Bontempo | Wood-Fired Pizza & Pasta Fitzroy

Forget the white tablecloths. Bontempo brings unapologetic, high-energy dining to Brunswick Street—think loud minimalist vibes, tight tables, and pizzaiolos slinging dough in Hawaiian shirts. Italian expats routinely drop the ultimate compliment here, comparing the blistering, wood-fired cornicione on the Margherita straight to the motherland. A masterclass in casual carbs. Crispy, leopard-spotted pizzas. Deep, comforting bowls of Rigatoni Amatriciana cooked strictly al dente. The floor gets chaotic and seating is definitely cozy, but the generous portions and serious value make it entirely worth the elbow-rubbing. Book ahead for the dine-in buzz, or snag a takeaway pie for the couch. Authentic, fast, perfetto.