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South Melbourne has become a hub for those who enjoy food with a great atmosphere to match, and Italian brothers Lino Torre (owner of Park Street Pasta & Wine) and Gabriele Torre (former Head Pizza Chef at D.O.C Gastronomia Italiana) got the memo.
Their new venture Pizzateca Lupa, takes up a corner spot on the bustling Cecil and Coventry Street in the South Melbourne Market. Lupa, a true nod to their childhood and Roman heritage, blending traditional Italian flavours with the importance of sharing food amongst those you love.
This joint gives a warming and cosy European Caffè vibe, split between a lunch, dinner and takeaway offering. Like all good Italian cuisine, the menu is an exploration of traditional flavours. Get your hands on their square focaccia base pizza slices, for a tasty grab-and-go snack, focusing on the light and crispy crust, in true authentic Roman style.
Their dine in menu includes all the classics, curated to satisfy those comfort food cravings. Think antipasti, cacio e pepe, carbonara tubettone and pork ragu tortiglioni—just to scratch the surface with their banging pasta options. Pizzas are served as a 13-inch tonda with all the good stuff on top, our pick is their gamberi with tiger prawns, cherry tomatoes, fior di latte and pickled zucchini for added kick. Finish it off with their sweet pizzas paired with seasonal fruits or a timeless tiramisu.
On the drinks front coffee is provided by St Ali, it’s an Italian inspired dark roasted blend, that’s sure to start your day off on the right path, or perfect for a cheeky afternoon espresso. And if you’re chasing something with a bit more bang, their cocktail list includes multiple Venetian spritzes and negronis.
Now, let's chat interior. What used to be a humble fruit and veg shop has been majorly revamped by Melbourne based architects Jackson Clements Burrows, you may know their vibe from HER bar, so as you’d expect they have provided the goods. Opening the space into a light, intimate and welcoming 34-seater caffè and takeaway pizzeria. Taking it back to basics with a warm palette of deep red and walnut-timber tones, a space that embodies the charm of European simplicity.
“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 Lino Torre.
Grab a rez and check out their full menu over here. For more on Melbourne's best pizzas, check out our top recs.
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