When you’re on the hunt for the best pizza in Sydney, the choices can feel endless. From wood-fired Neapolitan pies to thick Sicilian squares and creative vegetarian combinations, Sydney has become one of Australia’s best cities for pizza lovers. The challenge is knowing where to start. This article breaks down what makes a great pizza, where locals go for a perfect slice, and what trends are shaping the city’s pizza scene right now.
What is the best pizza in Sydney?
It pays to know what Australians typically look for when they mention the best pizza in Sydney prior to going into the pizzerias.
- A nice crust: A good foundation either makes or breaks a pizza. It must be chewy with a bit of crisp and flavour from good fermentation of dough.
- Good toppings: Fresh ingredients matter. Top pizzerias tend to use San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and locally sourced vegetables and meats.
- The oven and cooking style:Wood-fired ovens are currently popular for their smoky flavour and quick cooking time, which creates a charred edge.
- Balance and restraint: The best pizzas don’t overload the base. Every topping has a purpose and gets on with the others.
- Atmosphere and service: A welcoming, relaxed atmosphere and quality service enhance the whole experience.
Where to find the best pizza in Sydney?
Sydney’s pizza scene is thriving, with excellent places to find it all around town. Here are some of the most popular spots to try:
1. Westwood Pizza, Newtown
With their wood-fired process and fermented dough, Westwood Pizza has attained cult status. Their menu is brief but well selected, with seasonal toppings that are meant to highlight the freshest produce.
2. Queen Margherita of Savoy, Cronulla
For a true Neapolitan experience, head to Queen Margherita of Savoy. Their classic Margherita is plain but unforgettable, with a perfectly blistered crust and a faultless balance of tomato and cheese.
3. Pizza Madre, Marrickville
This inner-west treasure is perfect for vegetarians and for those who like strong, creative flavours.
4. La Coppola, Redfern
For crispy, light bases and Sicilian-style pizzas, try La Coppola. Their slices are large, the flavours intense, and the atmosphere laid back and friendly.
5. Epic Pizza, Enmore
Great for late-night eats or casual get-togethers, Epic Pizza serves pizza by the slice as well as whole pies.
6. Dimitri’s Pizzeria, Darlinghurst
The pizzas are served hot from their wood-fired oven, and the cosy setting makes it a great date-night spot.
7. Rosso Pomodoro, Bondi Junction
This seaside favourite sticks to traditional Italian traditions. They ferment their dough, keep their toppings fresh, and deliver their pizzas to be shared after a day at the beach.
Best pizza styles in Sydney
- Neapolitan pizza: Soft, lightly burnt crust with minimal toppings.
- Sicilian pizza: Thick, square-cut pizza with a bread texture. Ideal for sharing or for anyone requiring a more filling meal.
- Modern innovative pizza: Sydney chefs have no hesitation in experimenting, using native Australian ingredients, homemade sauce, and unexpected toppings.
- Classic Italian family: Style pizza; ideal for a relaxed night out with friends or family. Get used to plentiful toppings and a convivial, welcoming atmosphere.
Tips for discovering your own personal favourite
While Sydney does have established pizzerias all over the city, half the fun is finding your own favourite.
- Start with the basics: Try a Margherita first. A good Margherita is the mark of a quality pizzeria.
- Look for the oven: Wood- or stone-fuelled ovens often indicate a concern with quality and tradition.
- Talk to locals: Locals are more likely to be familiar with secrets that fail to appear on every “best pizza in Sydney” list.
- Try suburbs: Each suburb has a pizza culture, from inner-west sourdough specialists to beachside Bondi ones.
- Pay attention to the dough: A flavourful, chewy base often suggests that the restaurant uses slow fermentation, which boosts flavour and texture.
Price and value
Sydney pizza is affordable for nearly every budget. Takeaways start around $20, and fancier restaurants charge more than $40 for gourmet pizzas topped with imported ingredients. The secret is finding value — good ingredients, reasonable service, and a well-cooked pizza will always feel worth it.
Sydney’s emerging pizza trends
Sydney’s pizza scene keeps evolving, and two trends are worth noting:
- More fermentation of longer dough is the way to produce lighter, more aromatic bases.
- Plant-based and vegan pizzas are universally accessible, from good dairy-free cheese to creative toppings.
- Australian ingredients that are locally sourced are turning up on menus, from native greens right through to locally cured meats.
Creative blends like seafood pizzas, spicy sauces, and creative flavour blends are popular with young consumers.
Conclusion
Searching for good pizzas in the wonderful city of Sydney is indeed an adventure for the taste buds. Throw in a little exploration, trying and comparing, till you find your favourite. It has thrived for a long time in Sydney, with doting chefs, great-quality ingredients, and a marriage of both the old-school and new-style pizzas. Next time the mood strikes, search one of the above pizzerias or try it out locally — your best pizza in Sydney could be right around your street.
