Some of the Inner West’s greatest culinary minds have come together to open a pizzeria on King Street, Newtown. This is a big deal.
Talks of Bella Brutta (meaning “Beautiful Ugly”) began earlier this year, speaking of a pizza diner spearheaded by co-owner Luke Powell of Chippendale institution LP’s Quality Meats along with the crew, Elvis Abrahanowicz and Joe Valore,, from highly celebrated Porteno. Well, it’s now open, and if the pizzeria’s first few days is anything to go by – rave reviews, much Instagram stories, general excitement – we’re looking at the birth of a Newtown staple. And it’s been awhile since we’ve had one of those (shout outs to Belly Bao).
From early reports, they aren’t going the traditional route and offering full Neapolitan-style pizza. Chefs Powell and Jason White, along with pizzaiolos Mitch Westwood and Douglas Alvarenga are taking an “anything goes” approach to the menu, which so far features five options including a clam pizza with lemon juice, parsley, fermented chilli and toasted garlic oil; a simple tomato, pepperoni, salami and parmesan; and one with pecorino, fior di latte and mortadella.
Also on the menu are bites of antipasti, salads and vegetarian sides, but there’s no mistake that pizza is the main focus here.
Given the creativity of who is involved, and the fact that it’s very early days, we’re expecting the menu to grow or change significantly as Bella Brutta treads a sure path straight to the hearts and minds of Sydney’s voracious pizza lovers. There’s a meat smoker on site, so who knows what kind of carnivorous wizardry Powell will be working up in the near future.
Address: 135 King Street, Newtown
Website: bellabrutta.com.au.
