Handcrafted pizzas prepared with the finest local ingredients, baked to perfection in a piping hot stone bake pizza oven. If that doesn’t make your mouth water we don’t know what will.

For Newsport reporter Jamie Jansen it definitely did. As the new concept started last Friday, Newsport had the privilege to be the first ones to try out these handcrafted pizzas.

The Little Pizza Company is part of Oaks Resort Port Douglas and is an extension of their restaurant ‘Oak & Vine’.

Whether you want to dine-in, click and collect or get your pizza delivered to you within a five kilometre range from the resort, it is all possible.

Greeted by friendly bar manager Cameron Parry, we felt welcome straight away. The restaurant has a relaxed and laid-back vibe thanks to a mix of eclectic interior and cozy lighting surrounded by a tropical lily pond.

With a refreshing drink in our hands, we sat down on one of the comfy lounges while having a look at the brand new pizza menu.

The first thing that drew our attention were the creative names of the pizzas such as: ‘The Queen’ and ‘The Northern’, made with Great Northern Beer.

Sous chef Josh Young explained that they wanted to create their own unique identity. Together with Head Chef Keith Lefevre, they created a specialty menu drawing on inspiration from the dairy, river, garden, paddock and flames.

“For example, the ‘Dairy’ pizza includes Danish blue cheese, American cheddar, and chives. While the ‘Flames’ pizza features Peri Peri chicken, spicy pepperoni and brined chillies”, Mr Young said.

With so many delicious options it wasn’t an easy decision, but eventually our choice fell on the ‘Garden’ with Grilled mushrooms and asparagus and the ‘Daintree’ with Roast button mushrooms and truffle oil. We were surprised by the rich flavours and delicious freshly made dough.

Bar manager Cameron Parry said that they distinguish themselves from Domino’s Pizza by offering home-made pizzas with fresh local produce.

“Due to Covid, there are a lot of Australians coming up here. Many of them want to buy local and support smaller businesses. This is our way to fit in that market”, he said.

According to Mr Parry the idea for the new concept also came from the fact that all kitchens in town close around 9pm. “At the moment we are still in the start-up phase, but eventually the idea is to stay open till 11pm”, he said.

Want to try out these mouth-watering pizzas for yourself? Visit the restaurant at Oaks Resort or order your pizza online with click and collect from 12-9pm or delivery from 5-9pm daily.