Pizzeria Magma in Fitzroy North Sold to Local Operators — Dough, Oven and Room Remain

# What changed Pizzeria Magma, a well‑liked Naples‑style pizzeria on St Georges Road in Fitzroy North, has changed ownership. Outgoing owner Jean‑Paul Aziz (JP) sold the restaurant after about three years at the helm. The incoming team is made up of Michael Bascetta and Matilde Razzoli, who will co‑own and operate the venue.

# Who the new owners are Michael Bascetta owns The Pinnacle, a venue located roughly 300 metres up the road, and has previously worked in product roles and at venues including Bar Liberty, Capitano and Falco Bakery. Matilde Razzoli is the current Magma chef, born in Tuscany, and has worked at Bar Liberty, Capitano and Elio's Place. Razzoli will step up as head chef and co‑owner.

# What will stay the same The new owners intend to keep the defining elements that patrons associate with Magma:

• The same dough and pizza style.
• The custom Mesiano wood‑fired oven that produces the charred, Naples‑style crusts.
• The room and the restaurant's neighbourhood character — the open, welcoming atmosphere where regulars feel at home.

Bascetta framed his approach as custodial: "[JP said] he wanted Magma to go to someone who'd keep the name and keep it a pizzeria," and the plan is to keep the foundation in place while evolving around it.

# What will change Changes are intended to be modest and targeted rather than wholesale. Planned updates include:

• A light visual refresh of the dining room.
• Minor refinements to pizza recipes and style, plus a rotating selection of new toppings.
• Addition of a small pasta section with a three‑dish plan on the agenda.
• A broader drinks program: an expanded cocktail list (including a rotating seasonal Americano and a sherry‑forward martini) and a curated selection of Australian and Italian wines available by the glass or in one‑litre carafes.

Riley King (associated with The Pinnacle and Cordelia) will lead the cocktail refresh.

# Outdoor seating and permits Pizzeria Magma has lodged permits to use the neighbouring grassy parklet that runs along the Capital City Trail. If approved, this will allow seating under trees adjacent to the store — a place for people to enjoy a slice and a spritz outside.

# Timing and reopening The venue is set to reopen in early October under the new ownership team. The transition is presented as an evolutionary phase: the name, the oven and the dough remain, while menu and service elements receive considered additions.

# Why this matters locally

# What to expect on your next visit Expect largely the same Magma experience with small changes over time: similar pizzas cooked in the same oven, a slightly expanded menu (pasta and rotating toppings), refreshed cocktails and more options by the glass. Outdoor parklet seating may arrive if council permits are granted.