Chelsey Crafts: Gigi's Pizzeria, Newtown

Traditional Neapolitan woodfired pizza stone-roasted in a woodfired oven approved by the AVPN AKA The True Neapolitan Pizza Association.

Owners Marco and Daniela opened Gigi's 8 years ago wanting to share traditional Napoli style pizza with Sydneysiders. It wasn't always 100% plant based, the change happened in late 2015 with much controversy. The pizzeria gained a loyal clientele pre-vegan days and besides the menu, that has not changed. In fact, when Gigi's reopened with their new menu the line of eager diners trailed down King Street.

One of the few Sydney members of the AVPN (the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoltana or 'True Neapolitan Pizza Association'), Gigi's has managed to keep this membership after going plant-based. Members of the association must adhere to strict guidelines regarding hand stretched dough, traditional toppings for woodfired pizza, Napoli style. The association performs rigorous checks on all of its members to ensure the brand name are following traditional methods. According to the AVPN, the Pizza Marinara centre should be particularly soft to the touch and taste, the red of the tomato evident, and the green of the oregano and the white of the garlic perfectly amalgamated.

They really treat pizza like an artwork and a work of art Gigi's pizza is.

Photography by Jessica Matino

Fresh, quality local produce and key ingredients are imported from Italy.

No gluten free options are available for the bases (maybe that doesn't adhere to the AVPNs guidelines?). However there are gluten free options on the menu including croquettes, arancini, salad and desserts.

Gigi's doesn't take bookings although if you're lucky like we were, you'll be able to grab a seat before a line forms again.

Arancini ai funghi porcini (GF), $10.00

As far as Antipasti goes, you can't go past..

Crochette di patate (GF), $10.00 - Almond coated potato, garlic and parsley croquettes.

Arancini ai fungi porcini (GF), $10.00 - Steaming hot, super crunchy (almost a little too crunchy) rice balls crumbed in polenta filled with a deliciously tasty mix of rice and porcini mushrooms.

Funghi e Radicchio, $22.00

Ordering pizza at Gigi's is a given, the hard part is deciding which one.

The Fungi e Radicchio is Gigi's AVPN approved pizza base topped with swiss brown mushrooms, garlic, dairy free blue cheese, parsley, radicchio, roasted walnuts and extra virgin olive oil.

Elle and I took one bite into this soft, creamy, crunchy and rich pizza and just looked at each other nodding in agreement, that this was the best pizza we'd ever tried. Vegan or not.

Cannoli filled with Vanilla Custard, $4.50

For dessert, your favourite Italian sweets have been veganised and are as good ever.

Cannoli was one of my favourite desserts pre-vegan days and one I didn't think I'd be able to have again. Gigi's serves traditional Cannoli filled with a choice of chocolate custard, vanilla custard or pistachio cream.

I was a little skeptical of the Cannoli freshly piped with vanilla custard as I've tried some pretty amazing Cannoli. But wow! We were impressed. You would never be able to tell the vanilla custard was vegan and the crisp delicate casing was perfectly sweet and light.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu was a special on the night, not usually on the menu. Tiramisu was another favourite of mine pre-vegan days (I'm a dessert girl) and similarly Gigi's wowed me with the sweet, creamy, authentic tasting tiramisu. I had to ask how it could be so creamy and delicious and they gladly shared, although I don't know if I'll be able to make it as good as they do.

Vegan or not, Gigi's is a crowd pleaser. Whether you have a large party or an intimate dinner for two, Gigi's will not disappoint.

Overview

Price | Entrees $6-11, Pizza $17-24, Dessert $4.50-11

Cuisine | Traditional Italian Pizzeria (100% vegan)

Vibe | Loud, busy, fast

Must Try | and Cannoli filled with Vanilla Custard

Service | 3/5

Rating | 5/5

Shop Details

View Menu

Address | 379 King Street, Newtown

Telephone | (02) 9557 2224