Goccia (pronounced ‘gotcha’) is the newest addition to the emerging Mermaid Beach dining precinct, located in the same complex that houses the likes of Poké Poké and Doughnut Time. The 40-seat dining space is the work of Loris Perobello (known as Goccia – he’s even got his name tattooed on his arm, in case you forget) and Anna Gazzola. The duo, who both hail from Italy’s north, boast decades of hospitality experience and have a deep-seeded passion for quality food. After moving to Sydney from Italy, the pair settled on the Gold Coast two years ago, and played a role in the set up of Salt Meats Cheese in Surfers Paradise. Goccia (as in the person, not the restaurant!) is a qualified Italian pizza chef, and you’ll find him working his magic in front of the Marana Forni pizza oven, which was imported direct from his hometown of Verona. To the self-professed pizza connoisseurs out there – you’d best get Goccia on your hit list.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted with a heartfelt smile and a ‘ciao’ from Anna and Goccia – and prepare to feel like part of the family within the first five minutes. It’s quaint, yet bright, fresh and welcoming. Lunches, which are served Thursday through to Sunday, see the restaurant windows open wide to make the most of the sunshine and sea breeze. By night time, the pendant lights (handmade by Anna out of Italian tomato tins and cement) light up the dining space to create an intimate, yet family friendly setting. In true Italian style, you can expect a genuine and warm vibe.

As for the food – pizza is the hero. Whilst the fancy Italian pizza oven is responsible for creating the perfectly crisp end result, the traditional dough and totally mouth-watering flavour combinations are created at the hands of Goccia himself. Choose from a tomato or white sauce base, before deciding from the extensive list of toppings. The Bosco, with mozzarella, porcini mushroom, blue cheese and prosciutto is a must-try. If there’s a few of you, opt for the big boy – the Panara Pizza – which measures a hefty 50cm and features your choice of three flavours. You’ll find plenty of traditional starters and share plates, from the smoked burrata cheese with grilled zucchini, eggplant and capsicum, to the octopus carpaccio with parsley and lemon pearls. There are two pasta dishes on the menu, which will be accompanied by daily pasta specials. You’ll be delighted with the tight and respectable list of wines, featuring a mix of Italian, Australia and New Zealand drops, as well as a series of classic cocktails … yes, the negronis will be flowing. Finish on a sweet note with the house-made tiramisu, the ‘chocolate salami’, or the life-changing Nutella mini calzone.

Keen to check out Goccia’s Italian goodness? Head over to our Stumble Guide for its location and opening times.