Lucio Pizzeria

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Take a stroll down to the quiet end of town, and discover an Italian hideaway in Darlinghurst, where the focus is on quality food and friendly service. Sydney plays host to a number of pizza restaurants, but few offer such authenticity as Lucio’s. This small, unassuming pizzeria is one of the city’s many gastronomic secrets. A diverse group of pizza-lovers gather at the simple collection of tables to share a delicious meal and good company. The wood-fired oven gives Lucio’s pizzas a distinctive flavour – not to mention some added warmth for winter diners. In summer take advantage of the outdoor seating, which spills out onto the Republic 2 courtyard.

Start your Italian experience off with the antipasto misto for two for a tasty selection of Italian delicacies, then move on to one of Lucio’s wood-fired pizzas. Whatever you’re craving, ensure the “Lucio” is on your order, if out of nothing more than curiosity. This colossal creation is Lucio’s answer to the loathed half-and-half; half margherita and half calzone, with ricotta, mozzarella and ham. It takes Lucio’s popular tronchetto – a long, rolled pizza filled with a variety of cheeses and topped with rocket and prosciutto – to the extreme. Dessert is an equally popular part of the menu. Try the light ricotta cake or, for a devilish end to the evening, tuck into the chocolate tortina which is freshly baked to order and has sweet-tooths savouring the combination of outer sponge and smooth inner melted chocolate. Guests can also choose from a range of Italian and Australian wines and beers. After working in restaurants across Italy and Sydney, Naples-born chef Lucio de Falco opened his pizzeria in the beginning of 2008, and with its growing popularity and Lucio’s no bookings policy, it’s best to turn up early to secure a seat.

Lauren Barker