
Walking into 170 Grammi for the first time, the menu might look familiar — pizza, pasta, antipasti — but the experience is distinctly Roman.
Roman pizza is not Neapolitan. It isn’t soft, folded or pillowy. It’s structured, crisp and designed for sharing. So choosing what to order isn’t just about toppings — it’s about understanding how Roman pizza works.
If you’re visiting 170 Grammi in Surry Hills and wondering where to begin, this guide walks you through the experience from first bite to last slice.
Start With the Roman Foundations
Before choosing toppings, it helps to understand the base.
At 170 Grammi, pizzas are inspired by La Tonda Romana — thin, round and crisp — with structural influence from Scrocchiarella-style hydration. That means:
- A dry, structured base
- Clean, audible crunch
- Light internal crumb
- Balanced toppings
👉 What defines Roman pizza → What Is Roman Pizza? How La Tonda Romana Differs from Neapolitan Pizza
👉 Why Roman pizza feels lighter → Why Roman Pizza Is Crispier, Lighter and Easier to Digest
Understanding this changes how you order. Roman pizza works best when you order more than one and share.
If It’s Your First Visit: Start Here
1. The Carbonara Pizza
Roman cuisine is known for carbonara — and 170 Grammi translates those flavours into pizza form.
Expect:
- Guanciale
- Pecorino
- Egg-based richness
- Crisp base holding everything cleanly
The structured Roman dough prevents the richness from becoming heavy, making it surprisingly balanced.
2. A Classic Roman Combination
Roman toppings are often simple and bold. Think:
- Porchetta
- Anchovy
- Margherita done with restraint
- Seasonal vegetables
Because the base is crisp and dry, flavours stay distinct rather than blending into softness.
Order More Than One Pizza
Roman pizza is designed for variety.
Unlike softer styles where one pizza dominates the table, Roman pizza’s crisp structure means slices stay intact and flavours remain separated. That makes it ideal for:
- Sharing with friends
- Trying multiple topping combinations
- Mixing richer pizzas with lighter ones
👉 Why Roman pizza works for sharing → Dining Experience & Occasions
Two or three pizzas for the table is often better than one each.
Balance Your Table
A strong Roman meal isn’t just pizza.
Start with antipasti — cured meats, vegetables or lighter plates — before moving into pizza. This builds rhythm into the meal.
Roman dining culture favours balance:
- Something fresh
- Something rich
- Something crisp
- Something simple
👉 How Italian dining culture shapes pizza → Italian Food & Pizza Culture
For Groups: Structure Matters
If you’re dining in a group in Surry Hills, Roman pizza is particularly suited to social dining.
The crisp base means slices:
- Hold their shape
- Don’t flop
- Stay clean to handle
This makes Roman pizza easier to share casually across the table.
Consider:
- 2–3 pizzas to start
- Add one richer option (carbonara or porchetta)
- Add one lighter or vegetarian option
- Supplement with antipasti
What Makes 170 Grammi’s Menu Different?
It’s not about novelty. It’s about execution.
The menu reflects:
- High-hydration dough
- Long fermentation
- Roman topping restraint
- Structured baking
👉 How fermentation shapes texture → The Role of Long Fermentation in Roman Pizza
👉 Why hydration matters → Why High-Hydration Dough Is Key to Roman Pizza
Each pizza is built on technique first, toppings second.
If You Love Neapolitan Pizza…
If you’re used to Neapolitan pizza, Roman pizza may surprise you.
Neapolitan:
- Soft centre
- Puffy crust
- Foldable slices
Roman:
- Thin
- Crisp
- Structured
👉 Roman vs Neapolitan explained → What Is Roman Pizza?
Order with that difference in mind, and lean into the crunch.
Finish With Something Sweet
Roman dining doesn’t rush dessert.
If maritozzi or Italian classics are on the menu, they’re worth considering. Roman-style desserts tend to balance richness with simplicity — much like the pizza itself.
Why This Guide Matters
Choosing what to order isn’t just about preference. It’s about understanding the structure of the food.
Roman pizza rewards:
- Variety
- Sharing
- Balance
- Texture awareness
Once you understand the base, everything else falls into place.
Visit 170 Grammi in Surry Hills
Roman pizza is best experienced fresh from the oven, where the crisp base and airy interior are at their peak.
👉 Visit us in Surry Hills → Visit Us in Surry Hills
👉 Explore our full menu → Explore Our Roman Pizza Menu
Frequently Asked Questions
If it’s your first visit, start with a Roman classic like the carbonara pizza or a simple margherita to experience the crisp base properly.
Roman pizza works best when shared. Two to three pizzas per table allows you to try different flavour combinations.
Yes. Roman pizza is thin and crisp, while Neapolitan pizza is softer with a puffier crust.
Many diners describe Roman pizza as feeling lighter due to its crisp base and structured crumb.
170 Grammi focuses on Roman-style technique, including high-hydration dough and long fermentation, to create a crisp, balanced pizza.