Right alongside one of McLaren Vale’s best-loved eateries, the bones of a long-anticipated project are finally emerging. Mitolo father and son—known for their hospitality gem, Pizzateca—are bringing a decade-old dream to life with the creation of a dedicated function centre and cellar door for their wine brand, Oztalia.
With the steel frame now firmly in place, the family’s excitement is starting to spill over. While many associate Tony and Vito with wood-fired pizza and sun-drenched weekends under olive trees, this new space was actually part of their original plan.
“In fact, we actually planned the building of the function space well before we started Pizzateca almost nine years ago,” says Tony Mitolo.
“But we got sidetracked with the success of Pizzateca, and now it’s such a great feeling seeing our new project growing up from the soil.”
Pizzateca’s popularity means it’s rarely available for private hire, which has only fuelled the buzz around this new venue. Designed to host everything from weddings to milestone celebrations, the space will accommodate up to 250 guests seated, and up to 400 for cocktail-style events. But despite the scale, the soul of the project is unmistakably intimate.
“Pizzateca is all about pizza, but our cooking and family-style food is more than pizza,” Tony says.
“We love to make homemade pasta and share our homegrown produce like olives, green tomatoes and our wines. Pizza is always a party to make, but making pasta with your own hands is like meditation.”
What’s being created is more than just a venue, it’s a complete hospitality experience grounded in seasonal produce and personal connection. The surrounding land will be transformed into terraced gardens, with vegetables, herbs, olives and fruit trees destined for the kitchen. Some of the apricot trees that once flourished on the property will be replanted, tying the site’s past to its next chapter.
The function centre will also become the new home for Oztalia, their wine and preserve label that champions slow living and shared meals. In this region of sun, vines and rich soil, it’s a concept that feels right at home.
“With the Mediterranean climate, McLaren Vale is the perfect location for a true Oztalia Osteria, which roughly translates to a humble place with good food served alongside wine,” says Tony.
That mix of humility and celebration is exactly what the Mitolos want to capture.
“We will create a relaxed yet elevated space where families and friends can come together to celebrate life’s memories.”
Tony’s father, Vito, remains at the helm in the kitchen, while Tony himself plans to return to the grill. Their shared presence ensures that warmth and authenticity will be stitched into the fabric of the experience.
It’s not just about building a venue—it’s about growing a legacy that reflects their roots, their region, and their love of bringing people together.
The new venue is set to open at the end of 2025.
What: Osteria Oztalia
Where: 319 Chalk Hill Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
Find out more, here.
More News
