Bella Brutta

From the team behind LP's Quality Meats and Porteño, Bella Brutta is a casual pizzeria co-owned by Luke Powell in the heart of Newton. Its name translates directly as 'beautiful ugly' and is indicative of the imperfect yet delicious eats this eatery whips up: think blistered dough, gooey cheese and flashes of rich, red tomato sauce. 

The restaurant space is cool and casual, fronting distressed, textured walls paired with dark leather seating, and a scorching hot pizza oven at the core of its kitchen. Guests can dine either at the nine-metre bar under low-hanging, silver lights or perch outside in the intimate courtyard. 

One of the best pizzas in the city is said to be made here: topped with Cloudy Bay clams, pecorino, fermented chilli, garlic and parsley, it's easy to see why. Other menu additions include the Cavolo Nero, featuring fior di latte and parmesan, and the Sausage, scattered with salsiccia, pomodoro and zuni pickle. For dessert, there's tiramisu or Jersey Milk gelato, all waiting to be washed down with a limoncello spritz. 

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