“Italian with a twist” is how chef John Lanzafame has described his latest venture, Lanzafame Trattoria, that opened its doors for business in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo today.

Lanzafame, whose name has become synonymous with some of Australia’s best pizza, is also set to dazzle diners with his pasta at the new restaurant at 88 Crown Street.

“The pasta will be very special,” said Lanzafame, who has two Italian pasta chefs on board to ensure the quality of his pasta.

It's a return to running his own restaurant for Lanzafame who first launched his own restaurant in Haberfield in 2002. The restaurant, Lanzafame, went on to win acclaim as one of Sydney's best Italian restaurants.

Most recently Lanzafame was operating the eponymously named restaurant at Star City.

Previous to that he was head chef with the Hugos Group where his talent with pizza took off after boss Peter Evans signed him up to compete in the national Australian pizza competition, the Dairy Farmers Best of the Best Pizza Challenge. Lanzafame won the competition and went on to also win an international pizza competition in New York where he was named the world champion. His success with pizza has continued with the launch of his first book Pizza Moda Mio which has sold more than 100,000 copies. He’s currently completing his second book that’s due to launch later this year.

For bookings at Lanzafame Trattoria call 02 9331 8881.