What Makes a Great Italian Pizza? A Look Inside Our Wood-Fired Oven at Factory51

by | Mar 25, 2025 | News


🍕 What Makes Great Italian Pizza | Wood-Fired at Factory51

Our pizza oven was handmade in Italy, then shipped across the world to Coorparoo. It weighs over three tonnes and has been fired continuously for nearly 10 years.

If you’re searching for wood-fired pizza in Brisbane, you’ve probably realised something: not all pizzas are the same. At Factory51, we believe truly great pizza comes from tradition, time, and a whole lot of love. From our long-fermented dough to the signature char from our wood-fired oven, every step makes a difference.

Let’s take a look at what sets our pizzas apart — and why locals say we’re one of Brisbane’s best Italian pizza spots.

Factory 51’s wood-fired oven


It Starts with the Dough: Slow Fermentation, Big Flavour

Every great pizza begins with the dough. At Factory51, we stick to time-honoured Italian techniques and ferment our dough for a full 96 hours. This slow rise gives it amazing flavour and a light, airy texture.

We keep our dough simple and honest — just high-quality Italian flour, filtered water, yeast, olive oil, and sea salt. Because we avoid shortcuts and additives, the result is a base that’s crisp on the outside and chewy in the centre.


Handcrafted, Every Time

Each dough ball is rolled by hand and rises slowly in a cool environment. When it’s ready, our chefs stretch it by hand — never with a rolling pin or machine. This keeps the texture light and helps create that thin, bubbly crust we’re known for.

After that, each pizza is assembled with care. We use just enough toppings to balance the flavour without overpowering the base. That way, every bite includes a little of everything: sauce, cheese, and crisp, chewy crust.


San Marzano Sauce Makes the Difference

Our tomato sauce is made in-house using certified San Marzano tomatoes imported from Italy. These tomatoes grow in rich volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius, making them naturally sweet and low in acidity.

We keep our sauce clean and classic — just crushed tomatoes, a little sea salt, fresh basil, and olive oil. That’s it. No sugar, no preservatives. Just bold, simple flavour that lets the ingredients shine.


Why Wood-Fired Pizza Is Better

Our custom-built wood-fired oven is the centrepiece of our kitchen. It’s what gives our pizza its unique taste and texture.

This oven burns at over 400°C and cooks pizzas in under 90 seconds. The intense heat creates a crisp, smoky base with beautifully blistered crust. Unlike electric ovens, wood fire adds real flavour while locking in freshness.

With a wood-fired oven, you get:

  • A crisp base with slight char

  • Light, airy crust with golden bubbles

  • Toppings that stay fresh and melty — never dry


Ingredients Matter Most

We follow a paddock-to-plate approach. That means we source high-quality ingredients both locally and from Italy. Everything is selected for freshness and flavour.

You’ll find:

  • Fior di latte mozzarella from artisan Italian producers

  • Italian cured meats like prosciutto and salami

  • Locally grown herbs and veggies, including rocket, tomatoes, and basil

  • Seasonal picks like wild mushrooms, artichokes, and truffle oil

We keep it simple, honest, and full of flavour.

Pepperoni Pizza


Guest Favourites on the Pizza Menu

Here are some of the top picks from our regulars:

1. Margherita Classica

Tomato, fior di latte, basil, extra virgin olive oil
Classic, clean, and never goes out of style.

2. Salami, Bacon & Beef Sausage

Tomato, mozzarella, salami, beef sausage, smoked bacon, oregano
Rich, spicy, and full of bold flavour.

3. Portobello Mushroom & Truffle

Mozzarella, roasted mushrooms, gorgonzola, truffle oil, parmesan
Earthy, creamy, and a little bit fancy.

4. Prosciutto & Rocket

Tomato, mozzarella, fresh prosciutto, rocket, parmesan
Savory and fresh, with a peppery crunch.


Perfect for Sharing (Or Not)

Pizza is made for sharing — but we won’t blame you if you keep it all to yourself. Whether you’re catching up with friends, enjoying a date night, or grabbing a quick midweek dinner, our pizzas always hit the mark.

To make your meal even better, pair your pizza with an Italian red, a cold beer, or a classic spritz.


Real Reviews from Local Pizza Lovers

“Best pizza I’ve had in Brisbane — hands down. The crust is crispy and light, and the flavours are spot on.”
— Mia R., Google

“You can taste the quality in every bite. The salami pizza is next level, and that truffle one is a must.”
— Josh T., TripAdvisor

“We come here every week for the pizza alone. It’s become our go-to spot in Coorparoo.”
— Leah K., Facebook


Pizza That’s Good for You — and the Planet

At Factory51, we believe food should do more than taste good. It should also support local communities and protect the planet. That’s why we:

  • Use free-range, ethically sourced ingredients

  • Partner with Queensland farmers and makers

  • Reduce food waste with smart prep and daily specials

  • Run on solar power to reduce energy use

Dining with us means choosing food made with care and purpose.


Reserve Your Table Today

If you’re looking for wood-fired pizza in Brisbane that’s made by hand, packed with flavour, and served in a welcoming space — Factory51 is for you.

đź“Ť Visit us in Coorparoo and experience real Italian pizza, done right.

🍽️ Book a table: Make a reservation
🥡 Order takeaway: Enjoy your favourites at home


Takeaway Favourites

Pizza is perfect for takeout — it travels well, it’s easy to share, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Most popular pizzas to-go:

  • Margherita

  • Salami & Chilli

  • Portobello Mushroom

Don’t forget our handmade focaccia:

  • Honey & Truffle Butter

  • Garlic & Herb

  • Confit Garlic & Rosemary

FACTORY51

07 33240844
51 Holdsworth St Coorparoo QLD
hello@factory51.com.au