Apertivo Pizza & Pasta : Has a new pizza chef!
- Two Forks Decide
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
We popped into Leichhardt for lunch — a simple midday date that turned into one of those “why don’t we do this more often?” moments. Lunch dates have their own magic: no rush, no pressure, just good food and time to enjoy each other’s company. And if you’re looking for a spot for your next date, Apertivo Pizza & Pasta might just be the move.
With a new pizza chef straight from Naples, the menu has had a quiet glow‑up, and we were curious to see what had changed. Spoiler: the pizzas alone are worth the trip.
🍽️ What We Ordered & Worth the hype?
The Garlic bread arrived first —
The bread was dense in the best way — full of flavour and really well seasoned. In true me‑fashion, I managed to knock it off the table while moving my bag, and the staff didn’t even hesitate. They immediately insisted on replacing it, no questions asked. A small gesture, but it says a lot about the service.
BELLO gorgonzola, portobello mushroom, provolone, basil, parmesan, honey
The BELLO was the kind of pizza that makes you pause mid‑bite. The combination of creamy gorgonzola and provolone gave it a rich, savoury base, while the portobello mushrooms added depth and earthiness. The basil and parmesan lifted everything, and the drizzle of honey tied it all together with that perfect sweet‑salty balance. It felt indulgent without being heavy — a beautifully composed pizza that shows off the Naples chef’s restraint and technique.
DIAVOLA - Tomato, fior di latte, ’nduja, hot salami, basil
The DIAVOLA brought the heat in the best way. The ’nduja and hot salami gave it a smoky, spicy kick that built with each bite, balanced by the freshness of the tomato base and the creaminess of the fior di latte. The crust was soft, blistered, and unmistakably Neapolitan.
Kids Margherita
Our son ordered the Kids Margherita, and it was exactly what a Margherita should be: simple, fresh, and made with care. A light tomato base, stretchy fior di latte, and a soft, chewy crust — no shortcuts, just a smaller version of the real thing. He loved it.
Acqua Di Toscana
We washed it all down with Acqua Di Toscana — super refreshing and nicely bubbly. Simple, but it hit the spot.
OUR take
The pizzas at Apertivo felt authentically Italian in a way that’s hard to fake. The dough was incredibly light — soft, airy, and never heavy, even after a full pizza each. You can tell the Naples influence is real; there’s a simplicity and confidence in the way the flavours are put together.
The BELLO. The gorgonzola added richness without overpowering anything, If you love gorgonzola I would specify you want them to add extra. The hint of honey tied everything together with just the right touch of sweetness. Every slice had enough toppings to feel generous without tipping into “too much.”
The Diavola delivered that smoky, savoury kick you want from ’nduja and hot salami, though we both agreed it could have pushed the spice just a little further. Still delicious — just shy of that perfect fiery punch.
Overall, the meal was thoughtful, well‑executed, and genuinely enjoyable. Light dough, balanced flavours, and a clear respect for traditional Italian technique made this lunch date feel special without trying too hard.
Scores
Category | US | |
Ambiance | 4/10 | |
Staff | 8.5/10 | |
Food | 8/10 | |
Final Rating (not an average) | 6/10 |
Apertivo sits right in the heart of Leichhardt, and it has that classic Norton Street charm — lively enough to feel atmospheric, but relaxed enough for a comfortable lunch date. It’s easy to get to, parking isn’t a nightmare (a win in Sydney), and the whole area has that familiar Italian‑suburb energy that makes you want to wander around after your meal. It’s the kind of spot where you can pop in casually or make it part of a longer date without it feeling forced.
The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly without hovering. Little moments made the experience feel personal — like replacing the bread immediately after it hit the floor, no hesitation, no fuss. Service was quick, the team knew the menu well, and everything felt easy and welcoming. It’s the kind of hospitality that makes you want to come back because you know you’ll be looked after. The pizza chef even came out to say hello and had a quick chat with us — genuinely personable and clearly proud of his craft. It added a really nice touch to the whole experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving authentic Italian pizza in a relaxed, easygoing setting, Apertivo is a great pick for lunch or dinner. The dough is light, the flavours are balanced, and the whole experience feels genuinely Italian without trying too hard. It’s the kind of casual dining spot you can rely on — simple, warm, and consistently good. Perfect for a low‑key date, a family meal, or a quick bite that still feels special.
We would definately go back for the Pizza! A genuinely tasty meal!
And if you’ve still got room after Apertivo, we’d strongly recommend wandering over to Bar Italia for a scoop of their delicious gelato. It’s the perfect sweet finish to a lunch or dinner in Leichhardt.
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