Johnny Gio’s Pizza take-away is not just a slice of pizza; it’s an authentic slice of little Italy right here in Potts Point and has only just opened last week.

Its menu includes 28 pizzas with an extensive selection covering traditional favourites and distinctive, unique-to-Johnny-Gio’s creations. All pizzas are all hand-stretched in store and cooked in an authentic Italian brick oven. They use from flour imported from Italy and Fior dii latte cheese, salami and prosciutto, San Pellegrino chinotto, Aranciata rosa and Acqua panna.

Other Italian specialties include Italian meatballs, a selection of calzone, or folded pizza, caprese salad served with a whole mozzarella and a decadent tiramisu.

It is all unique, prepared, cooked, and served in an authentic style with typical Italian vivace panache.

There are tables and chairs outside for those who wish to sit down and enjoy the passing parade of pedestrian traffic.

It is one of 17 outlets across Sydney and is open seven days a week.

Jonathan, or Giovanni in Italian, is its founder and a local resident with an significant and extensive background in pizza and Italian food. He founded Society Pizzeria in Bondi in 2012. Spotting an opportunity for authentic take-away Italian pizza he opened Johnny Gio’s in 2019 in Bondi, growing it to 17 stores.

The most popular pizzas are the Margherita (pomodoro, parmesan, basil, mozzarella) and the Tony Supremo (pomodoro, capsicum, onion, ham, peperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and olives). The extensive menu also includes the Hesh prawn pizza, a name meaning love and compassion in Sanskrit. The Johnny Vodka won’t get you booked by police for driving over the limit. Then there’s Sammy the butcher for meat lovers and the Vego Lover with six different vegies and other Italian delights such as salads, pastas, and a Nutella pizza with strawberries. There are also gluten free and vegan options.

Since opening in Potts Point Filip Vučetić, its vivacious Operations Manager, says “local feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Johnny Gio’s has been warmly embraced by locals who really appreciate its authentic food, generous servings, friendly service, ambience and heritage.

“We want you to feel like you’re part of our family,” says Filip.

The walls are festooned with black and white photos of Italian classic cameos evoking an old-world authentic nostalgia.

Filip says “I just love working with people: food is my passion.

Half of my life has been spent in hospitality.”

By Andrew Woodhouse

Address Shop 5,2-14 Bayswater Road Potts Point NSW 2011

Ph 02 7238 2195

Hours Wed – Mon 5pm – 10pm ,

Thurs – Fri 10am – 11pm

Sun 12 noon – 10pm