Good vibes, really-really good Italian fare and Limoncello shots on departure.

 Say ciao to Pizzateca.

Tucked away on Chalk Hill Road, Pizzateca is a Italian food lovers HEAVEN. It’s surrounded by vineyards and plenty of lawn area for a football and for the little ones to roam free. In terms of seating you can pop yourself inside, where you’ll be right in the mix of the hustle and bustle and have the perfect view of the the chefs doing their thing.

There is also ample undercover dining, with heaters and blinds or when the weather cools down, and blinds and umbrellas for when the sun is out. Win Win.

Now to the important stuff. The food and wine. In terms of liquids you are well and truly looked after. Wines are produced by V.Mitolo and Son, and are made exclusively for the restaurant. They also boast local vinos from Oliver’s Taranga, Alpha Box & Dice and Paxtons, just to name a few. If wine isn’t your jam then you’ll be stoked to see Vale Brewing on the list, next to some mean apertivos like Campari, Bellinis and Aperol Spirtz.

The food menu here is just as impressive- think starters of arancini and antipasto plates, arrosticini, a long list of woodfire pizzas and plenty of sides- you got me at Patate Al Forno- wood oven roasted crispy potato with garlic, rosemary, oil and salt.

I’ve been here a few times now and are slowly working my way through the menu.  One of my all time favourites is the Arancini filled with mushroom, gorgonzola, basil and mozzarella is an absolute no brainer, and lets face it, I could easily eat a plate of them in one sitting.

On our most recent visit we ordered the House Marinated Olives to start, along with the Arrosticini. The bowl of olives was massive for the two of us (I possibly definitely devoured them) and they had the perfect kick from the chilli and fennel.

The Arrosticini consisted of Abruzzese style lamb skewers cooked over charcoal, using premium Adelaide Hills leg of lamb. This was a standout for the both of us. The lamb was so soft and a little bit pink, and was not at all chewy. We almost fought over who had the 5th skewer it was that tasty. The lamb was served with housemade wood oven bread, lashed in olive oil and salt. The other half wasn’t complaining when he knew I am temporarily off of gluten as he gets to eat my serve (lucky bugger).

For mains we chose the Salami Pizza- topped with Sugo, Fior di latte, Portabello Mushrooms, Olives, Salami and Olive oil. What a pizza! It had a super thin base, crispy and puffy crust and plenty of toppings, without being too heavy.  I’ve also tried their Americano, Margherita and Pomoforo- again, ticking all of the boxes.

When it comes to desserts there’s only one thing on the menu. You may think why only one thing? Well when you try Nonna Anna Mitolo’s home made Tiramisu  you will realise there is no reason to order anything else. This fluffy, coffee filled number is the best Tiramisu I have eaten. Ever. If you are still after a caffeine hit, then their Short Black Espresso will help you get a buzz on.

If you’re looking for somewhere to have a long lunch or dinner in a beautiful setting, with staff that treat you like family then check this gem out. I’m going to make a big call, but I think they offer one of the best dining experiences and pizzas in Adelaide.

You can find Pizzateca at 319 Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale. Make sure you book in advance as they fill up very quickly!