PROFILE BY BEST RESTAURANTS
Breathing with its own urban beachside vibe, Beaches Pizzeria almost belongs on a cobble-stoned street somewhere in Europe (Nice perhaps). Almost. The element which gives this initial impression is the pizzeria's comfortable and slightly rustic decor. Although there is a scattering of wooden alfresco tables, the majority of the action happens inside where diners, or drinkers (for there are both), are given a choice of wooden tables or stools. No matter where you sit however, you are surrounded by a library of wine – walls filled with bottles from ceiling to floor. Even the kitchen entrance is a panel of bottles that swings open as pizzas come out.
Give the pizzas some attention – they are not any kind of convincing Italian, but rather display a variety of toppings that have Australian genius written all over them. Among the favourites are the spicy marinated lamb (spinach, ricotta, lamb, mint leaves, cherry tomatoes) and the "cisco" (red kidney beans in Mexican salsa, jalapeno chillies, guacamole, sour cream, cherry tomatoes and shallots), although there are some 27 others to choose from, and all can be made on gluten-free bases. If you dine in, you'll have a choice of two sizes (9" and 11") but if you'd rather forgo the cosy atmosphere and head for the beach, there is a third size (13") available to get you through the journey. Pick your pizza quickly; the much harder choice lies in selecting your beverage of choice. The wine menu boasts some 300 options and while most aren't available by the glass, bottle prices are mouth-gapingly affordable. The cheapest options fall below $20 and the rest don't climb much higher. There is also an impressive list of spirits and liquors. Add acoustic, loungy music and pleasant chatter and you're set for the evening.
Agnes Gajewska