La Bella Italia Pizzeria opens in Hervey Bay
The space beneath one of Hervey Bay’s best-known beachfront buildings has been transformed into an authentic pizzeria by a chef with more than 15 years’ experience in the industry. VIDEO.
Fraser Coast
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Opening an authentic pizzeria on the Fraser Coast has been a “dream come true” for one talented Italian chef.
La Bella Italia Pizzeria opened its doors in the iconic building, which was once a theatre, on the corner of the Esplanade and Queens Rd on Wednesday, September 28.
Owner Fabio Giardinelli said he jumped at the opportunity to take over the space, more recently occupied by Middle Eastern eatery Kufta, when he saw it was for sale.
“I’ve always dreamt to have a place near the beach,” he said.
With more than 15 years’ experience cooking pizzas, Mr Giardinelli runs the restaurant with his wife Itsumi.
His front of house and restaurant manager, Leigh Steele, has worked in the kitchens of Italian restaurants in Hervey Bay for more than nine years.
The Italian-born pizza chef said he loved the property, not just because of its location, but also because it had a traditional woodfire oven.
From flour and mozzarella to tomatoes and prosciutto, the majority of the ingredients are sourced from Italy.
The pizza dough is also fermented for three days so it is easier to digest.
Mr Giardinelli said while using Italian ingredients was expensive, he would never “trade quality” for price.
He hopes to provide his customers with the best meal and experience when dining at the restaurant.
Some of the authentic products used in dishes on the menu include “Nduja” – a spreadable salami paste made from fiery and spiced pork sausages.
The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday with an extra lunch service on weekends. Call 4184 2153.
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