Since its humble beginnings in 1987, Lucios Pizzeria has expanded from a small venue with just seven tables to an award-winning 150-seater restaurant. Over the years, it has perfected the art of true homely Italian cooking, with the appeal and popularity coming from an uncomplicated approach and excellent food served in a wholesome family atmosphere and friendly environment.
“Lucios is a truly local authentic Italian pizzeria and we use only top quality and fresh ingredients to bring out the authentic flavours,” says owner Bimba Merlo.
Little wonder then that this Northcliff-based Italian eatery was voted one of the country’s most favourite pizzerias in the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge in both 2021 and 2022.
Undoubtedly, it’s Lucios’ deep pan pizzas that the restaurant’s loyal customers can’t get enough of, and while the menu also features thin base pizzas as well as banting and gluten-free options, vegan and vegetarian options, the demand for those with a thick base far outnumbers them all.
Says Merlo: “The uniqueness of our pizzas is that you cannot hold and eat a slice of pizza, but rather it has to be eaten with a knife and fork because they are so top heavy and laden with the best mozzarella cheese and other quality toppings .”
What are Lucios top three most-ordered pizzas? According to Merlo they are the Lucios Special, which is a calzone (fold-over pizza) with salami, olives and onion, the Claudio Special, which comes topped with bacon, avo and feta, and the Giuliano with its spicy chicken, peppadews and feta.
There are a number of other pizzas available on the menu as well as a “Create your own Pizza” option with over 40 ingredients to choose from. In addition, Lucios offers a full range of starters, pasta, meat, chicken, fish and salad dishes and a dessert menu that includes gelatos, homemade tiramisu, homemade panna cotta and much more.
The Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge runs until September 30, with the Top 20 and winner being announced in early November. The challenge is open to any restaurant offering pizza on its menu and holding a valid liquor license.
Each week, a lucky voter can win a case of Porcupine Ridge wine and EarthFire pizza accessories, while a grand prize-winner drawn at the end of the challenge will receive five cases of Porcupine Ridge wine, an EarthFire TableTop Pizza Oven and pizza from their favourite pizzeria to the value of R2,000.
For more information and to vote via the website visit: www.votepizza.wine
For more on Porcupine Ridge visit: www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za/porcupine-ridge
Lucio’s Pizzeria is located at 231 Beyers Naude Drive, Blackheath, Northcliff, Johannesburg. Tel: 011 678 0042
We have moved to the UK and so far, in nearly three years of pizza eating with our family, NONE come close to Lucio’s!!!
Oh that Lucio’s could have moved with us…..
Real Italian Restaurant. Food made with love . Excellent quality