Originating in Naples as a humble Neapolitan pie with tomato, pizza is one of the most popular dishes across the globe today.
Ancient Rome developed 'placenta' – sheets of flour dough topped with cheese and honey and flavoured with bay leaves. Antediluvian Greeks enjoyed bread topped with herbs, oils and cheese. Modern Australians use prawns, salmon and bocconcini in their gourmet editions. Every age and place seems to have their version and each works like a charm.
According to a popular folktale, King Ferdinand I disguised himself as a plebeian to visit a rather skint locality of Naples to gullet a pizza, since the queen had banned it from the royal court.
To help you eat like a king we've listed the five best spots in the city to have an unpretentious yet scrumptious pizza.
In no particular order the places are:
1.
Pizza Verde
Great fare for juniors and seniors alike, lovely ambience and real affordable too. A personal favourite was funghi pizza ($17), with bianco, caramelised onion, roasted mushrooms & taleggio.
When: Thursday to Monday from 5pm. Sunday lunch from noon (also featuring Sunday 'Salad Days' plus full menu).
Where: 62 Piper Street, Kyneton
Contact: 5422 7400
2.
L'uccellino
Thin, crispy bases, fresh toppings at this friendly and unpretentious place will leave you smacking your lips. Try their "pizza for a friend" ($18), with bianco, fior di latte, roasted pumpkin, pine nuts, rocket and goat's cheese.
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm.
Where: 20 Ballarat St, Yarraville
Contact: 9689 9788
3.
Zests Pizza
A great family-run pizzeria which offers traditional and gourmet pizzas with a choice of base – regular, thin and crispy, thick, deep pan or even wheat-free. Sample their pollo pizza ($14.50 for large), with tomato, mozzarella, chicken fillets, mushrooms, pineapple with a hint of garlic.
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm.
Where: 93 Poath Road, Murrumbeena
Contact: 9569 5999
4.
Giant Steps / Innocent Bystander Winery
Splendid wood-fire oven pizzas with 100% organic sourdough base in the great Yarra Valley. Indulge in a puttanesca pizza ($23), with Spanish white anchovies, capers, black olives and buffalo mozzarella.
When: Everyday 10am to 10pm, from 8am Saturday & Sunday.
Where: 336, Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Contact: 5962 6111 or 1800 661 624
5. Silvio's
A humble little place for fresh, juicy, 'no-frills', traditional pizzas. Try their mexicana ($17.50 for large), with jalapeno, cilantro, tomato and cheese.
When: Everyday from noon to 11pm.
Where: 270 Bridge Road, Richmond
Contact: 9428 8519
