The name means “ethical” and owners Melissa and Federico Pisanelli take that title seriously – all meat products are sourced from humane suppliers and the rotating menu includes several plant-led options using vegan mozzarella. Despite that break in tradition, you can expect authentic Neapolitan pies (Etica was the first eatery in Adelaide to gain Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana approval) like the exquisitely simple margherita on a chewy, slightly blistered base slathered with San Marzano tomatoes, fior de latte and fresh basil leaves. There are also fresh pasta and antipasto options, and the well-curated wine list heroes South Australian producers and Italian varietals. 125 Gilles St, Adelaide; etica.pizza.

Sitting somewhere between a pizza parlour and a 70s nightclub, this laneway joint is always jumping thanks to puffy, slightly charred pies pulled from the wood oven alongside “not pizza” selections including gnocchi and roasted brussels sprouts. The vibe is retro fun and the tight menu is contained in a single page. You can’t go wrong with the seven pizza options and even purists will be tempted by the Hawaiian riff laden with chunks of chargrilled pineapple, slices of gabagool and zingy green chili. And if you like to pair your pizza with a pet nat, the equally playful wine list will be right up your alley. 17 Solomon St, Adelaide; sunnys.pizza.

Pizza purists be warned: this cocktail bar and restaurant is not afraid to break with convention. Dough proofed for three days ensures the bases are nice and springy, but toppings might include kim chi with salsa verde and smoked scamorza or meaty mushrooms with shio koji, garlic and thyme. The oven also gets used for vegetable dishes like cauliflower with miso butter, and cocktails that veer off the beaten path with bases like mezcal, shochu and rhubarb bitters will have you sinking back in the plush leather booths for another round. 96 Prospect Rd, Prospect; anchovybandit.com.

Tradition and modernity live side by side at this happening spot where the bases come in a choice of 72-hour classic made with high-protein flour blend and light-as-air superleggera featuring rye, oat and wheat germ. Pizzas fly out of the oven in the crispy Roman style and go heavy on flavour – the Mr Pig features broccoli puree and baby broccoli alongside juicy pork and fennel sausage, while the Contadino adds oomph to thick cut mushrooms with a generous dose of truffle paste. And if you want to skip the dough altogether, the hefty slow-cooked Beef Cheek Pizzaiola will satisfy any appetite. 155-157 O’Connell St, North Adelaide; tonytomatoes.com.au.

A surprising suburban gem, Walkerville’s IL Camino is all about woodfired fun and really great pizza. Launching in 2020 as an accidental takeaway shop (thanks a lot, Covid), IL Camino has rapidly evolved into a neighbourhood favourite and is well worth stopping into if you’re in the mood for Napoli-style pizza, pillowy gnocchi and a welcoming family vibe. 4/117 Walkerville Terrace, Walkerville; https://www.ilcamino.com.au/

South Australians have the late Lucia Rosella to thank for introducing authentic southern Italian cuisine to their capital city. Opening in 1957 in the Adelaide Central Market, Lucia’s Pizza And Spaghetti Bar is an institution run by a team of no-nonsense Italian women, led by Lucia’s daughters Nicci and Maria. Since day one, Lucia’s has always been about fresh, simple produce, done exceptionally well and the horde of loyal locals can attest that going to Lucia’s for a deep-dish is like going home. Shop 1-2 Western Mall Adelaide Central Market; lucias.com.au/pizza-and-spaghetti-bar