Gigi Pizzeria

Italy and Newtown meet halfway at this long, loud space close to Newtown train station. There's the big, domed wood-fired pizza oven surrounded by dark wood tables crowded with chattering, big-hand-gesturing groups. Graffiti art on the walls is very inner-west, the sense of cool continuing to polished concrete floors and staff who take things at their own pace. Pizza is great: sparse, quality toppings on a thin, nicely chewy base. A special with ricotta and zucchini flowers is a simple delight, while vegetarian calzone with artichoke, roasted capsicum, olives and more is topped with extra tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. Share a few slices, a vibrant salad and gelato or freshly filled cannoli to end.