La Svolta

La Svolta, which literally translates to ‘the turning point’ in Italian, has stiff competition amongst the eight pizzerias on Hampton Street in Hampton. Known for their authentic, thin Italian pizzas cooked in a woodfire oven with with classic toppings, you won’t find a Hawaiian or a BBQ Meat Lovers in sight. La Svolta pizzas are so authentic that they hold Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana Accreditation by the official association in Naples, which makes them the OG.

Co-owners Valerio Calabro and Pino Russo set out to create a family-friendly restaurant with a cosy atmosphere where guests can feel at home. Since opening their doors in 2010, La Svolta have managed to win over locals with their thin crust pizzas, homemade pasta and a range of regional dishes showcasing traditional flavours from across Italy by taking advantage of high quality Australian produce and Italian specialty ingredients.

Some great options include The Linda, featuring fresh ingredients of bocconcini, tomatoes, proscuitto and parmesan; the decadent Tartufuta, with truffle cream, hot Italian sausage and parmesan, or the Amalfi, with ham, eggplant, basil, parmesan, sun-dried tomato & balsamic reduction.

Valerio grew up in Tuscany and has included unique Tuscan dishes such as tagliatelle with wild boar and mushrooms ragu and great seafood dishes such as the Zuppetta di Cozze, a dish of sauted mussels in a white wine, garlic, chilli & tomato sauce. You will find arancini, seafood, risotto and meat of the day specials to complement the regular menu and take advantage of seasonal flavours.

La Svolta have a $20 pizza and beer offer on a Monday and live music from an Italian duo on Wednesday nights so get down to Hampton for some of the best pizza in Melbourne’s South. 

La Svolta  
450 Hampton Street, Hampton
Open 7 days, 5.30pm to late (dinner service); Open Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 3pm (lunch service)
lasvolta.com.au