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Pizza lovers on the Beaches know what matters: crisp crusts, proper mozzarella and toppings that bring real punch, not filler. Add in rich Italian dishes, the kind that warm you from the inside out, and you have a dining scene shaped by flavour, comfort and serious Italian soul.
Lucky & Peps
Lucky & Pep’s has that steady, loyal following only a true local favourite can pull off. Newport and Forestville both claim it as their spot, the place everyone drifts toward once the clock edges close to 5pm and thoughts turn to an easy, comforting dinner. It is where locals pick up takeaway on the way home, where teenagers gather for their end-of-day feed, where families settle in for a relaxed night out, and where entire generations know their order by heart. It is Italian comfort without pretence, and that is exactly why it endures.
The Baluch family, who took over in 2000, have shaped that legacy with genuine heart. They kept the original Italian soul of the Auricchio brothers alive, not by reinventing it but by protecting what mattered most: simple dishes made with care, generosity and a real love of feeding their community. Will Baluch trained under Angelo Auricchio himself, ensuring the menu’s authenticity while the family added their unmistakable warmth and humour.
And the food is the heartbeat. The pizza menu is a neighbourhood icon: the Newport Special piled high
with pepperoni, mushrooms, pineapple and prawns; the roasted-pumpkin-and-feta Siena; the veggie-loaded Antipasto; the mighty BBQ Chicken; the garlic-and-basil Seafood that seasoned locals always recommend first. Gourmet favourites like Tuscany with king prawns and pesto or Mediterranean Lamb with feta and lemon yoghurt have their own dedicated fan clubs.
Pastas land exactly where they should, from creamy Carbonara and smoky Amatriciana to seafood-rich Marinara and the crowd-favourite Gamberi Romano. Veal and chicken mains keep that old-school trattoria charm alive, comforting and familiar in all the right ways.
And dessert is rarely skipped. Tiramisu, cannoli, sticky date pudding, chocolate lava cake or a scoop of gelato all make convincing closing arguments.
Two locations. More than forty years of feeding the Beaches when evening falls.
Reliable, generous and always there when you need it.
Classic local comfort, served nightly from 5pm.
Newport: Shop 2/303 Barrenjoey Road | (02) 9997 3180
Forestville: Shop 31 The Centre, Starkey St, Forestville | (02) 9451 3777
@luckyandpeps | www.luckyandpeps.com.au
I Gladiatori
Nothing like a traditional Italian Pinsa along with wine and mates to get the catchup going. Originally from Rome, I Gladiatori Osteria Romana brings Roman culture to the Beaches through the food and the vibes. Everything at I Gladiatori is freshly made in the classical and ancient style of Italy.
At I Gladiatori, you get the full Rome experience from the aesthetic of the indoor and outdoor dining area, the structure of the wooden architecture of the restaurant and of course, the food.
The featured dish of I Gladiatori is the Pinsa, the ancestor of the classic pizza.
The word ‘Pinsa’ comes from the term ‘Pinisere’ which means “push dough by hand” in Latin. It is made from pure ancient and wholemeal flavour base which is combined to create a rustic flavor. You can’t get more Italian than that.
There are other featured dishes such as suppli al telefono, tonnarelli cacio e pepe, and gnocchi al ragù, all freshly made and enhanced with precise ingredient ratios.
I Gladiatori has rightfully been chosen as Best of Italian or Pizza through the delicious food and unmatched Roman experience.
For anyone craving the best of Italian flavours, I Gladiatori delivers an unbeatable combination of authentic Pinsa (and other meals!), and genuine Roman atmosphere.
It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of Italy on the Beaches. Don’t miss out; gather your friends, grab a slice, and experience the tradition for yourself today!
Book your table at www.igladiatori.com.au/freshwater
Shop 5, 1/3 Moore Road, Freshwater 2096
02 8287 3399 | @igladiatori.osteria
www.igladiatori.com.au/freshwater
Italiano at RMYC
Set right on the waterfront, the Royal Motor Yacht Club’s Compass Terrace Italiano food truck and pizzeria brings unexpected luxury to casual dining. Pasta is cooked to order, twirled fresh in front of you and enjoyed overlooking the marina. It is simple, clever and wildly satisfying.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with locals drifting onto the deck and guests settling in for sunset. It is proof that good food does not need white tablecloths, just fresh ingredients, generous portions and a view.
Grab a quick bite or make a night of it. Pasta by the water feels perfectly indulgent.
Royal Motor Yacht Club | 46 Prince Alfred Parade, Newport
Belgrave Cartel
By day, Belgrave Cartel in Manly is your go-to for a hearty feed and smooth Italian coffee that hooks you from the first sip. The vibe is friendly, and the menu stacked with flavour. All-day brekky brings the goods, from Mick’s Mafia Scrambled Eggs to Eggs in Purgatory. Jaffle lovers are covered too, with flavour bombs like The Fagioli, the Sams, the Mumma and the Morta. Nothing boring, just fun, Italian-inspired breakfast done right.
By night, Cartel shifts gears. The fairy-lit courtyard feels like a secret slice of Florence, and the place absolutely comes alive. The vibe is eclectic, warm and a little bit cheeky, making it a go-to for date nights, weekend hangs or that first cocktail that sets the tone.
The evening menu hits all the right notes. Mumma’s Lasagna is pure comfort,
Nonna Caterina’s Tiramisu steals every table it lands on, and their Espresso Martini is one of the best on the Beaches. The wine list is strong and the house craft beers round things out perfectly. Cartel nails cosy, lively and seriously tasty.
Cibaria
Cibaria brings a fresh, modern take on Italian dining to Manly, serving the kind of food that feels simple on the surface but lands with real depth. The focus is on quality ingredients and classic flavours done properly. Think silky house-made pasta, rich slow-cooked sauces, perfectly blistered pizzas and seasonal dishes that change with what’s best that week. The menu leans generous and comforting without losing refinement, making it a favourite for relaxed date nights, family dinners and long lunches by the beach. Warm service, great wine and honest Italian cooking make Cibaria a standout in the Manly dining scene.
Located in Manly Pacific at 55 North Steyne,
Manly | @cibariamanly
Our Top Pizza Picks
I Gladiatori Osteria Romana (Freshwater)
CAMPO DE FIORI: Tomato, mozzarella, rocket, prosciutto di parma, cherry tomato, shaved parmesan
Lucky & Peps (Newport)
Newport Special: Pepperoni, Mushroom, Pineapple & Prawns
Felons Manly
Spicy Moreton Bay Bug: Chilli, mozzarella, Moreton Bay bug, parsley & lemon
Hugos Manly
Ham: Double smoked leg ham, mushrooms, ricotta & balsamic reduction
I Love Pizza (Balgowlah & Dee Why)
Prosciutto: Prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, gorgonzola, mozzarella & fresh rocket.
Manly Skiff Club
GARLIC PRAWN: Fior di latte, tomato, 'nduja, pickled zucchini, rocket
Marilynas Famous Pizza (Freshwater)
Super House Special: Roma tomato, pepperoni, beef, ham, mushroom, onion, capsicum, pineapple & olives.
Sale Pepe Pizzeria (Brookvale)
San Daniele: fior di latte cheese, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella & rocket
Buon appetito!
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