Pitzi – Interview

🍝 This one is for the pasta lovers 🍝 

Say Ciao to Pitzi! Hobart’s very own pasta bar. From the owners of the locally renowned Fico restaurant, comes its little sister or ‘little one’, as the name translates from Neapolitan slang. 

Pitzi opened its doors just three weeks ago and has fast become a bustling culinary hotspot for locals and tourists alike. We at Hello Hobart are big pasta lovers and couldn’t wait to check out the fresh new digs. Run by trio of managers, Dana, Federica (Freddy), and Oskar, Pitzi is located in the blue brick building that was once home to Jackman & McRoss. We caught up with Dana, part-owner of the exciting new slice of Italy on Victoria Street. 

This casual pasta bar starts slinging spaghetti from 4 pm, making it the perfect spot for a post-work wine and dine. If you miss out on the weekend, fear not! For those in the hospitality industry or part of the weekend grind, Pitzi’s got you covered with ‘Hospo Night’ on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

“We wanted to create something open and available to everyone. We want the hospitality community to feel that they can come party at Pitzi on a Monday night.” 

Pitzi also have their eyes set on lunchtime dining – watch this space! 

The most noteworthy thing about Pitzi? The pasta! 

“A lot of the kitchen team have worked at Fico and cooked alongside Freddy – so they know how to make the perfect pasta!” 

Dana’s current fave off the menu is their delectable sea urchin spaghetti. The truffles on top are optional but you’d be crazy not to! 

Speaking of the menu, expect the standard of big brother Fico (one of Hobart’s most well-known and highly regarded fine-dining restaurants), with a more relaxed and casual dining experience.  

“Pitzi is very Italian and more rustic.  

“For the starting menu, we had Neapolitan wagyu that Freddy’s grandmother used to make for us, and her mother [adorably referred to as ‘Mama Sandra’ on the menu] makes panzerotti and drops them into the store.” 

Dining at Pitzi feels like you’re part of the family. The management team also curates the wine list together, stocking mainly Tasmanian and Italian wine that they all enjoy drinking in their downtime.  

So, why the location?  

“It’s close to Fico so when you run out of butter, you can just run across the road.” 

The building itself offers a completely different vibe than its big brother. Unlike Fico, Pitzi offers an outdoor dining area which gets plenty of afternoon sun, making it an ideal spot for that cheeky spritz or glass of Rosato. 

“We have the outdoor area, the bar area, and the dining room out the back. It’s a small space but it offers three very separate experiences for people.” 

Pitzi is home to several artworks from Oskar’s late father and renowned local artist Tom Samek. Pieces include a large metal sculpture on the wall of the dining room which adds to the retro feel of the space. The back wall of the dining room is made entirely of a glass mirror that doubles as the specials board, complimented by the tezzaro countertops at the bar and orange-tiled exposed kitchen.  

Eat drink and be merry at Pitzi! 

Check them out at 4 Victoria Street, Hobart. Open for walk-ins from 4.00 pm Friday to Tuesday, and bookings from 5.30 pm.