Queen Margherita of Savoy — Restaurant in Sydney

As an impending cold snap threatens Sydney in the first week of the Winter solstice, travelling up from Southern NSW, there's still one very good reason to not shy away from the Shire AKA "God's Country".

After making the pilgrimage to Queen Margherita of Savoy, I do not believe even the coldest conditions or seaside storms could turn the lights out on this place. Chef/Owner Lee recounts a story tableside of his time spent in Naples working directly under the AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza napoletana) – the official, global authority for true and authentic Neapolitan pizza, an experience which rings true in the pies themselves – the dough characteristics being signature in its softness and elasticity, foldable yet with a slight crumb and snap to it in every moreish bite.

The dough acts as vessels for se incredible topping situations which play even roles in the overall production of the pies, whether it's the Queen herself with evenly distributed fior di latte distributed evenly with pockets of fresh basil, or the evenly incredible "Di Mare" and "Funghi"... both doing justice to the key ingredients, local prawns and mushrooms, respectively, by being pre cooked in the woodfire oven and deepening the flavours with various herbs and seasoning before going atop the pizza.

What speaks to Lee and his team's passion more than anything however, is the decor and hospitality. A tavern esque feel, with leather bound, antique chairs, a bar that reads both elegance and cozy neighborhood spot and a woodfire oven that's straight up and down elemental—no gas or gimmicks—and you have service with a smile at Savoy without fail. Tu me faje arrevutà – Mi stravolgi – Can't wait to be back 🌹

Note: this spot is doggo friendly for...

If you're a local and haven't tried QMOS, you're missing out on an authentic Italian top 50 pizza experience in the Asia-Pacific region.

The pizza always comes out just right, full of flavor! It doesn't matter if you order the Salsiccia, Margherita, or Mortadella Pizzas; they use the freshest and highest quality ingredients, and you can taste the difference. Not to forget the perfectly wood-fired, leopard-like pizza crust, perfect for dipping into the chili oil. You won't have a slice left to share with any of your friends.

The pasta is al dente perfection, although I haven't had much of it as I prefer to come here for the pizza.

The wine list boasts affordable yet authentic Italian and Australian wines, stepping up to more expensive options if you want to pair them with your pizzas, indulging even further into an already great night! The owner is also very accommodating, embracing a family and fun attitude, just like a true Italian restaurant.

The antipasto/entrée items are also very tasty. I never thought salads could be so simple yet taste so good. Make sure you get the one with burrata – delicious!

It gets busy on the weekends, so make sure...

Worst service. I was ignored when I walked into restaurant - I stood there with a cake in my hand for some assistance for quite a while but they actually ignored me. They were busy doing nothing behind the bar. I had to wave them down with a menu to get their attention to serve us as they were busy chatting amongst themselves. We waited for a while before I had to move all the starter plates to another table myself to make room for the mains - as they were not interested in working that night. They just wanted to party with the people from the 1 other table that was there. The starters were so salty , that’s all we could taste . The waitress didn’t understand when I asked is this too much food? She said I should have salads too. We didn’t touch half of it ! For my main I found a stick in my lasagna. By that stage I had given up with the whole place and couldn’t be bothered even telling them . Not sure what they are doing there but I won’t be...