Maestro Sourdough Pizza Crowned Best in WA and Top 50 Across Asia-Pacific
Maestro Sourdough Pizza has been honored as the best pizza in Western Australia for the second consecutive year, solidifying its reputation as one of the top 50 pizzerias across the Asia-Pacific region. The North Beach establishment was the only WA restaurant to make the prestigious list, securing the 38th spot at the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific awards held in Tokyo earlier this month.
A Prestigious Recognition for Perth's Culinary Scene
Invited to attend the awards ceremony, Maestro Sourdough Pizza stood out among fierce competition, with Tokyo's The Pizza Bar on 38th ranking first and Melbourne's SHOP225 as the highest-rated Australian entry at number four. The awards are based on visits from mystery shoppers, ensuring venues are unaware of when judges will attend or what they will order, adding to the credibility of the recognition.
Founder Andrea Brunelli expressed immense pride in representing WA on the global stage. "It's a huge honor, and we are very proud," he told PerthNow. "Western Australia has a growing food scene with many great operators focusing on high quality. Being recognized again by 50 Top Pizza helps put Perth on the culinary map, which means a lot to us."
From Balcony Experiments to Award-Winning Success
Mr. Brunelli's journey to pizza mastery began when he moved to Australia in 2011 as a baker, starting his local career as a pizza maker at Spaghi in Applecross. During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many in hospitality, he found himself without work and began experimenting with sourdough pizza on his balcony for family and friends.
"Friends and neighbours kept asking for more," he revealed. "All of a sudden, a WhatsApp group with around 100 people was up and running. It became too much for a balcony, and the necessity for a real shop was clear. I believe in opportunities colliding with talent rather than just luck."
After a neighbor informed him of a vacant shop nearby, Mr. Brunelli opened Maestro Sourdough Pizza, thanking his parents and partner Chiara, who manages the front of house, for their unwavering support. "Being listed in 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific means people worldwide discover a small pizzeria in North Beach, Perth. That's pretty special, but Maestro remains a family-driven project," he added.
The Secrets Behind Award-Winning Pizza
Mr. Brunelli attributes his success to three key elements: dough, ingredients, and consistency. He uses a fermented sourdough dough and premium Italian ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and Latteria Sorrentina cheese, which his family would eat at home.
For newcomers, he recommends starting with "the classics" like the Margherita or Marinara, which reflect the quality of ingredients and lightness of the dough. "If those are good, everything else will be good," he said. His signature pizza, the Maestro, features a balance of sweetness from San Marzano sauce, savory notes from San Daniele prosciutto, and freshness from buffalo mozzarella and basil.
"Very simple ingredients but a WOW result," he described. For a more indulgent option, he suggests the Truffle Wagyu, and for seasonal delights, customers can ask for off-menu creations inspired by both Italian and Australian flavors, "but with our own twist."
This recognition not only celebrates Maestro Sourdough Pizza's excellence but also highlights Perth's emerging status as a culinary destination, with local talent making waves internationally.
