Australia’s best pizzas and where to find them

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.

Drum roll please...

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A post shared by Carl Nield (@nield92) on May 21, 2018 at 3:41am PDT

#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. 

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A post shared by Il Buco Byron Bay (@ilbucobyronbay) on May 28, 2018 at 6:49am PDT

#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!

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#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. 

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#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! 

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A post shared by Liz (@fraubetty) on Nov 10, 2018 at 4:24am PST

#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! 

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A post shared by Sams Pizzeria, Batemans Bay (@samspizzeria) on Jun 30, 2018 at 11:58pm PDT

#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.

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A post shared by Emerald Beach Pizza and Pasta (@emeraldbeachpizzapasta) on Aug 31, 2018 at 5:43pm PDT

#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

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#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. 

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#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.  

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#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.