The 7 best pizza joints in Darwin

You’ll find an unassuming slice of Napoli at this casual pizzeria, located just a street back from the waterfront in Darwin’s city centre. The team serves pizza the way it is served in the streets of Napoli, following traditional 17th-century methods. Every disc is hot-to-trot with a leopard-spotted puffy crust, soft and saucy centre, and toppings appointed in all the right places. The Fruitti Di Mare nails the brief with San Marzano tomatoes, marinated octopus and prawns, black olives, leek, parsley oil and garlic. It’s best enjoyed the traditional way with a knife and fork in Alfonsino’s relaxed outdoor patio.

Order the: 'Frutti Di Mare' – as above.

If you prefer your pizza alfresco, this local food truck has your name written all over it. Cucina Sotto Le Stelle fires up their pizza oven every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night at the Nightcliff Foreshore, and every Thursday and Sunday at Mindil Beach Sunset Market (during the dry season). Take a seat at the chequered tables, under the festoon lights, overlooking the beach and settle in for an Italian indulgence. 

Order the: 'Special' – mozzarella, bufala mozzarella, fresh tomato, garlic, basil – which goes especially well with the fresh air and cool sea breeze.

In the Darwin pizza scene, Lola’s is an institution. The eclectic venue at Cullen Bay is known for its carousel horses, charming bartenders and giant eye sculptures overlooking the marina. Oh, and it's pizza. This is pub pizza at its best: wood-fired in a traditional Moretti Neapolis oven with fresh ingredients and genius names. There’s the ‘Italian Stallion’ with sopressa salami, mushroom, basil, fior di latte, olives and honey, and the ‘Not Hugo – Just Boss’ with beef mince, roast capsicum, pepperoni, garlic, fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella. 

Order the: 'Mr Potato Head' – sugo sauce, confit potato, mushrooms, fior di latte, garlic, truffle oil, parmigiano reggiano – for a flavour explosion in your mouth.

The Last Supper restaurant is putting the ‘go’ in gourmet. As in, go there right now for some sensational pizza. The venue is funky (picture: zebra print cushions x Sandro Botticelli-inspired interiors) and the ingredients are refined (think: 24-hour fermented dough, black truffle sauce and house-made pesto). Make a night of it by pairing your pizza with one of the bar’s regular comedy shows, karaoke nights or wine tastings. 

Order the: Margherita – simply gorgeous sugo sauce, fior di latte and fresh basil – for a timeless classic done right.

If you squint your eyes a little while dining at Fannie Bay Super Pizza Italian Restaurant, you can almost convince yourself that you’re eating in a traditional Italian pizzeria. This local favourite is a feast for the senses: the scent of frying garlic, the sound of the European chefs and the taste of the house red. Bellissimo! If you’re an anchovy aficionado or tempted to try your first, the Napoli (with olives, mozzarella and a tomato base) will fill the small-fish-sized hole in your heart. 

Order the: 'Garlic Prawn' – garlic butter sauce, onion, capsicum, local prawns, feta, shallots, mozzarella – for something different.

Down an alleyway smack bang in the centre of Darwin CBD, tucked away behind Monsoons bar and around the corner from Crocosaurus Cove, you’ll find a garden. And in that garden is a cranking woodfire oven, serving up some of the best pizza in Darwin, surrounded by lush plants, great music and a trendy crowd. Bustard Town is relatively new on the Top End foodie scene – opened in 2023 by Melbourne hospitality legend Nicho and the local team behind Lucky Bat – but the pizzas are already classics. Don’t miss happy hour from 4pm to 6pm for $19 pizzas, or the epic live music gigs in the beer garden and band room. 

Order the: Caramelised leek, gorgonzola, mozzarella, white base – and the pepperoni with hot honey for the perfect balance of creamy and spicy.

Forget artisanal ingredients and truffle-infused oil, this trio of takeaway pizza shops is all about comfort food. If you’re in the mood for a thick, meaty, satisfying slice, Supero Pizza will sort you (and/or your hangover) out. There are the foolproof hunger fixers – barbecue meat lovers, supreme and capriccioso – and the hybrid hits – spicy kebab, yiros and tandoori chicken flavoured pizzas. Whichever way your cravings take you, one thing is certain: you won’t finish hungry. 

Order the: 'Hawaiian' – ham, pineapple and cheese galore – and ignore the ‘pineapple on pizza’ haters.