Overview
We're accustomed to the idea that every slice of pizza worth its weight in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles requires decent lashings of mozzarella. Which is why the fact that famed Newtown pizzeria Gigi is vegan might come as a shock to Sydney pizza fans.
According to owner Marco Matino, the tradition of the Neapolitan woodfired pizza "is an art form which will always be relevant no matter how times change". That said, they decided to kick their double smoked ham and stringy mozzarella to the curb years ago in favour of a new plant-based menu that is both sustainable and ethical, with fresh, locally grown produce and key ingredients imported from Italy.
Destination NSW
"Marinara pizzas [with just tomato, garlic and oil] were the first served in Naples for over forty years before the Margherita was introduced," says Marco. Though that may be the case, we can safely say that, ever since some genius put some cheese on one of those saucy bases, we've never looked back.
The pizza pros at Gigi Pizzeria have maintained the integrity of their quality woodfired dough with its slightly crispy, slightly chewy bite. It's the perfect pizza base. Toppings are mostly simple — like the aforementioned Marinara pizza — but there are a few more creative options too. The Melanzane sports tomatoes with tree nut ricotta, frilled eggplant, basil salsa and olive oil while classic numbers like the Patate — with thinly sliced potato seasoned with garlic and rosemary — work really well, especially with the additional black truffle pate.
Since becoming a vegan-only joint, Gigi's popularity has soared, and it's not uncommon to see a massive line snaking along King Street on a Friday or Saturday night.
Top image: Destination NSW
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