Pizza capital of the Illawarra

Thirroul has a plethora of choices for the pizza devotees among us – and who isn’t? Here are the top offerings.

Ciro’s Pizza

Newcomer Ciro’s will open soon in the old Mamma Mia’s site. In a recent visit to The Barrel Shepherd I fluked my visit with the Ciro’s pizza pop-up at the Bellami barrel room and was stunned by the quality. My pick is the firey nduja paired with sweet thinly sliced persimmon.

Keep on eye on Instagram for updates on the grand opening. Meanwhile, catch them if you can at The Barrel Shepherd.

Franco Pizza Bar

The restaurant opened in 2021 and this year was awarded a coveted hat in the 2023 Good Food Guide Awards. Franco’s tried and tested pizza dough is 72 hours in the making. My pick is the multi cheese and onion with hot honey and garlic.

Eat and drink for Australia at Franco’s with bottomless weekend lunch every Saturday and Sunday.

The Deck – Ryans Hotel

At The Deck, the gluten-free, vegan, vegetarians, indecisive (half-half pizzas) and lazy (home delivery) among us are well catered for. My pick is “the Thirroul” with an olive oil base topped with potato, garlic and rosemary.