Australia’s 10 best pizzerias have just been announced and hot damn do we have a place to stay near each and every one of ‘em! Some folks travel for culture, some for enlightenment; but the very best travel for pizza munching.
The connoisseurs among us know that not all pizzas are made alike, and there’s a stark difference between the slimy slice you pick up at 3am while stumbling home and the game-changing creation you book a weekend away to enjoy. This article is about the latter, if you haven’t figured that out yet. Grab someone who appreciates piping hot cheese and dough as much as you, book yourself in for a couple of nights and make sure to pack pants with an elastic waistband.
View this post on Instagram
#1 - Beagles Pizza, Airlie Beach
Taking out the top gong really speaks for itself. Diners report an "old school pizza" experience, focused on beautiful ingredients and a whole lotta love. We reckon this one is best eaten as a take away, so grab a bottle of wine on your way back to Airlie Beach YHA, kick your feet up, get your hands dirty - and make sure you book at least two nights to recover from the certain food coma.
View this post on Instagram
#2 - Il Buco, Byron Bay
There's very little that Byron doesn't do well - and pizza is no exception. Il Buco is a little hole in the wall that'll transport you to Naples, Italy while maintaining the effervescent laid-back nature of the Bay. Crash at Byron Bay YHA or Cape Byron YHA to make the most of this glorious corner of the world, which is also Australia's most easterly point!
View this post on Instagram
#3 - Station Bar & Wood-Fired Pizza, Katoomba
This baby is for those of us who like something a little bit exotic. From crocodile to kangaroo, each of the pizzas are named after a nearby town, and are each as delectable as the next. Stay at Blue Mountains YHA to make the most of this small town energy overlooking the huge Blue Mountains National Park.
View this post on Instagram
#4 - El Capitano Pizzeria & Bar, Noosa
Like all things in Noosa, El Capitano's pizza is just that little bit fancy. The 72-hour fermented soudough crust sets the scene for the truly gorgeous quality ingredients to shine, creating a bloody sensation in your mouth hole. Stay at Noosa Heads YHA, who just won Adventure Tourism Awards’ Best Accommodation Australia 2018 (by the way), to keep the good times alive!
View this post on Instagram
#5 - Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney
Sydneysiders have long loved Frankie's as an unexpected after-work drinks and slice spot; with loud bands and even louder decorations creating a buzzing, exciting atmosphere - no matter if you're there on a Friday or a Monday! Check it out for yourself while staying at Sydney Harbour YHA, that is if you can pry yourself away from their jaw-dropping view of the Harbour!
View this post on Instagram
#6 - Sam’s Pizzeria on the Waterfront, Batemans Bay
There's something so tasty about life on the South Coast, that salty, laid-back vibe that can't be emulated. Perhaps that's what makes Sam's pizza so. bloody. tasty. Stay at Batemans Bay YHA while you try to put your finger on just what makes it so brilliant.
View this post on Instagram
#7 - Emerald Beach Pizza & Pasta, Coffs Harbour
With such juicy, zingy, cheesy toppings usually comes a soggy base - which is just not acceptable for the team at Emerald Beach Pizza & Pasta! If you like your bottoms cripsy but your tops dripping, this is the one for you. If you like your days relaxed and sun-drenched - then stay at Coffs Harbour YHA
View this post on Instagram
#8 - DOC Pizza & Mozerella Bar, Melbourne
C'mon guys, could there be a foodie listicle without a Melbournian inclusion? Short answer: no. Longer answer: one taste of DOC's signature buffalo mozerella and you'll wonder why you've been eating anything else in your life. Melbourne Central YHA or Melbourne Metro YHA are the places to stay for a few nights, because you'll 100% be booking in a return visit.
View this post on Instagram
#9 - Pizza Boccone, Sydney
In these days of over-seasoning and over-stimulation, do you know what really sticks out? Simple food, done well. And Pizza Boccone does it oh-so-well. Stay at Bondi Beachouse YHA for a few nights, perched above Tamarama beach, salt in your hair and sun in your face; appreciating the simple life. Ahhh.
View this post on Instagram
#10 - Gigi Pizzeria, Sydney
In a potentially controversial move, this is a cheese-less Pizzeria. Take a breath and bear with us. In the traditional Neapolitan method, cheese is left off to let the subtle but stunning flavours - garlic, basil, and a lot of extra virgin olive oil - take centre stage. Pair it with an Aperitivi beverage and you've got a fan in us! Stay at Sydney Central YHA or Railway Square YHA to base yourself smack bang in the middle of the city.