Hugos Bar Pizza

Hugos Bar Pizza Overview

Hugos Bar Pizza in King's Cross is a stylish neighbourhood restaurant serving contemporary Italian food in casual surroundings. Just in case you get the wrong impression of this restaurant which is quite conceivable given its blasé name (forgive me Hugos), I’m going to get the impressive awards and accolades out the way in the first paragraph so you know what you’re dealing with. The menu has been created by celebrity chef and co-owner Pete Evans alongside executive chef Leandro Panza to reflect home style Italian cooking using quality seasonal produce. Hugos Bar Pizza was awarded Best Pizza in the World at the New York Pizza Challenge in 2005 and Best Pizza in NSW in 2005, 2007, 2008. As if that wasn't enough they were also awarded the Best Pizza Restaurant in Australia at The Restaurant and Catering Awards 2008.

I was immediately impressed with the stylish interior of the restaurant, it is dimly lit but with a shining bar, black leather sofas and an open fire. As cosy as it looked we chose to be seated outside on the terrace under the patio heaters which seemed the more popular option. For an aperitif we chose an elaborate cocktail from their impressive list and sunk back to peruse the menu.

For start I had the salmon carpaccio with a fennel and citrus dressing, which was light and fresh whilst my friend had the tempura zucchini flower with goats cheese curd and balsamic dressing, which I have to say I was unsure of but was absolutely delicious. For mains I had to try one of these legendary pizzas, I chose the ham pizza with leg ham off the bone, fontina cheese, balsamic reduction and mushrooms. I have to say it lived up to expectations, the base is thin and light, as is the cheese and tomato base but the toppings are unashamedly lavish and even the crusts were tasty. My friend chose the chicken spatchcock which was amazing and something I wouldn’t hesitate to order next time around.

Overall I thought the food at Hugo’s was fantastic. I realised at the end of the meal that being outside was the more popular option because people were sitting outside to be seen. This is a trendy restaurant that attracts a trendy crowd and if posing is your thing then Hugos will suit you down to the ground but if it isn’t then I suggest you go anyway for the food.