SIPPY DOWNS – Suriano’s Woodfire Pizza, a new addition to the Sunshine Coast dining scene, brings a taste of authentic Italian cuisine steeped in family tradition. Owned by Giorgio Gava and Gianna Gatto, the pizzeria pays homage to Gava’s Italian roots and his grandparents’ influence.
Located in a burgeoning suburb, Suriano’s Woodfire Pizza is not just a restaurant but a heartfelt tribute to Gava’s upbringing in Genova, Italy. With a woodfired pizza oven imported from Italy, the restaurant serves sourdough pizzas for lunch and dinner, complemented by morning offerings of Italian pastries and coffee.
“Suriano’s Woodfire Pizza was born from a passion for food, much like my grandmother had,” Gava shared. “They raised me in Genova, Italy, and the love, respect, and admiration I have for them is why I am where I am now.”
Having learned the art of making dough from his grandmother, Gava emphasized the significance of “arte bianca” – the art of making bread – in his culinary journey. “Everything I have done in the last 15 years has been to get to this point,” he added, reflecting on his experience working with renowned chefs in Genova, Naples, and across Europe.
Partnering with Ms. Gatto, who brings her own experience managing restaurants on the Sunshine Coast, the couple is committed to using fresh local produce alongside imported Italian ingredients. “At Suriano’s, we use local Sunshine Coast produce, supporting the farmers and factories in the area, while importing some traditional brands from Italy,” Gava explained.
Central to Suriano’s culinary identity is its 12-year-old sourdough starter, echoing the traditional methods of Gava’s grandmother. “Our homemade dough begins with a 12-year-old sourdough starter made exactly as my grandmother did,” he highlighted. “The dough is proved for at least 24 hours, making it lighter and very easy to digest, with its own unique flavor.”
Open from 8am to 9pm daily, Suriano’s menu boasts a variety of pizzas, focaccias, antipasto platters, Italian salads, and classic desserts such as homemade tiramisu and cannoli. Additionally, patrons can enjoy a selection of coffee, Italian pastries, fresh paninis, and croissants throughout the day.
Beyond its regular offerings, Suriano’s Woodfire Pizza hosts pizza-making classes periodically and caters to private functions, further engaging the community in its celebration of Italian culinary heritage.
For residents and visitors alike, Suriano’s Woodfire Pizza promises not just a dining experience but a journey to a “welcoming, warming little corner of Italy,” where every dish tells a story of family, tradition, and passion.