Photos: First look inside Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria at Pacific Fair, Gold Coast

Feeling peckish? Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has brought his world-famous pizzeria Down Under, and the Gold Coast is the only place fans can it. GET YOUR FIRST LOOK INSIDE.

GONE are the days of the humble shopping centre food courts serving stodgy takeaway, now big name international chefs are scrambling to claim space in the city’s centres.

In a major coup for the city, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will open his first Australian pizzeria today at Pacific Fair shopping centre in Broadbeach.

The classic food court has undergone “a complete evolution” in recent years, Pacific Fair’s general manager Shaine Beveridge said.

“The traditional food options in shopping centres were really quite boring in comparison to a lot of other areas so centres saw the need to evolve … being the first in Australia really gives people more reason to come (here),” he said.

OLIVER LAYS BARE PLANS FOR COAST EATERY

Unveiling of the new Jamie Oliver Pizzeria at The Patio, Pacific Fair. Picture: Glenn Hampson

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“We’re absolutely thrilled … we think it shows confidence not only in Pacific Fair but also in the Gold Coast overall.”

Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria head chef Stefano Mauro has brought his skills from Italy, and said the simple, fresh ingredients set the pizzeria apart.

“We’ll make fresh dough every day, (the recipe) is traditional and uses less yeast so it’s lighter and easier to digest,” he said.

Head Chef Stefano Mauro and store General Manager Karoliin Palmist with staff and pizza. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The pizzeria throws open its doors this morning with a menu boasting mouth-watering traditional fare, including pasta, desserts and 14 hand-stretched pizzas.

The signature dish, the Julietta pizza, is a nod to Oliver’s wife, while the Breakfast Pizza and Dessert Pizza are exclusive to the Gold Coast venue.

Though the Naked Chef won’t be making an appearance at the grand opening, he is expected to visit the new venture next year.

“(I) am over the moon that we are serving up our authentic hand-stretched pizzas on the Gold Coast,” Oliver said.

Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria is designed as a “casual, accessible” place for everyone. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“The crew down under have done a great job with the Pacific Fair fit-out, which is fun, fresh and features a kitchen that is open as possible to ensure our customers can enjoy the theatre of pizza making.”

Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria will open daily in the Patio at 10am.