One of the most important food groups to Melburnians, pizza is held in a treasured category of its own. Boasting some of the finest pizzerias outside of Italy, the level of craft here is world-class.
From classic Italian Neapolitan-style pizza to deep-dish Chicago pies, and everything in between — Melbourne is home to almost every type of pizza you could imagine. We did the hungry work and washed it down with whatever was closest, maybe a tiramisu cocktail or an Italian beer, to find the best of the best.
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Shop225
225 Melville Road, Pascoe Vale South
A charming little pizzeria in the heart of Pascoe Vale South, Shop225 is renowned for its pizzas and Italian fare. Also accredited by Coeliac Australia, this joint has blown the doors open to some seriously impressive GF slices that they churn out of their iconic Moniker-toled wood-fired oven. The classically Neapolitan style menu leads to an extensive range of both tomato-based and white pizze.
The team have been recognised by the Guida Chef di Pizza Stellato awards in Naples, receiving two stars. They've also been awarded Best Pizza In Australia by 50 Top Pizza. With so many awards, this might just be the best woodfired pizza Melbourne has to offer.
INSIDER INTEL
- Not just gluten-free friendly, there's a huge range of vegan pizzas and halal options too.
- Your meal isn't complete without trying their tiramisu.
- For pizza and a fun activity, the pizza making masterclasses are a winner.
Pizzateca Lupa
116 Cecil Street, South Melbourne
Image: Pizzateca Lupa | Supplied
When only a proper wood-fired pizza will do, Pizzateca Lupa delivers with crusts that blister and toppings that sing. Their Norma Pizza is a Sicilian love letter—smoky scamorza, roasted eggplant, and cherry tomatoes brightened with ricotta salata and basil. But the Salsiccia Pizza? That’s where the magic happens. Imagine fennel-spiked pork sausage melting into scamorza, sweet Tropea onions and bitter spigarello greens atop a tangy yellow tomato base—each bite a perfect balance of rich, spicy and fresh.
Swing by in the daytime for their grab 'n go focaccia squares—thick, airy slabs of dough blistered in the woodfire oven, topped with just-right smears of tomato, melted cheese and seasonal favourites (roasted pumpkin or nduja-spiked greens).
“Pizza is designed for sharing, and we really intend to be your go-to local caffè and pizzeria to bring your family and your friends,” says co-owner Lino Torre.
INSIDER INTEL
- Try the Gamberi Pizza with tiger prawns, cherry tomatoes, fior di latte and pickled zucchini for added kick.
- Finish off your feast with one of their sweet dessert pizzas.
- The Venetian spritzes are the perfect pizza parter.
Capitano
421 Rathdowne Street, Carlton
Image: Capitano | Supplied
Capitano on Rathdowne Street in Carlton takes on the Italian dining label but isn't afraid to stray from traditional formulas. Famed both their square and round pies, there's an almost Italo-American feel to Capitano, even tipping the cap to New Haven-style pizzas like their clam pie with scamorza and confit lemon. You'll still find plenty of pepperoni and mozzarella dense numbers as well as inventive specials that earn their way onto the permanent menu.
INSIDER INTEL
- Try the vodka dipping sauce, trust us.
- Their cocktails are the biz. Our fave is the tiramisu milk punch.
- The Norma pizza will occupy your dreams, just make sure to add chilli oil.
Joanne’s Pizzeria
639 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
Housed in an unassuming little Carlton shop front on Rathdowne Street with just a simple lit up sign out front, Joanne’s is an adorable little pizzeria with truly next-level pizza. The Uh Huh Honey is sure to give you sweet and spicy dreams, with Calabrese salami, jalapenos and hot honey. The Gambrel is another winner with tiger prawns, roasted peppers, garlic and parsley. Hopefully you’re thirsty because the natty wine list is simply divine, and bottles are reasonably priced. It’s an all-round perfect pizza experience.
INSIDER INTEL
- The crumbed olives and burrata are definitely worth checking out.
- It gets busy, so make a booking during peak times.
- The weekly specials are on point, think scallop pie with confit garlic cream base.
Primo
104 High Street, Northcote
Resting on High Street in Northcote's Westgarth, Primo is a neighbourhood favourite. Beyond serving exceptional pizza, Primo proudly boasts Coeliac Accredited and vegan pizza options, a veritable haven for those with dietary restrictions. Under its neon-lit signature sign, this corner gem draws a steady stream of locals seeking a taste of its offerings. The menu, thoughtfully crafted, caters to all palates with handcrafted pizzas and pasta, each offering a gluten-free alternative.
INSIDER INTEL
- Keep an eye on their Insta, as cheeky deals pop up from time to time.
- Happy hour is every day from 4pm to 6pm and involves $7 Aperol.
- For those lucky enough to be locals, Primo also delivers to your home.
Il Caminetto
114 Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds
Image: Il Caminetto | Supplied
Quietly kicking goals in Moonee Ponds, Il Caminetto is a little taste of Italy in the suburbs. Polished concrete and white sandblasted walls take you back to that Euro-summer, giving you the feeling that you’re nestled in a quiet village about to tuck into some delicious pizza.
The crew offer a solid line-up of classic Neopolitan-style pizza offerings from the Siciliana with fresh spinach, mozzarella, roasted potatoes, caramelized onion and crispy pancetta to the not-so-traditional like the salsiccia e patata pizza with a white base, mozzarella, sausage and potatoes. The crew have also been recognised in the international pizza awards Guida Chef di Pizza Stellato, scoring two stars for their incredible pizza.
INSIDER INTEL
- Grab a Nutella calzone to take away and have it when you get home—it’s a must every time.
- The dough here rests for 72 hours making it light and lush.
- There's Aperol Spritz on tap.
The Code
37 Langridge Street, Collingwood
Inside this quiet art-deco building in Collingwood, you'll find a sleeping giant of Melbourne's pizza scene, The Code. Helmed by Alessio Albano, former head chef of D.O.C Carlton and an Italian native from the Puglia region, his knowledge of the craft is unparalleled. With freshly-sourced market produce, handpicked by Alessio, each pizza option is an example of simplistic perfection. There’s a strict protocol when it comes to sourcing certain ingredients.The tomatoes must be from San Marzano and the Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy, no exceptions.
From the quiet Regina Margherita to the bold Capitan Salento with yellow tomatoes, tiger prawns, and rocket, you can't go wrong here.
INSIDER INTEL
- Dietary restrictions are well catered for.
- The Birra Morena from Italy is the Friday arvo pizza partner.
- Douse your pizza in the chilli olive oil if you're so inclined — it's delish.
Figlia
335 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
By the famiglia behind Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria, this trattoria on Lygon Street in Brunswick East retains all the swagger and excellence we've come to expect from the team. Pizzas take centre stage at Figlia with a slew of options each with a contemporary swing—tackle the 'Lingua' with ox tongue, roasted garlic endive and pecorino or the pinnacle of salty spicy 'Nduja' with mozzarella peppers and anchovy.
INSIDER INTEL
- Stop by Figlia's neighbouring sister venue Grana for a pre-pizza wine.
- The Millefoglie for dessert should be mandatory.
- Aperitivo hour from 5pm to 6pm on Monday to Friday is well worth exploring.
Sunnyside Sliced
34 Como Parade W, Mentone
Image: Sunnyside Sliced | Supplied
Taking a slice straight out of Queens, the New York Borough-style Pizza outpost Sunnyside Sliced has been a monumental addition to Mentone. The simple brick shopfront with neon light above leads into a retro-style diner where the pizza pays homage to true NYC-style with 18-inch pies. There's a classic pepperoni, Siclian-style white base pizzas, Grandma deep-dush and even Mom's lasagne which is made daily by owner, Ali Cengiz's mum.
INSIDER INTEL
- The courtyard is a vibe when weather permits.
- Gluten free, vegan and halal options are all on offer (and equally delicious).
- You can get slices to-go if you're just after a quick bite.
D.O.C
Carlton, Mornington, CBD
Image: DOC Melbourne | Supplied
A catalyst for Melbourne's modern-day pizza community, D.O.C is an institution. Opening back in 2007, the loud and proud Italian restaurant on Drummond Street is always busy, tables spill out in front and there's even a dedicated waiting section next door. The pizza is classically Neopolitan with combinations you'd expect in the boot-shaped nation, from the DOC a Margherita topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella and basil to the Sopressa with sliced salami, pesto and provolone.
INSIDER INTEL
- The Amaretto Mule cocktail is dangerously good.
- Check the map on the menu to see what region of Italy the ingredients comes from.
- Take a peak at the antipizza bar for some mouth-watering starters.
Pizza Shop
47 Spensley Street, Clifton Hill
Spensley's humble pizza outpost, Pizza Shop, packs quite a punch, so much so that if you don't get in early enough, their pies are sold out. It's a dine-in or takeaway situation, where locals relish in the likes of smoked pancetta and burnt chilli honey number, as well as a few spins on favourites we've come to know and love from Pizza Shop. They also serve up a mean cannoli if you're after something sweet. Hands down some of the best pizza in Melbourne.
INSIDER INTEL
- You're going to love the wine list here (think juicey Nebbiolo and brooding Lambrusco).
- The carbonara donuts with pecorino cream and culatello are somehow insanely delicious.
- Treat yourself to the crust dip — you deserve it.
400 Gradi
Various locations
What Johnny Di Francesco started in 2008 on Lygon Street in Brunswick East has blossomed into a pizza empire. At 400 Gradi the pizzas are classic, hand-stretched and topped with only the finest ingredients which the team imports directly from Italy—from San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte from Campania and more. Bolstered by two custom-built wood-fired ovens the cornicione (rim) is perfectly crisp and airy to the bite.
INSIDER INTEL
- You can pick up their pizzas in supermarkets, and you know what? They slap. Deal with it.
- Do Monday's right with $18 margarita pizzas & $10 margarita cocktails.
- There's bottomless spritz and pizza every weekend for $59 per person.
Thin Slizzy Pizzeria
115 Johnston Street, Collingwood
Pizza but make it metal. Collingwood's very Collingwood late-night pizza joint comes courtesy of Scott Penberthy, a veteran of the Melbourne pizza scene who’s spent the last five years slinging slices at Northside Institute Rita’s. It’s a casual affair at Thin Slizzy that’s primed for the area’s demographic. There are 12 pizzas on the menu, each reinforcing the locale’s theme. Highlights include, but certainly aren’t limited to the meat-laden Meatallica, and a pumpkin number called the Smashing Pumpkin and a potato pizza titled The Ace of Spuds. Very good.
INSIDER INTEL
- Happy hour from 5pm to 6pm involves $20 pizzas, $12 cocktails and $10 pints.
- Dining in? Keep an eye out for the art showings here.
- Check their Insta for funky deals.
Deep End
412A Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Image: Deep End | Supplied
This Fitzroy-based pizza destination is dedicated to several styles of pie with origins tied to the USA. Deep End is a departure from your conventional pizzeria, instead, serving up thick Detroit square pies, Chicago deep-dish, and NYC-style slices. The pièce de résistance is without a doubt the 10-inch Chicago-style pies, a stuffed, deep-dish pizza with just three options: a cheese, a pepperoni, and a sausage and mushroom.
INSIDER INTEL
- They release an insane new pizza creation each month, it's truly spot-on.
- Deep End paired with The Mill Brewery to create a Brown Ale that goes down way too easily alongside a pie.
- Book if you can — this joint gets busy.
Leonardo's Pizza Palace
29 Grattan Street, Carlton
Image: Leonardo's Pizza Palace | Supplied
Leonardo’s Pizza Palace is a 70s-inspired diner and bar in the heart of Carlton. Inside is an irreverent mix of wooden veneer and booths where absolutely knockout pizzas land in rapid succession. Here the slight charring of the pizza crusts adds to the unbelievable taste, the amalgamation of the two creates that perfect dough-ey crust with incredible flavour.
INSIDER INTEL
- Get the Jalapeno pizza with fermented peppers and bechamel. Just do it.
- The pizzas are a decent 15 inch, you won't be hungry after this.
- If you can, save room for the tiramisu — it's next-level.
Golden Pizza
465 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Ever have a pizza craving hit at 3am? Same. Golden Pizza is as unpretentious as they come, but it also happens to be some of the best pizza Melbourne has on offer. It’s a crisp crust with generous toppings, cooked to perfection. And if you can’t bring yourself to leave the house to satisfy your craving? They deliver until at least 4am every day.
INSIDER INTEL
- Get the Greek salad alongside your pizza, it's the most perfectly fresh side dish.
- Vegan, halal and gluten free options are on offer here.
- You can build your own pizza online. Get creative.
Main image: Shop225 | Supplied