10 Best Gourmet Pizza Restaurants On the Central Coast

What’s the best way to enjoy pizza? Over the last couple of years, the Central Coast has become intent on pursuing the most mouth-watering answer, with a number of dedicated and gourmet pizzerias emerging.

Here, we’ve made note of all the cooler-than-cool restaurants on the Coast experimenting with the perfect pizza, from authentic woodfired Napalese styles to the perfect pizza-and-cocktail pair, all set within stylish settings.  Buon Appetito!

1. Sorrento Pizzeria Empire Bay

Empire Bay might have been a little hidden nook of the Coast, but that’s all changed since the arrival of Sorrento Pizzeria. These days they generally sell out of 200 pizza bases every weekend. And there’s a reason for it. The pizza is outstanding and the restaurant has a real special Italian-feel atmosphere to it.

2. Lagune Artisan Pizza Co and Lagune Artisan, Wamberal

This Wamberal pizza joint may be small but it is mighty with its offering. The pizza is authentic Napalese. Thin base, crispy and covered with high quality ingredients. They also do a pretty mean antipasti to go, if you prefer a nibble with wine at home. Check out their mouth-watering menu here.

For the full dine in experience why not try Lagune Artisan (diagonally a couple of hundred meters up Ocean View Dr). They’re open for breakfast and lunch from Thursday to Sunday, as well as serving Napoli-style pizzas for dinner service – this is exactly the venue and vibe Wamberal has been screaming for. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, and it’s only a hop, skip and jump from the sand at Wamberal Beach.

3. Nero’s Woodfire Pizza, Woy Woy

Opened in May 2021, Nero’s Woodfire Pizza was an instant hit. The owner is a Coast chef who cut his teeth in some of the finest restaurants down in Sydney. His return is with all the refined skills that elevates this gourmet pizza restaurant to the next level. You can sit inside the restaurant or take it to go.

4. Rhonda’s, Terrigal

Beachy, bright and breezy, Rhonda’s is the ultimate for a fancy pizza night in Terrigal Beach, either in the restaurant or the pretty slick rooftop bar. The atmosphere on the weekend is unrivalled. The potato pizza might be carbs on carbs but those calories are worth it. Pair with the Charlie Chaplin cocktail, you won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to flash your Coasties Card on week days to get a sweet 10% off your bill.

RELATED: Sorrento Pizzeria: The Central Coast’s Best Woodfired Pizza

Gourmet Pizza’s on the Peninsula

5. Tropicana Social Club, Woy Woy

Take a step back into the 80s with the retro-inspired Tropicana Social Club. The names of the pan pizzas are as out there as the decor (palm tree wallpaper & neon lights) but don’t be fooled, there’s substance behind the gimmick. The pizzas are full-flavoured and unforgettable. Try the Georgie Boy, a vegie delight.

6. La Fiamma Woodfired, Pizzeria, Ettalong

Okay, it might not be as swish inside as some of the other contenders but what La Fiamma lacks in trendy interiors it makes up for with serious slices. This is one of the best pizza joints on the Coast, not just on the peninsula. It’s also the most family friendly. Top tip? Try the Tartufina, a mushroom pizza that comes with truffle oil.

Nero’s Woodfire Pizza, Woy Woy

See above for the deets on Neros!

7. Shady Palms, Avoca

Shady Palms took over the space that housed the former leader of pizza – Bombini. They’re using the pizza oven that led the to glory. And the pizzas here are still one of the most exceptional offerings on the Central Coast. We enjoy the white-base prawn pizza with one of their carefully crafted cocktails. This has a real out out feel to it.

8. Pinocchios, Gosford

For a truly gourmet pizza offering, al fresco dining and a buzzy wine bar atmosphere, it has to be Pinocchios in Gosford. It’s a great spot for the weekend. The wine list is extensive and the pizzas are mighty. Our go-to is always the fennel sausage.

Gourmet Pizza Restaurants, Central Coast

9. La Bocca Woodfire Pizzeria & Restaurant, Budgewoi

Introducing the jewel in the pizza crown of the northern reaches of the Coast. Yep, it doesn’t get much better thanLa Bocca, a waterfront pizza restaurant in Budgewoi. With an incredible 32 pizzas to choose from, it might seem daunting. Our advice? Keep going back until you’ve tried them all but start with the seafood. It’s the best prawn pizza you’ll ever have, if that’s your thing.

10. Sirone’s Pizza By The Metre

Delivering authentic woodfired pizza from it’s charming food truck all over the Coast but mostly in it’s Wyong home, Italian-owned Sirone’s knows what makes a great pizza. There’s a super extensive list to choose from, and if you’re a Coasties Card member, you get a free garlic bread when you flash your card. Keep up to date with where Sirone’s will be in action next via their facebook page here.

Gourmet Pizza Recipe

No-yeast pizza dough

Want to give it a go yourself? Try this easy-peasy pizza base recipe that involves zero yeast and zero stress.

350g plain flour

2 ¾ tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp oil

l toppings of your choice

1. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

2. Mix together 350g flour, 2 ¾ tsp baking powder and 1 tsp salt in a small bowl, add 1 tbsp oil and 170ml water then stir until it forms a ball. If stiff, add more water, it should be soft but not sticky.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 3-4 mins. Roll into 2 balls, then flatten out.

4. Add toppings and bake each on a baking sheet for 15 mins.