Adelaide’s most loved pizzeria, Antica, is celebrating a huge milestone as 2019 marks the iconic Italian restaurant’s fifth birthday. Five years of business, twenty-eight staff and two locations later, Antica stands alone as Adelaide’s premier destination for beautiful, traditional Italian cuisine.
 
Owner and Italian native, Anthony Crea, says, “We tell a story with our food at Antica – the tale of our strong Italian heritage; authentic recipes, fresh produce and fantastic food shared amongst family and friends.”
 
After travelling to his hometown of Naples, Anthony was inspired to emulate the passion and flavours of authentic Italian recipes in Adelaide. Antica’s traditional approach to food is encapsulated in the popular restaurant’s name – Antica – the Italian word translating to old or ancient. It’s a loving nod to the rich history of Italian cooking and the passing down of recipes from generations.
 
Anthony Crea says, “To me, food is a lifestyle! It takes me back to some of my earliest memories, like being in the kitchen with Mum and Nonna. Cooking together as a family was just as important as the recipe and ingredients themselves – an integral philosophy to Antica over the past five years.
 
“Family ties hold strong within Antica to this day. I have worked closely with my chefs, Alex and Vincenzo, for many years and together we have developed a menu that captures the joy of sharing hearty, delicious Italian food,” says Anthony Crea.
 
In line with their dedication to authenticity, Antica’s menu is comprised of sumptuous modern offerings and refined cooking methods, ensuring an authentic dining experience.
 
“Our pizza cooking method starts from the ground up where the handmade dough is proofed for 72 hours, giving it a light, airy taste. All flour, sauce, prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and many more ingredients are imported from Italy; even our wood oven which accommodates for our iconic metre long pizzas,” says Anthony Crea.
 
Amongst a menu that boasts decadent four-cheese pizza, porcini and swiss brown arancini served with truffle sauce and 18hr slow cooked beef ragu fettucine, Anthony, in true Italian style, remains loyal to the simple things.
 
“Five years down the track and my favourite pizza is still our traditional buffalo mozzarella Margherita. It’s simple, classic and, most of all, delicious,” says Anthony Crea.
 
Despite never entering, Antica has been awarded with a cult-like following and an array of official accolades, including eight national interior design awards for their flagship City store on Morphett Street. The CBD location also hosts many private functions, suitable for your next special event.  
 
“Due to our great success over the years, there are exciting new projects in the pipeline for Antica and definitely potential for interstate growth,” says Anthony Crea.
 
Having captured the hearts (and stomachs) of South Australian foodies, Antica is giving one lucky diner one year’s worth of Antica pizza* to celebrate their milestone birthday, in conjunction with an exclusive event this evening with over 130 guests expected.