After 22 years working with wood ovens, Cafizza’s Yalcin Aydin is a pizza perfectionist.
He and wife Kezi opened the pizza store and cafe 18 months ago.
“He loves it,” Kezi says. “He’s very, very specific with his pizzas.”
The Turkish expat takes his job so seriously he won’t let anyone else touch the oven, jokes Kezi.
“He has to have it his way to the point where he drives us insane.”
But customers appreciate his attention to detail.
“He’s been serving some of the same customers for decades,” Kezi says.
Yalcin offers a wide range of pizzas including gluten-free and vegetarian options – as well the crowd favourite Pumpkin Delight.
But he’s happy for customers to swap ingredients for an all-new creation.
Kezi herself has about 30 years in the food industry. She and chef Grace have served delicious mains like shish kebabs, parmigiana and pasta since the store opened.
Their all-day breakfast includes classics like Eggs Benedict and English breakfast, along with a vegetarian option complete with avocado and mushrooms.
“We give it our all,” Kezi says. “We’re here all day every day and it shows when people come back.”
Their $10 deal, which includes a small pizza and can of drink, is lunchtime favourite for nearby industrial and retail workers.
Yalcin and Kezi thank their business partner Jimmy Onturk, who inspired them to open the store.
