Yeah I know, you wouldn’t naturally think pizza and 5 star beach resort BUT think again my authentic flavour seeking friends, because you can indeed get stunningly authentic Italian pizza at Elements of Byron YAY! You’ll also (no doubt) be happy to hear that the pizzas are priced the same as many of the local joints in town. Yep, all the more reason to grab your crew and head to Azure Bar & Grill for pizza, wine, beer and good times for lunch or dinner stat.
Executive Chef Simon Jones, is a master of flavour balance and authenticity. Having worked in some of London’s top restaurants and on super yachts bobbing along the Italian coastline (on his days off Simon would often head out in search of local family run pizza joints, all in the name of research!).
There is so much to love about the pizzas at Azure Bar & Grill, that I kind of don’t know where to start! So, I guess we should just start at the beginning, the base if you like. The pizza base takes three days to make, yes three days! The sourdough base is made using a “mother Bega”, which is basically a sourdough starter that is “fed” each day, to keep the active yeast alive. This is super important, because it’s what gives the dough its epic bounce, texture and perfect pizza crust chew. Basically, the beating heart and soul of any epically authentic pizza! Add to this lashings of local produce, and a smattering of European goodies and you’ve got yourself a thoughtful and expertly curated pizza menu from which to work your way through on multiple visits!
(Pizza Perfection with an abundance of local awesomeness)
On a recent visit for lunch we ordered some of my all-time favourite pizzas, Pumpkin $27, with roast pumpkin puree (as the base instead of a traditional tomato base – genius!), pumpkin, chilli, truffle, goats’ cheese, oregano, honey and parmesan. Sausage $24, with house-made fennel sausage, stracciatella, parsley and mozzarella. Serrano $27,jamon serrano, mozzarella, rocket, cherry tomatoes, stracciatella. The magic does not stop at the pizzas through friends, the salads are also a feast for the senses; Byron Bay Burrata $26, Baby Cos Caesar $20 (with proper white anchovies YAY!) and pangrattato instead of croutons, which frankly should be how all Caesar Salads are made from this day forth! And the seemingly understated but truly magnificent Seasonal Salad Leaves $20, with truffle, goats’ cheese, hazelnut vinaigrette.
(Byron Bay Burrata Salad $26)
Then just when you think that enjoying authentic pizza, whilst gazing across the pool framed by blue skies and super friendly wait staff at hand, a bottle of your favourite wine arrives and your pizza nirvana is truly complete!
Azure Bar & Grill : Open 7 Days a Week : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Bookings recommended : 02 6639 1565
144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Until next time! Eat Local. Eat Well.
T xxx
