If there’s one thing guaranteed to get Aussies fired up, it’s the age-old question: where can you find the best pizza in the country?
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of thin, crispy Roman bases or you swear by a pillowy Neapolitan crust, everyone has a favourite—and most of us are fiercely loyal to our local slice.
But now, after a hotly contested showdown, the debate has a new champion.
Australia’s inaugural Best Pizza Awards have just wrapped up, and the results are in. Nearly 50 of the nation’s top pizza chefs rolled up their sleeves and fired up their ovens at Food and Hospitality Week, a major industry event that brought together the best of the best.
The stakes were high, with three coveted titles up for grabs: Pizza Chef of the Year, Best Classic Pizza, and Best Creative Pizza.
Judging the competition was a panel of true pizza royalty, including former World No.1 Pizza Champion Johnny Di Francesco (of 400 Gradi fame) and award-winning pizzaiolo Daniel Semrani from Sydney’s Gigi Pizzeria.
So, who took out the top spot? Drumroll, please… The winner of the very first ‘Australia’s Best Pizza Award’ is none other than Emanuele Malara, the Sicilian-born maestro behind Ciccio’s Pizza and Gelato on the Gold Coast.
In a remarkable feat, Malara not only clinched the title for Best Classic Pizza but was also crowned Pizza Chef of the Year—all within just eight months of opening his Broadbeach pizzeria. Talk about making an entrance!
What set Malara’s pizza apart from the rest? His winning creation was a masterful twist on the classic marinara, inspired by legendary Neapolitan pizzaiolo Antonio Starita.
While he stayed true to the traditional base of tomato, oregano, and olive oil, Malara elevated his pie with a few clever additions: sweet datterino tomatoes (a prized variety of cherry tomato), a generous sprinkle of pecorino cheese, and a dash of black pepper.
The result? A pizza that’s both comfortingly familiar and tantalisingly new.
Malara’s journey to the top wasn’t without its challenges. ‘The biggest challenge was adaptability,’ he reflected.
‘I went from fermenting pizza dough at room temperature on the Gold Coast to 12-degree temperatures in Melbourne. Luckily, I have the knowledge and skill to adapt my approach, honed from making pizza for the last 24 years.’ That’s the kind of dedication you can taste in every bite.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Ciccio’s, you’ll find more than 40 wood-fired pizzas on the menu. The classic marinara is a must-try, featuring tomato sauce, fresh Australian chopped garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and oregano.
But the menu doesn’t stop there. Adventurous eaters can sample the Al Gamberi, topped with local cow mozzarella, prawns, housemade semi-dried tomatoes, and fresh stracciatella.
Or, for something truly unique, try Ciccio’s Favourite: carrot purée, pulled beef, pecorino, cherries, stracciatella, and mozzarella.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Double Choco dessert pizza, dripping with chocolate gelato, white chocolate glaze, and hazelnuts. Mamma mia, indeed!
Of course, the competition wasn’t just about tradition. The Best Creative Pizza award went to Chef Nicola Pellegrino from Ollie’s Italian in Cairns, proving that innovation is alive and well in Australia’s pizza scene.
And if you’re more of a burger buff, you’ll be pleased to know that Australia’s Best Burgers were also crowned over the same weekend—but that’s a story for another day.
So, what does this mean for pizza lovers across the country? For one, it’s a reminder that Australia’s pizza scene is thriving, with passionate chefs pushing the boundaries of what a humble slice can be.
Whether you’re a purist or a fan of bold new flavours, there’s never been a better time to explore your local pizzerias and discover your own favourite.
Now, we want to hear from you! Have you tried Ciccio’s Pizza and Gelato, or do you have a local spot you think deserves the crown? What’s your idea of the perfect pizza—classic and simple, or loaded with creative toppings? Share your thoughts, recommendations, and pizza memories in the comments below. Let’s keep the great pizza debate alive!
Also read: You won’t believe this pizza place’s outrageous new pizza topping!
