There are very few things in life better than a traditional pizza straight out of a woodfired oven and made with a whole lot of Italian love. Except maybe a smorgasbord of cheeses and also handcrafted pasta topped with all of the Parmesan. Actually, we love them all equally.

Which is why it absolutely warms our hearts to bring you news of a brand new Italian deli that recently opened in Palm Beach by people whose work you already know and love.

It’s Pepé Italia Deli by yes, the team who gifted us Burleigh’s Pepé Italia in early 2017, so you know it’s going to live up to your highest expectations.

The newbie can be found in Palmy’s brand new refurbished shopping precinct Pavilions, on the highway and it’s the first restaurant to open its doors there. With street frontage, plenty of natural light and happy Italians scattered throughout, it’s a place you’re going to want to spend a bit of time.

Inside you’ll find cabinets filled with a variety of cheeses and dried meats (both local and imported form Italy) and fridges packed with homemade pasta and pre-prepared meals like lasagna and meatballs (oh my) you can take home and pretend you made. Which is exactly what we’re going to do.

The deli is a more casual, pared back version of the Burleigh restaurant but the dishes on offer are quite similar.

On the Antipasti menu, everything was a taste sensation but we particularly loved the Wagyu Bresaola with Wagyu beef, shaved parmigiano, reggiano, rocket and lemon juice – so so tasty.

Pasta-wise, everything is made in-house and while you should probably sample every single dish, we were quite partial to the Ricotta e Spinaci with spinach and ricotta, agnolotti, butter, sage and parmesan cheese and Paccheri Positano with clams, mussels, baby calamari, prawns, barramundi, cherry tomatoes and Napoli sauce. Both absolutely stunning.

In terms of pizza, you obviously can’t go wrong especially where Pepé Italia is concerned. If we had to choose one, it would be the Tropea with San Marzano tomato, fresh buffalo mozzarella, prawns, basil, garlic and chilli. Very fresh and very delicious.

Let’s not forget the desserts and if you’ve ever had an Italian dessert you’ll know they cannot be skipped. There’s homemade Tiramisu, Cannoli Siciliana and Semi Frozen Dark Chocolate to name a few and they’re the perfect accompaniment to a pizza and pasta feast (obviously).

Of course there isn’t a single thing on the menu we would eat over and over again so choose your own adventure and prepare to be wowed.

If you’d like a little tipple to go with your experience, all your favourite cocktails are on offer as well as beer and wine of both the Australian and Italian persuasions.

Perhaps the best news of all though is Sunday Apertivo – a tradition in Italy where everyone gathers on a Sunday afternoon for drinks and the venue provides the food. Which is exactly what’s going to happen at Pepé Italia Deli every Sunday. It’s the Italian version of a Sunday session and everyone’s invited.

Perfection has moved into Palm Beach Gold Coasters, get down there for some good old fashioned hospitality.

LOCATION: Pavilions Palm Beach, 10 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
HOURS: 11am until late Wednesday to Saturday and 11am until 8pm Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Over the past couple of years Palm Beach (or Palmy as it’s affectionately known) has well and truly been embracing it’s new found cool kid status.

While we can’t pinpoint the exact moment it officially transformed to ‘it’ suburb, lucky locals have been living large of late, with the emergence of all the beachside haunts to frolic between (though they do have to compete a little more for parking these days).

While in years gone by, the only thing reliably making Palmy a ‘must stop’ destination was a quiet-ish (albeit stunning) beach, and the high chance of catching a red on the way through. With an influx of laidback eateries, noteworthy restaurants, swanky bars and luxe boutiques popping up left right and centre, there’s never any shortage of things to do. These days, we can think of at least 17 epic reasons that make this buzzing suburb THE place to be.

Las Palmas
Overlooking the ocean with the perfect pastel palette, Las Palmas is bringing Latin America to Palm Beach with a share-style menu, made up of mouthwatering flavours and a fresh cocktail list to match. Head in there for a Sunday arvo session or long lunch with your loves. It’ll be your new summer fave for sure.
Where: Level 1, 1097 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Scottish Prince
Tucked away, all moody low-lit with wild times written all over it, The Scottish Prince, sister venue of The Cambus Wallace and is one of the best drinking holes we have here on the Coast. It’s primarily a whisky bar boasting over 300 varieties of the tasty tipple plus a perfectly complementary menu including Steak & Ale Pies, Scotch fillets, fish and chips and on Sunday nights, an authentic Taste of Scotland tasting menu. All the very best things. Get in.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Palm Beach Farmers Market
The Gold Coast is home to many an impressive farmers market and one of our absolute favourites can be found in Palmy on Saturday mornings. From 6am at Palm Beach Currumbin High School you’ll find fresh local produce, artisan foods, specialty coffee, epic doughnuts, flowers, dog treats, the lot. The perfect way to spend a weekend morning.
Where: Thrower Drive, Palm Beach

Frida Sol
Margaritas and Mexi-eats are some of our favourite things and happily, they’re on offer at Palmy’s delightful upstairs space, Frida Sol. There’s a chilli margarita that’ll knock your socks off and if you perch outside on the deck, a balmy ocean breeze – the combination of which will remind you exactly why you live on the Gold Coast. The perfect time.
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Pirate Park
Those with little ones will attest to the fact that the Pirate Park is up there with the best on the Coast. Located right near the water, the park far exceeds anything you ever got to play on as a kid with a pirate ship stuck in the sand and upended wine barrels perfect for all day climbing. If you don’t have any babes, Dune Café is close by as is the sparkling ocean and a dog beach on Currumbin Creek that’s always good for a laugh.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach (on the left before the Currumbin Creek bridge)

The Collective
No doubt you’ve already set foot inside The Collective more than once and why wouldn’t you with five restaurants to choose from? Open for lunch and dinner, you can stay all day and, as it’s a communal dining setting, you’re bound to make some new friends along the way. So, if you’re in the mood for pizza and tacos, head to The Collective, order both and wash it all down with a cocktail at the rooftop bar.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

White Bohemian
It’s every local boho babe’s dream come true. Opened in 2013, White Bohemian stocks all your favourite hippy-esque labels including GD brand Kivari, Byron Bay cult-fave labels SPELL and Arnhem. These guys were one of the first to bring us the magic of the laid-back luxe aesthetic before the #boho trend took over the world (and our wallets), so we trust them and their epic curation of all things effortless style endlessly. There’s homewares too so, you know, prepare to spend up.
Where: Cnr Seventh Avenue and Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Balboa Italian
It goes without saying that if you’ve ever driven through Palm Beach, you’ve definitely laid eyes on Balboa Italian. The beautifully appointed double-storey brick building is in a class of its own serving classic Italian dishes with modern interpretations and the freshest of flavours. It’s worth a visit just to experience the fitout, complete with overhead Vespa and exposed brick walls. The cocktails are unique and the wine selection varied. It’s all good to be honest, get down there.
Where:1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Espresso Moto
It’s a cafe crossed with a motorbike workshop and the home of the best banana smoothies on the Gold Coast. That’s right, the best. There is not a single thing not to love about Espresso Moto from their very delicious breakfast goods (the brekky burritos are the bomb), to their use of Allpress coffee and the ever-friendly staff who always say g’day. There’s also a communal dog bed and the beach is right around the corner. So yeah, it’s the best.
Where: 1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Suga
A somewhat secret cocktail bar, tucked away on the Gold Coast Hwy, Suga specialises in rum and good times and if you’re keen on either or both of those you should absolutely get down there. They have an impressive cocktail menu plus plenty of epic wines (pet nats, yes please) and beers so no matter what, you’re gonna love it.
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Good Day Coffee Palm Beach
Launching a cafe in a hip and happening suburb surrounded by competition stiffer than a morning espresso is not for the faint of heart – but ever since they branched out from their OG Tugun location late last year, locals and weary travellers alike have unanimously agreed it’s always a good day for Good Day Coffee Palm Beach. Friendly faces serving Blackboard coffee and other staples like pastries and goat’s fetta laden smashed avo toast – we could easily eat and drink here every day. The epitome of simple eats, and great coffee, done well.
Where: 1073 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Ritual Yoga & Pilates
Found upstairs in a sunlit space oozing chill vibes is Ritual Yoga & Pilates. Owned by sisters Rose and Sophie, Ritual is only a couple of years old but has already become a favourite amongst both Palm Beach locals and those who reside in surrounding suburbs. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation (or a solid sweat session), Ritual is calling your name.
Where: 9b Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Palm Beach Ave
PBA is one of those gems that so quickly won our hearts that we seem to forget this pretty-in-pink art deco stunner is only relatively new to Palmy’s ever-growing strip of uber-cool beachside hangouts. One of those venues where it’s 10’s all round, the tropical luxe, chandelier-laden interiors have us swooning every time, and we can never seem to get enough of the knockout food and cocktails (no matter how much we regret it the next morning). Plus they do bottomless brunch, so, need we say more?
Where: 6 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Tank Bar & Dining
We can never seem to talk about Tank without the urge to get, well… tanked, which is some fairly genius subliminal marketing if you ask us. In our defense, what else are we supposed to do in a cracking little craft beer bar? We’re certainly not there to lick stamps.

The 10 rotating craft beer taps offers a nice mix of local and international brews, and the laid-back vibes of a modern beach shack style bar a hops, skip and a jump from the ocean are pretty hard to beat. Plus, with two levels, there’s plenty of primo spots to perch up, catch the sea breeze and watch the GC Hwy go by.
Where: 1166 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Toro’s Pizza
As we’ve probably already well established by this point, us Gold Coasters are big suckers for a cute fit-out. It’s hard to tell if it’s the perfectly peachy-pink interiors, or the Italian aromas wafting from the kitchen that keep us coming back to Toro’s Pizza like moths to a flame. And spoiler alert: it’s definitely the latter, since there are few smells that compare to that of a freshly baked, still bubbling wood-fired pizza. Carbs, cheese, more cheese, and BYO – this place is what Italian dreams are made of.
Where: Shop 7/2 Eighth Ave, Palm Beach

Costa Taco
Overcoming the momentary temptation to leave this one out (in hopes of greedily keeping more of those highly coveted tables all for ourselves) – but no list about epic Palmy spots would be complete with such a glaring omission. Dishing up authentic Mexican eats, the menu is short but sweet, sticking only to their specialities with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Any day featuring beachside, street-style tacos like the zesty Birria Beef (complete with signature consommé to dip), and a coconut marg (because marg) is a very bueno day indeed.
Where: 1136 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Canvas Palm Beach
Who doesn’t love starting their day with a visit to their friendly local barista, with a leisurely peruse of some hand crafted homewares on the side #theperfectmorningdoesexist. And hey, if some of the latter – such as a candle that smells like bliss in a jar, or some cute ceramics – happen to come home with us along with a great cup of coffee, we’ll happily take the dopamine hit while we’re doing out bit to #supportsmall.

For Palmy locals the cute digs and delightful café fare are a definite draw card, but for parents the park proximity makes this spot unparalleled – along with the blissful moment’s peace and quiet babycino buys.

(And yes, we stopped being cool right around the same time we started caring about babycinos and where the good parks are.)
Where: Shop 3, Magnoli Building, 1338 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Words by Kellie Leader.

A food that needs zero introduction – pizza is Italy’s gift to the world that just keeps on giving (to our happiness levels and waistlines, mainly). From office parties to cozy date nights, this god-tier culinary creation is the celebratory cornerstone of gatherings everywhere. We can think of no occasion that isn’t improved by the addition of this beloved Italian staple…. and if there is, we don’t wanna know about it.

A dish steeped in tradition; pizza is divisive as it is delicious. Team crispy, or team chewy and chonky, deep dish style?  Then there’s the question of the toppings – to olive, or not to olive? – and don’t even get us started on pineapple!

Heck, even trying to narrow down which of our fine establishments serve the best slice is a controversial endeavour. Which is why we’ve compiled this trusty guide to all the most legit GC pizza joints in whom pizza-loving locals eternally crust.

Here are 17 of the best, from North to South, so you can dig in without delay (okay maybe just a little delay, molten hot cheese is no joking matter).

Mozza Mozza
We mean, you only need to cop a look at the whopper wood-fired oven sitting pride of place to know these guys mean business. Mozza Mozza sure knows how to sling a mean Margherita… and Capricciosa and Diavola and… yeah, you catch our drift (they also throw the best discotheque-themed, spritz-studded bottomless brunch going, but we digress…)

Offering a playful, family style vibe, Mozza Mozza dishes up insanely good Italian feasts with a side of groovy disco beats on the daily. Local hospo legend Dave Galvin has again bestowed unto northern Gold Coasters absolute gem of a spot where good vibes and even better slice is a given. Get down on a Thursday for the ‘Pizza Party’ to end all pizza parties.
Our pick: Hawaiiana (fight us)
Where: Located inside Southport Sharks, Cnr. Olsen & Musgrave Ave, Southport

La Calabrese at Ocean
Situated right next to the pristine beach, La Calabrese at Ocean is all about traditional Italian ingredients with a modern twist. The pizzas in particular are food-gasmic, and if you don’t concur then soz but #weir-dough. Anything but your average pizza, a process called ‘biga’ is used to make the dough and honestly, the ‘yeast’ we can do is divulge why this technique is so special. How about a Fior di latte, fontina, porcini mushrooms, prosciutto di parma, truffle oil? Drool.
Our pick: Marylou
Where: Where: Level 1, 84 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pizza & Kebab
Late night just pizza hits different – and you haven’t lived until you’ve hit up this Orchid Ave icon for a dirty kebab and/or giant slab of pizza at stupid o-clock after a night of boozing and boogying. With fresh and authentic pizzas, kebabs, snack packs and more, if you’ve got a hankering for something carby, cheesy or saucy, SPK will hook you up with the greatest midnight snack you’ll ever have. Also open in Arundel, the hours may be slightly different, but the pizza quality is the same!
Our pick: Pepperoni Pizza
Where: 24 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise & Corner of Napper Road & Daintree Drive, Arundel

Gemelli
If you haven’t been to Gemelli Broadbeach (or one of its sibling restaurants), are you even an actual Gold Coaster? Cooking up real Italian food made with love, their traditional methods combined with modern flair mean all the meals are a ten-outta-ten. With a cosy yet cool rustic vibe, there are always bums on seats and the atmosphere is lit. If you’re craving the kind of handcrafted Italian eats Nonna would approve of, this place is the whole package.
Our pick: Salina Pizza
Where: Mantra Broadbeach on the Park, 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Cucina Vivo
If simple Italian flavours done exceptionally well toot your horn, then make a date with The Star Gold Coast’s Cucina Vivo. Chef Fabio has gained quite the cult following, affectionately known as the best Pizzaiolo Chef outside of Italy. This man is the master of the woodfire oven, and the ever-popular venue’s secret weapon. Once you’re suitably wined and dined (aka, beyond satisfaction) – buy your digestive system some time to work its way through that carb coma by swinging by the never-ending assortment of fun things The Star has going down. Date night sorted!
Our pick: Fabio’s Pizza
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Luna’s Pizza & Wine
If you’re in or around Broadbeach and craving authentic, woodfired goods, Luna’s Pizza & Wine is where it’s at. The postcode-sharing little sib of Sofia’s, Luna’s is the more laid-back of owner Henry Hunt’s Euro-inspired venue super duo. This alfresco vibing gem offers cute and cosy mall-front dining, so you can perch up and watch the world go by as you tuck in to top notch Italian eats. Italian-born Head Chef and Pizzaiolo, Mattia Bianchi, has been in the biz for 20 years, so what he doesn’t know about pizza isn’t worth knowing, if you ask us.
Our pick: Capricciosa Pizza
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Matteo’s
Local pizza slinger Matteo’s describes itself as a slice of paradise in Clear Island Waters, and we’re inclined to agree. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, think crisped-to-perfection circular specialties like heirloom tomato studded Prosciutto Pizzas served alongside Salsiccia E Zucca made with pumpkin, Italian sausage, crispy sage (and multiple types of cheese, obviously). Legit as they come, the fresh pasta and pizzas are handcrafted daily following old family recipes, before the latter is tossed in the woodfire oven. Mouth = watering.
Our pick: Orcamado Pizza
Where: 60 Santa Cruz Boulevard, Shop 6-8, Clear Island Waters

Goccia
When it comes to insanely good pizza, you can always crust in Goccia to deliver the goods. Created by two bona fide northern Italians; think classic Italian pizzeria – and if that doesn’t tell you everything you know, 500+ google reviews and a 4.9 average rating sure as slice should. A charming neighbourhood gem tucked away inside Mermaid Beach Village, Goccia is the go-to for many a pizza lover across GC… if you can manage to get a table, that is. Order literally anything from the menu and you’ll be happy as Larry, just remember to leave room for the tiramisu #Non-negotiable.
Our pick: Papalina Pizza
Where: 1A/2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Franc Jnrs Famous Pizzeria
Now doling out double the deliciousness, we’ve been on cloud nine ever since this cult fave cloned itself a little farther up the Coast. Amassing a horde of adoring pizza fans that would happily follow them to the ends of the earth to get their Franc Jnrs fix, their Detroit style Sicilian slice is famous among pizza-lovers across the GC. Luckily for us, we now only need go as far as Nobby’s or Cooly to get our hands on that signature, crispy-edged pie. Unapologetically old school, Francs feels just like your traditional 90’s pizzeria, only way cooler.
Our pick: White Boy Rick (that sesame crust lives in our dreams)
Where: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta & Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

Crispy Italian Bar
Here’s a factoid for you – in Italy, the term “bar” stands for more of a watering-hole-meets-cafe hybrid; combining coffee, cocktails, sweet snacks like pastries and quintessential savoury Italian fare… so basically, all the best things. Unintentional micro geography lesson aside; this concept is exactly what owner Riccardo ‘Ricky’ Proserpio set about recreating at Crispy – and now you know this place is awesome for several reasons, including (but not limited to) a top-tier traditional pizza selection. Such as the perennial fave, Margherita, which also comes in 1/2 metre size. You won’t be disappointed.
Our pick: Diavola Pizza
Where: 4/1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Osteria del Mare
Burleigh’s resident ristorante and pizzeria, Osteria del Mare is another authentic Italian neighbourhood nosher known for its impeccable pizza prowess. Tuck into creations like the portobello mushroom and truffle topped Tartufo, and ride the carb-train straight to complete and utter bliss. Mark the first Tuesday of the month in your calendars and head to Osteria Del Mare for Pizza Club. Bottomless pizza, plus a wine or a beer for $35.
Our pick: Little Piggy
Where: 2/1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Justin Lane
There’s no denying that Burleigh stalwart, Justin Lane is the king of pizza. It’s come a long way from its humble beginnings, growing from a wee little pizzeria into a heaving multi-level restaurant, bar and event space. The perfect spot for a casual slice and catch up with your crew (so we assume the cocktails are implied). Pick your cutest stretchy pants, you’re bound to run into at least 35 people that you know. And that’s just on a Monday.
Our pick: Justin’s BBQ Smokehouse
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Balboa Italian
You’ve seen it. We’ve all seen it. The sprawling, modern industrial stunner fronting Palmy’s main drag is a total traffic-stopper, and we’re pleased to confirm that its contents are as epic as the outside. And when it comes to amazing nosh across the board, Balboa Italian sure isn’t pulling any punches. In particular, the pizzas are #goals #IYKYK – and if you don’t – we would suggest remedying this immediately. Take your pick between the selection of red and white sauce bases, or try them all because carbs, shmarbs.
Our pick: Boscaiola Pizza
Where: 1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Toro’s
A cosy and uber cute spot where Mediterranean and Moroccan vibes collide; Toro’s does pizza with panache. With peach tones for days (#swoon) – the spread at Palmy’s cosy slice slinging haven is quintessentially Italian, but with a healthy dose of tasty modern takes to keep us on our toes. The super relaxed yet chic vibe is just our type, and the pizzas will delight even the most discerning pizza connoisseur. There’s even dessert pizza if that’s your jam… (well, Nutella, technically speaking). Yep, she’s a winner on all fronts.
Our pick: Di Toro Pizza
Where: 7/2 Eighth Avenue, Palm Beach

Lenny Pizzeria & Bar
Where do we even begin when it comes to Lenny Pizzeria & Bar? For a rather questionable analogy – just imagine Burleigh icon Justin Lane and the locale Mudgeeraba had a baby; courtesy of local culinary legends, Oliver Botha (of Justin Lane, The Fish House, Hellenika and Rick Shores fame) and Justin Lane founder, Robert Morwood. And yeah, consider our case rested! Not unlike the duo’s signature 72-hour fermented dough recipe, which imparts their bases with a next level taste and texture.

No matter how you slice it, the addition is a total score for Railway Street’s dining scene – with sensational woodfired delights like fermented chilli kissed Prawn Pizza and Butternut Pumpkin Pizza served with whipped feta and salsa verde. You know the drill: two, four, six, eight…
Our pick: Fancy 4 Cheese
Where: 58 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Tommy’s Italian
One minute, we’re passing through Currumbin minding our own business,–and the next, our mouth commences immediately watering at the mere sight of Tommy’s telltale red and white umbrella’s adorning the promenade. And that’s before we’ve even caught wind of the freshly-flamed bites bubbling away within! In only a few short years, this two-storey cutie has become a fixture along the suburb’s seaside strip; serving up multi-million dollar ocean views and mighty fine pizzas to match (and cocktails… because nothing says happiness like a slice of Italy in one hand and a margi in the other).Who can resist? Certainly not us.
Proving that good genes run in the family, Tommy’s has a little sister, Little Tommy’s. Just 500m down the road, it’s the more approachable, relaxed and uncomplicated one, with equally great pizza.
Our pick: Tartufo Pizza
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Bread & Butter Kirra
If you’re looking for pizza with a view, Kirra’s Euro-eats all-rounder, Bread & Butter, provides exactly the type of vantage (and carby goodness) that we need and mentally transport ourselves to the Amalfi Coast for the afternoon. Perch up on the terrace and feast upon classic, stone-baked combos like Primavera or the pesto-drizzled Pollo. Add in some tapas and an Aperol Spritz or two and you’ve got yourself a party! Who needs holidays when you have pizza like this?
Our pick: Siciliana Pizza
Where: Shop 1, 76 Musgrave Street, Kirra

Words by Kellie Leader