Gold Coast's Ultimate Pizza Bucket List: 6 Locally-Loved Pizzerias You Need to Try

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Where to Find the Gold Coast's Most Irresistible Pizza

Let's be honest — who can say no to a great pizza? Fortunately for Gold Coast locals and visitors alike, this sunny stretch of coastline is home to some seriously impressive pizzerias. Whether you crave authentic Italian wood-fired classics or a crispy Detroit-style slab, we've rounded up six of the city's most beloved spots where quality toppings, gooey cheese and flawless bases come together in perfect harmony.

Franc Jrs — Nobby Beach & Palm Beach

A bona fide Gold Coast institution, Franc Jrs now operates two venues: the original in Nobby Beach and a fresh Palm Beach outpost. Both channels a retro New York diner aesthetic — think low lighting, cosy booth seating and warm timber panelling — and both deliver hand-stretched, wood-fired pizzas served on metal trays with a side of greaseproof paper. Take your pick between the Detroit-style rectangular pies with those irresistible crispy edges, or the classic 13- or 16-inch rounds. Honestly, ordering one of each is the smart move.

Dine-in bookings are accepted for groups of five to twelve, though walk-ins are always welcome. If there's a wait, put your name down and kill time with a beach stroll or a pre-dinner drink nearby. Prefer to take it away? Order online, collect your box and head straight for a sand-between-your-toes pizza picnic.

Must order: the Jaloppy Poppy — tomato sauce, hot pepperoni, sausage, sweet pickled jalapeños and fior di latte.

Find them: Nobby Beach at 32 Lavarack Ave, Mermaid Beach (closed Mondays); Palm Beach at 27/1176 Gold Coast Hwy (closed Sundays and Mondays).

Fire Baby — Southport

Tucked away in Southport, Fire Baby blends easygoing Italian dining with a buzzing contemporary vibe. Warm timber, flickering flames and a lively bar set the scene for what feels like your new favourite neighbourhood pizzeria. The kitchen turns out textbook Napoli-style wood-fired pizzas — think beautifully blistered, chewy crusts, vibrant toppings and just the right whisper of smokiness. Pair yours with a craft beer or a well-shaken cocktail for the full experience.

Must order: the La Gabby — mozzarella, roast potato, pancetta, honey and toasted walnuts.

Find it: 10 Welch St, Southport.

Lenny's Pizzeria & Bar — Mudgeeraba

Set inside a charming heritage building with alfresco tables spilling onto the village green, Lenny's is Mudgeeraba's go-to for seriously good pizza. The cult following is well deserved: those 72-hour fermented dough bases deliver a texture and depth of flavour that's hard to forget. Wood-fired to blistered perfection, these pizzas will live rent-free in your memory long after the last slice. There are also small plates, salads and dangerously good cocktails on offer — and whatever you do, save room for the tiramisu.

Must order: the Meatball Hero — red base, Lenny's meatballs, vodka sauce, pepita seed pesto, pickled red onion, fresh basil and Grana Padano.

Find it: 5/58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba (closed Sundays and Mondays).

Arlo's Pizzeria — Chevron Island

This family-run gem on Chevron Island — yes, it's BYO — dishes up honest Italian comfort food in a laid-back, welcoming setting. While the menu covers fresh salads and hearty pastas, the sourdough pizzas are the undisputed headliners. Every base is hand-shaped using traditional Italian methods, yielding a crust that's impossibly light, crisp and deeply flavourful. Choose a rich housemade pomodoro or a creamy white-cheese base, then pile on premium, sustainably sourced toppings.

Must order: the Margherita — proof that the simplest things are often the most extraordinary.

Find it: Shop 2, 46-50 Thomas Dr, Chevron Island (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Pappa Rolly's — Carrara

Part of the much-loved Gemelli family (six Italian venues across the Gold Coast and Brisbane), Pappa Rolly's brings serious European pedigree to Carrara. The trattoria-style dining room is warm, family-friendly and perpetually busy — for good reason. The menu cherry-picks greatest hits from across the Gemelli empire: think handmade pasta, fresh sides and salads, and wood-fired pizzas that'll have your mouth watering before they even leave the oven. Takeaway is an option, but booking a table and settling in for a long, leisurely feast is the true Italian way. Note: Pappa Rolly's is strictly BYO wine only.

Must order: the Bella Donna — San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, hot salami, burrata and hot 'nduja honey.

Find it: 124 Pappas Way, Carrara (closed Mondays).

Cucina Vivo — Broadbeach

Perched on the lobby level of The Star Gold Coast, Cucina Vivo channels the sun-drenched spirit of the Amalfi Coast right into Broadbeach. This is a destination for anyone serious about pizza, pasta and all things Italian. The enormous wood-fired oven takes centre stage, sending out piping-hot pies crowned with the finest seasonal ingredients. Gluten-free bases are available too, so absolutely no one misses out.

Must order: the Funghi & Prosciutto — mushrooms, fior di latte, prosciutto, basil and provolone.

Find it: Lobby Level, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach.