170 Grammi, Surry Hills: Via Napoli’s new sister pizzeria has opened
170 Grammi is a brand new pizzeria that has just opened its doors on the corner of Crown and Foveaux streets in Surry Hills.
The new sister to the highly popular Via Napoli, 170 Grammi promises to serve up some of the only “la tonda scrocchiarella Romana” or Roman-style, round pizzas in the city. These were popular in the 1950s but have been largely forgotten in favour of the rectangular shape in more recent times.
Made using only 170 grams of dough – and serving as the inspiration for the venue’s name – the pizzas are thinner and crunchier in comparison to the soft and puffy Verace Neapolitan style. Owner Luigi Esposito, widely credited for fanning Sydneysiders’ love for Neapolitan-style pizzas, says the crunchiness of the base and the freshness of the toppings combine perfectly to melt-in-your-mouth.
Esposito has added his own creative flair to the menu, by turning some of the region’s most famous pastas, into pizza toppings. There is the classic Cacio e pepe, the A’carbonara with a white base, pecorino Romano, guanciale, free-range egg yolk and black pepper, and the Amatriciana featuring guanciale, pomodoro and pecorino Romano.
Other classics include the Napoletana, Calabrese, Margherita Classica and the super-delicious Capricciosa with San Marzano tomato, Buffalo mozzarella, double smoked ham, saute mushrooms, marinated artichokes and basil. An incredibly tasty pizza crafted with love and authentic Italian flavours. Simply mouth-watering!
But it’s the signature Porchetta di ariccia that holds the most significance for Esposito, which is made using his father-in-law Tonino Toscano’s recipe. Prepared with a white base and topped with the slow-roasted porchetta alla Romana, smoked scamorza, wood-fired roasted potatoes, rosemary and black pepper, he says it’s simply “buonissimo”.
There are some scrumptious vegetarian options on the list too with our top pick being the outstanding Ortolana with San Marzano tomato, Buffalo mozzarella, saute mushrooms, grilled eggplant, grilled capsicum, marinated artichokes, basil and Coratina extra virgin olive oil. Thin, crispy and packs in loads of flavour making for a seriously delicious pizza experience.
There are 13 pizzas in all on the menu, which are perfectly cooked at 300 degrees for three minutes in the 1.9-tonne, handmade Italian, wood-fired oven that stands tall at the rear of the cosy space, surrounded by hanging aged cheeses and meats.
The menu also features an extensive selection of antipasti that includes the Trippa alla Romana (Roman-style tripe), Schiacciata co’nbotto de Mortazza (crispy flat bread with mortadella), Calamari Fritti (flash fried Hawkesbury River Calamari), the Fagioli alla Bud Spencer made of Borlotti beans, pork rind and pane casereccio, and the delicious Suppli, a traditional dish of pomodoro San Marzano, La Stella buffalo mozzarella and pecorino Romano.
For dessert, you can’t go past the Instagrammable Maritozzi, a classic Roman-style dessert featuring a soft and light brioche-style bun filled with sweetened whipped cream. There’s also the Torta Caprese with flourless chocolate and almond cake and the delectable Angioletti Nutella – lightly fried dough sticks with Nutella and fresh strawberries. Finger-licking good!
Second only to the pizza oven is the other hero of 170 Grammi’s intimate venue, a handmade black and white terrazzo bar, which is home to a deliciously affordable drinks list. The wine list features Italian and Australian varietals, with bottles priced no higher than $65, or enjoy one of several cocktails, including limoncello spritz, espresso martini, negroni and americano.
170 Grammi is a great new pizzeria that brings the joy of Rome to the streets of Sydney. You can tell that the food here is truly made with love. With its delicious food, great vibes and some of the friendliest staff you will ever encounter, this place is a must-visit!
170 Grammi
428 Crown St, Surry Hills
Open Wednesday to Sunday (5-10pm)