Pizzateca plans to expand its McLaren Vale empire

The mastermind behind one of Adelaide’s most Instagramable restaurants is back with new plans to expand his empire. See the designs.

The mastermind behind one of Adelaide’s most Instagramable restaurants is back with plans to expand the pizza empire.

Tony Mitolo, one of the men behind McLaren Vale’s Pizzateca, has recently tabled extensive plans to grow the eatery complete with a cave cellar and outdoor bar with Onkaparinga Council.

According to documents submitted to the State Government, the development would extend patron limits from 150 at the existing facility to 400 across the site with indoor and outdoor dining available.

Proposed additions and alterations to Pizzateca. Picture: Rowlands Architecture Design Studio

Key features include a casual pizza restaurant, a cellar titled the ‘cave’, an outdoor bar area plus a dedicated space for private functions.

The cellar cave will be built into the existing hill and will require excavation.

“The architectural design intent is to take advantage of the existing natural landscape, views and atmosphere to create a quintessentially McLaren Vale experience,” the report states.

The popular eatery will look to build a cellar into the hillside. Picture: Rowlands Architecture Design Studio

Aerial shot of the proposed additions and alterations to Pizzateca. Picture: Rowlands Architecture Design Studio

“The space is to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, contributing to tourism in the region.”

The current site currently has 47 designated parks for patrons which would nearly double in the new expansion to a total of 82.

The McLaren Vale pizza institution is no stranger to the spotlight, taking out the top gong in the recent Delicious Local Poll.

“We’ve grown so much but McLaren Vale has grown so much in the last five years too,” Mr Mitolo said at the time.

“There have been so many changes and new businesses in that short time and there are so many more things to do down here now than there were when we started.”