Antica Pizzeria Hyde Park

There are a few different standards for pizza. Of these, the Naples style is arguably the most popular and well recognised. In brief: a wood-fired base made slightly pliant by San Marzano tomatoes and other fresh ingredients. The edges should be puffed and chewy.

Unlike Etica, Antica isn’t accredited by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), a demanding industry body that decides who does and doesn’t make true Neapolitan pizza. Don’t worry about that. Owner Anthony Crea’s family is originally from Naples and he made several trips to Italy before opening Antica in 2013. These pizzas are the real deal.

All the usual combinations are represented, but Antica’s biggest talking point is its metre-long pies. Visit here or the newer, larger location in the CBD and you’ll always find a few chatty groups sharing one of the table-spanning monsters. And before that, antipasti such as polenta chips, calamari and arancini. A small selection of pastas rounds out the menu.

The Italian-focused drinks list is basic but suits the light-hearted, communal atmosphere. Pair your pizza with a bottle of montepulciano or a round of Aperol Spritzes and don’t forget to say saluti.