When a pizzeria advertises they use “organic” vegetables, you know you’re going to be paying a lot. When they also say the meat they put on the pizza has been farmed using “ethical” practices, you might as well hand over your wallet.

What was once a dental practice on Gilles Street, is now home to one of the best pizza places in Adelaide. Etica is located in a double storey townhouse where the ground floor has been converted into a pizzeria. Add a custom built pizza oven from Naples, a bar, tables, chairs and a sign out the front, and there you have it, a restaurant! With the owners living upstairs in the townhouse, working from home has never been easier.

Having never been here before, I thought this place could be easily missed, particularly with tree branches covering the restaurant sign. From the outside, I could see a movie showing on the neighbouring brick wall via a projector. I thought this was unnecessary as the bricks from the wall visually ruin the projected image.

I love the way this restaurant has been set out. The decor is traditional with good use of timber. The dim lighting really sets the mood for a romantic evening. The atmosphere is so relaxed, and the outdoor area is most pleasant, particularly on a warm Summer night. The place itself seats about 40 and does not accept bookings. With the high turnover of customers, you can understand why.

I felt this place was understaffed. When I was there, there were only two people running the place. One person was at the pizza oven, while another person was servicing the customers. It took a good 15 minutes before I was shown a table and then another 20 minutes before our order was taken. Quite simply, the staff were never around when you needed them.

Tonight, we ordered the Salsicce Pizza. This consisted for fior di latte (mozzarella from a cow), organic fresh sausage (aka minced meat), local portobello and organic Swiss mushrooms. The pizza arrived 30 minutes after ordering and was nicely presented.

The pizza was delicious, and the best I’ve had in Adelaide. The mozzarella was so creamy and smooth in texture. The mushrooms were so fresh and juicy. The pizza base was magnificent! The crust was so soft and fluffy. With all that being said, we did feel the centre of the pizza was slightly undercooked. While the pizza was thin, it was deceptively filling.

I’m in two minds about the value for money at this place. Believe me, it was great pizza, but for $27? The pizza was really thin and the toppings were conservative. I’m sure I could have bought a party size pizza around the corner that could have fed 4 people for that price. Apart from that and the service, I had quite an enjoyable experience at this place. I will certainly be back for their awesome pizza!

WHERE: 125 Gilles St, Adelaide