Looking for authentic wood-fired pizza in Adelaide? At Ciao Baby Pizza Pub, every pizza starts with hand-stretched dough, rich tomato sauce and real mozzarella, then goes into a traditional wood-fired oven for that unmistakable Italian crunch. Here’s what goes into every pizza we serve, and why locals keep coming back to 130 Lipson St, Port Adelaide.
What Makes Wood-Fired Pizza Different?
A wood-fired oven runs far hotter than a standard kitchen oven. Ours sits at over 400°C, which means a pizza is cooked in a matter of minutes rather than a quarter of an hour. That short, intense bake is the whole secret.
- A crisp, lightly charred base – the floor of the oven seals the bottom of the dough almost instantly, so it stays crunchy instead of turning soggy under the toppings.
- A soft, airy crust – the burst of heat makes the dough puff up quickly, giving you those light, bubbly edges.
- Toppings that taste fresh – because the pizza spends so little time in the oven, tomatoes, basil and vegetables keep their colour and flavour.
- A gentle smoky note – the timber flame adds a subtle depth you simply can’t get from gas or electric.
Made Fresh, the Traditional Way
Good wood-fired pizza starts well before it reaches the oven. Our dough is hand-stretched, never pressed by a machine, so it keeps its air and texture. We top each pizza with our own tomato sauce, real mozzarella and quality ingredients, following the time-honoured recipes our kitchen is known for. Nothing sits under a heat lamp – your pizza is made when you order it.
Wood-Fired Favourites to Try
Every pizza on our wood oven menu is a generous 13-inch pizza. A few that regulars always come back for:
- Margherita – tomato, mozzarella, marinated tomato, bocconcini and fresh basil. The simplest pizza is the best test of a wood-fired oven.
- Chef’s Speciale – Italian salami, bacon, mushroom and Spanish onion, finished with herbs.
- Ciao Calabrese – Italian salami, roast capsicum, Kalamata olives and chilli for those who like a little heat.
- Il Mare – large prawns, anchovies and smoked oysters for seafood lovers.
- Il Mondo (The Lot) – when you can’t decide, have everything.
Prefer something folded? Our Calzone Rustico and Calzone Veggie come out of the same oven. You’ll find the full list, including pasta, schnitzels and desserts, on our menu.
Options for Every Diet
Gluten-free bases and vegan cheese are both available on any pizza, so everyone at the table can enjoy the wood-fired experience. Read more in our guide to gluten-free and vegan pizza at Ciao Baby.
Dine In or Take Away
Wood-fired pizza is at its best straight from the oven, so we always recommend grabbing a table in our relaxed, family-friendly pub. If you’re heading home, call ahead and your takeaway will be ready to collect. Kids are well looked after too, with Bambini pizza on the kids’ menu.
Where to Find Us
Ciao Baby Pizza Pub is at 130 Lipson St, Port Adelaide, an easy trip from Semaphore, Birkenhead, Alberton, Queenstown and West Lakes. We’re open Tuesday and Wednesday from 4pm, and Thursday to Sunday from 12pm until late. We’re closed on Mondays.
Planning a night out with friends or family? See why so many people choose us in our top 5 reasons to dine at Ciao Baby, then call (08) 8332 9400 or get in touch to book your table.