Pizza

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally loved as pizza. Over the past few decades, pizza has become a mainstay on pub menus across Australia, evolving from a simple snack to a dinner plate favourite. Whether you’re enjoying a solo meal or sharing with friends, a hot, freshly baked pizza is always a crowd-pleaser.

The Classic Pub Pizza
At most Aussie pubs, pizza is typically served in a small size, often cut into four slices. These pizzas are the perfect size for one person, taking up a full dinner plate but not too overwhelming. For some, they make for a hearty meal, while others prefer to enjoy them as a shared starter for the table.

The beauty of pub-style pizza lies in its simplicity. You won’t find the over-the-top, gourmet toppings often seen in more formal pizza joints. Instead, these pizzas focus on classic ingredients and familiar flavour combinations that satisfy every time.

Popular Toppings on Pub Pizza
Margherita: The timeless combination of fresh mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and basil leaves.
Hawaiian: A beloved Aussie favourite, featuring ham and pineapple, often with a generous sprinkle of cheese.
Meat Lovers: A hearty pizza piled high with a combination of sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and sometimes even ground beef.
BBQ Chicken: A fusion favourite with grilled chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, red onion, and a touch of cheese.
Vegetarian: Featuring seasonal veggies like mushrooms, capsicum, onion, and olives for a lighter, flavourful option.
Seafood: Topped with prawns, scallops, or a mix of seafood with tangy tomato or white sauce for those looking for something a bit different.

Pizza on the Pub Menu: A Staple for One or Shared
While the individual size pizza is a perfect option for one person, many diners also choose pizza as a shared starter or a lighter main. With the growing trend of pub-style share platters, pizzas have found their way into the mix, making for a fun and social meal.

Some pubs even offer “pizza specials” that allow diners to choose from a set selection of pizzas at a discounted price, perfect for a group or family looking to sample different flavours. And of course, there’s always the option to mix and match your favourites with your dining companions.

Wood-Fired Ovens: A Growing Trend in Australian Pubs
In recent years, some Aussie pubs have embraced the art of wood-fired pizza by installing wood ovens in their kitchens. This adds a unique touch to the pizza-making process, giving the crust a delightful, crispy texture and the pizza an unmistakable smoky flavour. While traditional ovens are still common, wood-fired pizza has gained popularity due to the intense, authentic flavour it imparts to the pizza.

Wood ovens bring a whole new level of pizza-making to pubs, with many venues taking the time to perfect their pizza dough and cooking techniques. The result is a pizza that not only tastes great but also brings a touch of theatre to the dining experience as diners watch their pizzas bake in the wood-fired oven.

Pizza Pairings
Pizza pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages, making it a perfect pub food. Whether you’re sipping on a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or even a soft drink, pizza complements almost any drink choice. Here are some great options to pair with your pizza:

Beer: A light lager, pale ale, or crisp pilsner works wonders with the richness of cheese and toppings.
Wine: Red wines like Shiraz or a smooth Pinot Noir complement tomato-based pizzas, while white wines such as Chardonnay pair well with seafood or chicken pizzas.
Soft Drinks: A refreshing cola or lemonade cuts through the cheese and balances the richness of the toppings.

The Rise of Pizza in Aussie Pubs
While pizza was once thought of as a side dish or a snack in Australian pubs, its popularity has surged in recent years. Pubs have not only added pizza to their menus, but many have made it a focal point, offering a wide variety of options with different toppings and bases. The pub pizza has become a key part of Australian pub culture, enjoyed by regular patrons and newcomers alike.

Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re catching up with friends for a casual bite, grabbing a quick dinner, or sharing a meal with the family, pub pizzas are the perfect option. The small size ensures it’s ideal for one, while the variety of toppings makes it an easy dish to share. Pubs offering pizza have something for everyone, from the traditional Margherita to the more adventurous BBQ Chicken.

As Australian pubs continue to embrace the humble pizza, it’s clear that this dish is here to stay. With the rise of wood-fired ovens and creative topping combinations, the classic pub pizza is no longer just a pub snack—it’s a dining experience in its own right. So, next time you’re at the pub, why not skip the usual parma and give a pizza a try? You might just discover your new favourite!