This Italian restaurant has been voted as having the best pizza – so what’s the owner’s secret?

He was born in Naples and began making pizza at age 14 and now restaurateur Lucio De Falco has taken out the award for the ‘Best Pizza in Australia’.

Famous for his two Sydney based Italian eateries, Lucio’s Pizzeria in Darlinghurst and Zetland, Lucio wowed the competition in Italy at the annual Pizza World Championship which brings together the finest pizzaiolos from around the globe. 

‘I was honoured to be awarded the title of Best Pizza in Australia and really did not expect to take out the award,’ Lucio said.

‘There were so many talented pizza makers competing from all over the world, so to come out with the top prize for my own country felt – and still feels amazing.’

Lucio won with his traditional STG pizza (specialita traditionale garantita), which refers to a strict adherence to authentic, traditional ingredients and cooking practices. 

He also claimed the title of ‘Best Pizza in Sydney’ last year. 

Lucio said his secret to the perfect pizza is to keep it simple and use traditional ingredients (stock image)

He said he tries to bring the traditional taste of Naples to Sydney 

So what’s his secret to making the perfect pizza? 

‘My secret to a good pizza is to keep it simple,’ he said.

‘There’s nothing better than a pizza that honours Italian history and culture by using traditional ingredients and cooking practices. 

‘We focus on authenticity and bringing the traditional taste of Naples to Sydney – which our customers love.’

Lucio (pictured) was born in Naples and began making pizza at age 14. He wowed the judges at the annual Pizza World Championship in July