Where to Find the Best Pizza on the Gold Coast

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If you love pizza (and honestly, who doesn’t?) then we’ve got good news. The Gold Coast boasts some top notch pizzerias where quality ingredients, fresh flavours, melty cheese and the perfect base combine for a truly tasty experience. From authentic Italian trattorias to local take away favourites, we’ve put together a list of some of Gold Coast's favourite places to feast on perfect pizza.

 

 

 

Franc Jrs - Nobby Beach & Palm Beach

A local institution, Franc Jrs has blessed the Gold Coast with two locations - one in Nobby Beach and a newly opened venue in Palm Beach. Both venues channel and old-school, New York diner vibes with low lighting, booth seats and wood panelling and both venues serve up the most perfect pizzas - handcrafted, woodfired and damn delicious - on metal trays and greaseproof paper. Choose from the rectangle Detroit-style slabs with delectable crispy edges or traditional round pizzas (13 or 16 inch) - actually, it’s probably wise to sample one of each. Toppings are flavour-forward combinations that send your tastebuds singing.

The dine-in restaurants take bookings for groups of 5 - 12, but accommodate walk-ins. If the place is full when you arrive, you put your name on the waiting list. Take a beach stroll or enjoy an aperitif at a nearby bars until you’re notified your table is ready. Otherwise, you can order take away online, pick up and head to the beach for a pizza picnic.

Must try: Jaloppy Poppy - Tomato sauce, hot pepperoni, sausage, sweet pickled jalapenos and fior di latte.

Location: Nobby Beach: 32 Lavarack Ave, Mermaid Beach (closed Mondays) / Palm Beach: 27/ 1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach ( closed Sundays and Mondays)

 

Fire Baby - Southport

Fire Baby in Southport is where laid-back Italian dining meets a lively, modern atmosphere.  The stylish venue pairs warm timber finishes, glowing open flames and a buzzing bar with the inviting feel of a neighbourhood pizzeria. 

Tuck into tasty, authentic Napoli-style wood-fired pizzas, cooked using traditional techniques and topped with premium ingredients. Expect perfectly blistered, chewy bases, vibrant toppings and just the right balance of smoky flavour from the wood-fired oven. Keep it simple with  classic combinations or try something a little more adventurous. Either way, Fire Baby serves up pizzas that are packed with flavour and best enjoyed alongside a cocktail or local craft beer in the restaurant's vibrant setting. 

Must try: La Gabby - Mozzarella, roast potato, pancetta, honey, toasted walnuts 

Location: 10 Welch St, Southport

 

Lenny's Pizzeria & Bar - Mudgeeraba

Lenny’s is located in a charming heritage-style building, with tables set out on an alfresco terrace overlooking the village green. It’s laid-back dining at its best. This pizzeria has gained a cult following due to the incredible quality of the food, and the divine bases made from 72-hour fermented dough, which created a unique taste and texture. 

Perfectly blistered with  woodfired flavour, these are pizzas you’ll dream about after you’ve eaten the lot. There are small plates and salads on the menu too and they mix a mean cocktail. Perfect to sip on while you try and decide what you’re going to order. Word from the wise - be sure to sample the tiramisu.

Must try: Meatball Hero - Red Base, Lenny’s Meatballs, Vodka Sauce, Pepita Seed Pesto, Pickled Red Onion, Fresh Basil, Grana Padano

Location:5/58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba (closed Sundays and Mondays)

 

Arlo's Pizzeria - Chevron Island

A local favourite in Chevron Island, Arlo's Pizzeria is a family-run restaurant named after the owner's son, serving up authentic Italian comfort food in a relaxed neighbourhood setting. And it’s BYO! While the menu features everything from fresh salads to hearty pastas, it's the sourdough pizzas that steal the show. 

Each hand-shaped base is made using traditional Italian techniques, creating a crust that's light, crisp and full of flavour. Choose from a rich homemade pomodoro sauce or white cheese sauce for your base, and a selection of premium, sustainably sourced ingredients on top.  Every bite of Arlo's sourdough pizzas is a delicious reminder that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.

Try: Margherita - the simple things are often the best!

Location: Shop 2, 46 - 50 Thomas Dr, Chevron Island (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) 

 

Pappa Rolly’s - Carrara

Part of the Gemelli’s empire (the Carney brothers have six Italian venues across Gold Coast and Brisbane) Pappa Rolly’s come from a fine European pedigree. The laid-back trattoria-style restaurant has built a loyal following thanks to its generous, flavour-packed pizzas, home style Italian cuisine and welcoming family-friendly atmosphere. 

The menu brings together the most-loved traditional dishes from all of the Gemelli venues including hand made pasta, sides and salads, and premium pizzas that will have your mouth watering while you wait for them to cook in the woodfired oven. Take away is available but book a table in the rustic restaurant and enjoy a long meal with loved ones to really embrace the Italian culture. Pappa Rolly’s in BYO wine only. 

Must try: Bella Donna - San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, hot salami, burrata, hot n’duja honey 

Location: 124 Pappas Way, Carrara (closed Mondays)

Cucina Vivo - Broadbeach

Located on the Lobby Level of The Star Gold Coast, Cucina Vivo brings a taste of Italy to Broadbeach. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, this is a popular spot for lovers of pizza, pasta and Italian fare. Italians are known for their love of simple, traditional dishes made with the finest seasonal ingredients. And that’s exactly what you can look forward to here. Delicious pizzas emerge piping hot and perfectly cook from the huge woodfire oven that is the centrepiece of the kitchen. And there’s gluten-free bases available too so everyone can eat their fill. 

Must try:  Funghi & Prosciutto - mushrooms, fior di latte, Prosciutto, basil, Provolone 

Where: Lobby Level, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

 

Justin Lane - Burleigh Heads 

Something of an institution in Burleigh, Justin Lane has been slinging supremely good woodfired pizzas since 2011. The Italian restaurants has evolved to take over two levels of the venue, including an epic rooftop bar where locals love to gather for sundowners and good times. Dining in is delightful  but we recommend getting pizzas from the takeaway window and heading to nearby Burleigh Hill for the ultimate Gold Coast sunset experience.

Must try: Justin’s bbq smokehouse, smoked beef brisket, housemade bbq sauce, red onion, provolone, buffalo mozzarella, charred corn salsa, pickle yoghurt 

Location: 1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads 

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