Fast Facts

Restaurant name: Coalition

Address: Shop 3 Delta Central, corner Hillcrest & Conrad drive, Blairgowrie

Phone number: 065 862 7675

Opening times: Thursday to Saturday 12pm to 11pm; Sunday to Wednesday 12pm–9pm

Average price of a main course : R130

Corkage fee: N/A

Parking situation: Parking lot

Food type: Pizza, Italian

Best for: Simple, fuss-free pizza that delivers on flavour, served alongside a banging wine list.

Big group/family lunches and dinners, Celebrations, romantic dates.

Food

Coalition is known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, which the restaurant was making long before the trend hit South Africa. The pizzas here are naturally risen, made using 00 flour and topped with simple, fresh ingredients. The classic pizzas are topped with a sauce made using bright crushed tomatoes and there are also a few bianco – or white – options, which do not have tomato sauce. You can opt for a classic fresh mozzarella topping, or for burrata at an additional charge. The concise menu features eight pizzas, but you’re also welcome to make up your own if you choose.

The Maxini prepared and served at Coalition. Image sourced from Facebook.

Before getting into the pizzas, consider sharing one of the hearty salads to start. The Caprese needs no introduction, but the house salad truly is a sleeper hit here. Featuring burrata, prosciutto, artichokes and rocket finished with a sticky balsamic reduction, this salad will get the meal going wonderfully. Moving on to the main event – the pizzas – and it’s safe to say that you can’t go wrong with any choice at Coalition. While some might call it boring, it’s worth noting that the mark of a true pizzeria lies in the quality of the Margherita pizza and Coalition’s is everything you want from one. With punchy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, shredded fragrant basil and a crust with just the right amount of char, this is no run-of-the-mill Margherita. If you’re after a little more kick, opt for the Siyani, which is topped with chorizo, fresh tomato and chilli. Lastly, anchovy lovers are well looked after in the form of the Maxini. Featuring vinegared white anchovies and caramelised onions, this pizza is sweet and salty in the best way imaginable.

Pizza at Coalition. Image sourced from Facebook.

Drinks

You could argue that you come to Coalition for the pizza, but stay for the incredible wine list, which features some of the coolest and most interesting wines in South Africa. With unusual varietals from independent producers, you’re bound to find something new that you love. The curation has also been done in such a way that there’s a good mix of price points, with nothing over the R300 mark, and everything is available by the glass should you want to taste before you commit to a bottle. There’s also a small cocktail list that includes a very well-made Negroni.

Service

The service is warm, welcoming and knowledgeable. Whether you’re a longstanding customer or a first-timer, the front-of-house team goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable.

Ambience

The vibe is cool and casual, so expect a bit of a buzz when you’re here. The best part about Coalition is its ability to suit any occasion, be it a date night, a rowdy group of friends or a quiet family dinner.

Inside at Coalition. Image sourced from Facebook.

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