mesmerising aroma of delicious hand-rolled dough bases dressed with cheeses, garlic and cured meats all bubbling away in the woodfired oven. The pizzas here are rustic, authentic and best consumed with a bold red (or three).
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Osteria del Mare, Burleigh Heads: This seaside hub in Burleigh slings delicious woodfired Italian pizzas. The combinations are kept simple and delicious – think tomato, mozzarella and hot salami – are there gluten-free and vegan options galore. It’s about as simple and delicious as pizza can be.
Gemellini, Gemelli and Roy’s by Gemelli: If you’re talking pizza on the Gold Coast (or Brisbane), it’s hard to go past the Gemelli group of restaurants. Coming from a family of Italian heritage, the brothers were brought up to appreciate good food and Italian culture, which has translated into a refined, authentic offering.
Bread and Butter, Kirra: If you know, you know. If you don’t, do yourself a favour and pull up a seat to make your way through Bread and Butter’s piping-hot selection of pizzas. We could go on, but some things just need to be experienced first-hand.
Double Zero, Coolangatta and Robina Town Centre: Specialising in authentic Italian food made with love, these two sister venues feature a relaxed and welcoming disposition and rustic charm. The state-of-the-art pizza ovens (which have been flown in from Italy) churn out a seriously moreish range of pizzas that achieve that perfect balance between crispness and crust. Just trust on this one and wrap your mitts around a slice post-haste.
Luna’s Pizza & Wine, Broadbeach: If you too have a soft spot for a slice, check out Luna’s Pizza & Wine, the sibling to Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar. The Broadbeach beauty slings perfectly charred wood-fired pizza pies that sit somewhere between the super-thin Napoli style and the slightly crispier Roman style. The menu has been designed to encapsulate the Italian way of dining, with every meal cause for celebration.
Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads: Fact – pizzas are best enjoyed with beachfront views. If you’re yet to taste The Pav’s woodfired pizzas, then get it on your list of to-dos. We generally go straight for the mortadella, fior di latte, stracciatella, spiced pistachio and basil variety (because mortadella is life) and there’s also the must-try woodfired-pig calzone jammed with preserved veggies, zucchini and fermented chilli sauce.
Cucina Vivo, Broadbeach: Cucina Vivo at The Star Gold Coast is inspired by Italy’s rich food culture and dishes up authentic classics and inspired new favourites – all in a cheerful, relaxed setting overlooking the pristine tropical pool. The venue’s impressive woodfired pizza oven provides an eye-catching centrepiece, and on a balmy evening you can’t go past dinner on the open terrace. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a casual dinner with family or celebrating a special occasion, Cucina Vivo is the perfect place to share great food and conversation.
Aviary Rooftop Bar, Southport: Perched high in the sky at Southport is where you’ll find some of the best pizza on the Gold Coast at Aviary Rooftop Bar. Aviary dishes up a refined menu of authentic woodfired pizza with menu heroes including the cheekily named Risky Brisket (Crème fraiche base, Tuscan prawns, slow cooked beef brisket, smoked pancetta, wild mushrooms, crispy garlic, scamorza) and Pump It Up! (Roast pumpkin base, sage, pine nuts, plant-based mozzarella, caramelised onion, radicchio, balsamic glaze, vegan parmesan). Just be sure to also grab a starter of Cardie Brie (baked brie, truffle honey, walnuts, cranberry, thyme and toasted fig bread).
Jafa, Southport: Is there anything better in life than pizza and wine? This dreamy combination forms the core of Jafa, with pizza kept to the simplest form. The hand-stretched bases are dressed with combinations like pepperoni, tomato and mozzarella, truffled mushrooms on a ricotta base with peas and thyme, and wagyu meatballs with mozzarella and zucchini, before being fired to perfection.
Salt Meats Cheese, Surfers Paradise: If you’re into all-things cheese and have a genuine love for pizza (and pasta) then Salt Meats Cheese will be your nirvana. Choose from a decent selection of classic pizzas or get a little bit exotic with the signature range featuring combinations like the Black Lobster with an eye-catching squid-ink base, fior di latte, lobster, provolone, garlic oil and thyme.
Mr PP’s, Southport: Rather than offering 20 different options, Mr PP’s rooftop bar in Southport does things a little differently and offers a handful of base options that you can build upon to create your perfect pizza. Add olives, salami and extra garlic, please and thank you.
Pizza-loving pals, that is just a slice of the Gold Coast’s pizza offering! There are plenty of top-notch pizzas being thrown around all corners of the Gold Coast. Once you’ve eaten through this list, be sure to check out local faves like La Calabrese, Modo Mio at Pacific Fair, Belvedere Stonemill, Enzo’s Cucina, JFK Woodfire Kitchen & Bar, Pastel & Bossa, Slice Pizzeria, That’s Amore, Stoked Wood Fired Pizza, Mario’s Italian, to name just a few. Did we forget your fave? Shoot us a line at [email protected].