From Italy to Australia: The Evolution of Pizza in the Land Down Under

G’day pizza lovers! Today, we’re taking a delicious journey down memory lane to explore how the beloved Italian pizza made its way to the sunny shores of Australia. Get ready for a slice of history as we uncover the evolution of pizza in the Land Down Under!

Pasta and Focaccia on Table

Italian Pizza: The OG Classic

Let’s start at the beginning with the OG classic – Italian pizza. Picture yourself in the charming streets of Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century. That’s where it all began. Italian pizza, with its thin, crispy crust, flavourful tomato sauce, and heavenly toppings, quickly captured the hearts and taste buds of Italians and pizza enthusiasts worldwide.

When Italian Pizza Met Australia

Fast forward to the 20th century, and Italian immigrants brought their cherished pizza recipes with them as they journeyed to Australia in search of a new life. They brought not only their love for pizza but also their culinary expertise. This marked the beginning of a beautiful pizza romance between Italy and Australia.

To learn more, take a look at our post The Story of Melbourne and Italian Food.

The Aussie Twist: Australian Pizza

As Aussies embraced pizza, they added their unique flair to create what we now know as Australian pizza. Australian pizza is a fusion of Italian tradition and Australian creativity. Here are some Aussie twists that have made our home grown pizzas so unique:

  1. Fresh Local Ingredients: Australia’s bountiful landscapes and pristine waters provide an abundance of fresh ingredients. Australian pizza toppings often feature locally sourced produce like kangaroo, emu, or even barramundi, creating a distinctive taste that’s hard to find anywhere else.
  2. The Mighty “Aussie” Pizza: Who can forget the iconic “Aussie” pizza? It’s the ultimate combination of Italian and Australian flavours. Picture this: a classic Italian pizza base topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, bacon, egg, and sometimes even pineapple. It’s a flavour explosion that’s a hit at pizza parties across the nation!
  3. The Rise of Gourmet Pizza: Australia has taken pizza to new heights with gourmet variations that include ingredients like truffle oil, bush herbs, and goat cheese. These gourmet creations showcase the country’s evolving culinary scene.
  4. Veggie Delights: In true Aussie spirit, vegetarian and vegan options have also made their mark on the pizza scene. From roasted pumpkin and feta to plant-based cheese, there’s a mouth-watering option for everyone.

Pizza Today, Australia Forever

Today, pizza in Australia isn’t just a meal; it’s a part of the Aussie culture. Whether you’re watching a footy game, celebrating a birthday, or just craving a delicious dinner, pizza is the go-to choice.

At 11 Inch Pizza, we honour this unique pizza heritage by blending the best of both worlds. We offer a wide range of Italian and Australian-inspired pizzas, made with love and the finest local ingredients. We have that perfect crispy crust, and our creative toppings pay homage to Australia’s culinary diversity.

So, next time you bite into a slice of pizza from 11 Inch Pizza, remember that you’re indulging in a rich history that spans continents and cultures. Italian pizza may have started the journey, but Australian pizza has added its own chapter, making it a true culinary masterpiece in the Land Down Under.

In conclusion, the evolution of pizza in Australia is a delightful tale of cultural fusion and gastronomic innovation. From its humble Italian beginnings to the diverse and flavourful creations found in Australia today, pizza has found a special place in the hearts and stomachs of Aussies. Come join us at 11 Inch Pizza and experience this delicious journey for yourself!

11 Inch Pizza Delivery Locations

WE DELIVER TO MELBOURNE 3000 & Surrounding Suburbs. PLEASE SEE OUR MAP FOR DELIVERY AREAS.

Minimum order for delivery is $35 in CBD (inc Free Delivery) and $40 outside of CBD (+$5 Delivery Fee). Click here to see our delivery zone mapFor small orders or customers outside of this delivery zone, please use the UberEats app.