July 17, 2023
Shop stories: Explore 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar in Elsternwick Village
L-R: 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar co-owners Michele Circhirillo and Fabio Biscaldi.
Not just award-winning but multi award-winning, 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar has secured its place among Italian food lovers.
And just as the foodies of Elsternwick Village and its surrounds love the eatery, owner Fabio Biscaldi loves them right back.
“This is an amazing location for a business like ours,” he said.
“I love the energy, the mix of people. It’s a great community. They are loyal and supported us a lot during COVID lockdowns by buying takeout and taking our online masterclasses.”
World beating pizza
48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar was recently named the best pizza in Australia by a prestigious Italian judging panel.
In 2021 it scooped Best Pizzeria in Oceania; in the following year it was named Best Pizzeria in Asia Pacific and number 13 in the world.
Mr Biscaldi is rightly proud of the accolades.
“In the recent awards the judges came in unannounced. We didn’t know they were there,” he said.
“They judge us on everything and it’s great for us to win after such thorough examination. It’s thrilling. But it is also great for our customers to know we didn’t do anything special for the judging. What we won on is what we do for all our customers.
“What pleased the judges is what our customers are getting night after night.”
Big, bustling and central
The large restaurant seats about 30 outside and 50 inside. It’s a bustling, vibrant place.
“We have families and couples and individuals – a whole range of customers and not just from Elsternwick but from neighbouring suburbs, too,” Mr Biscaldi said.
“People who love good Italian food know about us. We are in a great location next to the Classic Cinema and surrounded by other eating places and everything nearby Glen Huntly Rd has to offer, so it’s a busy, thriving area which is great.”
The pizzeria is named after its dough making style.
“Here, 48 hours is the minimum time required for the dough to rise,” Mr Biscaldi said.
“Made with natural yeast, it is light and aromatic.
“We also use seasonal products which means fresh quality produce and we play around with them, get creative.
“We offer specials every week. Using whatever ingredients are in season we make pizza, desserts, gnocchi and pasta dishes and run them for a few weeks.”
There are always gluten-free gnocchi dishes on offer, too.
48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar is renowned for its Di Parma (mozzarella fior di latte, prosciutto di Parma, buffalo mozzarella) but there is an array of inventive and delicious pizzas to try.
A love of creativity
48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar has been in Elsternwick Village since 2017 and is open seven nights a week, offering sit in and take away options.
“We have built up a wonderful customer base. We are a popular venue. Everyone loves pizza – it’s affordable, it’s quick, and it’s customisable and delicious,” Mr Biscaldi said.
He and chef Michele Circhirillo have worked hard to build an award-winning and popular business with a reputation for freshness, quality and inventiveness.
“It’s a challenge but we really enjoy it,” Mr Biscaldi said.
“I love the food, the customers, and I love to invent.”
48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar is a busy place, so if you’re considering giving it a try it’s best to book ahead.
