There’s something innately primal and irresistibly satisfying about wood-fire cooking. It’s the theatre of flames, the rustic smokiness infusing every bite and the deeply satisfying flavours that only fire and skill can conjure. Across the country, restaurants are embracing the flame with authentic ovens and grills, paying homage to time-honoured traditions from Naples to the Deep South.
Whether you’re craving a slow-cooked brisket, gourmet pizza or a sizzling Spanish rib eye, these venues are stoking the flames and raising the bar.
Samford Valley Hotel – Samford, Qld
Rustic country charm meets modern hospitality at the Samford Valley Hotel, a beloved local gem nestled in the picturesque surrounds of Samford Village. This expansive venue offers more than just a place to eat - it’s a full-fledged escape complete with an indoor-outdoor restaurant, beer garden, kids’ playground and multiple bars. The vibe is unpretentious yet refined, where locals and weekenders alike find comfort in generous servings and a relaxed atmosphere under Queensland skies.
While the entire menu sings with robust flavours, it’s the woodfired pizzas that demand attention. Cooked in a traditional Marana Forni oven, each hand-stretched base emerges blistered and bubbling, ready to carry bold combinations like the reef and beef - garlic prawns, capsicum, rocket and mozzarella united over a rich Napoli base. Even the duck dish, slow-cooked and served with confit potatoes, hints at smoky indulgence.
Book your next long lunch or family feast today.
Hidden behind the leafy palms of Burleigh Waters, Tamero delivers the kind of Italian experience that feels like a warm embrace. Its interiors exude rustic elegance and the scent of garlic and tomato in the air hints at the authenticity found within. Whether it’s a casual get-together or an intimate dinner, the setting is comfortably chic - laid-back without losing its sophisticated edge.
Tamero’s wood-fire prowess shines in every pizza, with the Di Toro being a standout - tomato base, mozzarella, salami, pickled peppers and Parmesan all blistered to perfection. For something with a kick, the chilli prawn pizza with coriander and lime shows how well seafood marries with flame. From slow-cooked lamb pappardelle to golden-fried calamari with chilli and shallots, it’s a full-bodied experience worth every bite.
Secure your table for a coastal Italian night out.
Scusa Mi Italiano – Glen Waverley, Vic
Bold, buzzing and brimming with Italian spirit, Scusa Mi Italiano in Glen Waverley is where retro flair meets wood-fire finesse. From the moment you step onto the mosaic-tiled floor and take in the colourful booths, you know this isn’t just a dinner - it’s a journey. The vibe is vibrant and full of life, with diners leaning in over antipasti platters and glasses clinking under soft lighting.
The wood-fired pizzas are the hero here - marinated Tiger prawn with tomato sugo, chilli, fior di latte and rocket takes the lead. However it’s not just about pizza; pasta dishes like creamy spaghettini with crispy pancetta also draw crowds. The kitchen doesn’t just pay tribute to Italian tradition - it elevates it with flair.
Make a booking and bring your appetite for bold Italian flavour.
For a fiery fusion of taste and atmosphere, Bar Ole in Iluka delivers an unforgettable Spanish tapas experience. The vibe is lively and intimate, with exposed brick walls, a tiled bar and flickering lights casting a golden glow. This is where you come for conversation, laughter and plates built for sharing - ideally with a Sangria in hand.
The imported Spanish grill is the secret weapon, producing unforgettable bites like pink rib eye with mojo rojo, or Shark Bay prawns seared with garlic and chilli. Even the charred bread served alongside shares the smoky kiss of flame. It’s comfort food reimagined with Mediterranean passion and West Aussie produce.
Indulge your senses - reserve your spot for a night of Spanish sizzle.
Tucked in Coolum Beach, Woodstack is where the soul of American BBQ meets beachside ease. The atmosphere is relaxed yet purposeful - here, wood-fire cooking isn’t just a method, it’s a philosophy. The custom offset-smoker, fuelled by ironbark, turns out meat that’s equal parts juicy, tender and smoky, making it the ultimate drawcard for carnivores and curious foodies alike.
The Woodstacker platter is the definitive order - smoked brisket, sticky pork ribs, slaw and slider buns make up a board that’s as impressive as it is indulgent. Each rib is lacquered with sauce and packed with that unmistakable depth only low-and-slow wood-fire can offer. Even the breakfast burger gets a smoky twist.
Gather your crew and lock in your next meat lover’s outing.
From wood-fired pizza kissed by flame to smoked meats steeped in depth and tradition, these venues celebrate the rich, authentic flavours only fire can create. Each spot brings something unique to the table - whether it’s Italian finesse, Spanish flair or BBQ boldness. So, the next time you’re craving a meal that’s as much about the method as it is the taste, head to one of these venues and let the flames speak for themselves.
