A25 | Docklands

the verdict

If it’s a lunch feed of mouth-watering pizza, pasta and ensalata that you’re after, or perhaps just a sandwich and coffee to go, A25 in Docklands, situated on Collins Street, is our go-to for fantastic Italian food in one of Melbourne’s busiest precincts.

You might know the name A25 as being synonymous with some of the most creative pizza coming out of Melbourne right now: In fact, the venue’s South Yarra location has been serving incredible pizzas for over 2 years, dishing up everything from perfectly simple Margheritas to truffle-laced, egg-topped creations that come loaded with pancetta, olives and other delicacies. The team has transformed the Docklands location (previously known as Non Solo Pasta, or NSP to locals) into a modern take on Italian fare that caters to the city lunch crowds, with a tasty menu that won’t see you shelling out upwards of $20.

So, what can you look forward to? A25 classics including the award-winning Bunga Bunga house pizza (tomato, mozzarella, Italian sausage ad porcini mushroom) as well as delicious vegetarian and gluten-free options all await. If pasta is more your bag, the seafood lovers’ squid ink tagliolini, which comes dressed with crab meat, prawns and a hint of chilli is a favourite, and the pappardelle served with a rich wagyu bolognese is a delicious winter warmer—and yes, they’ll serve you extra parmesan if you ask nicely!

If a to-go breakfast or lunch is more your thing, A25’s house-made Italian style sandwiches are our pick of the bunch in the area. Starting at $6.50 each, they come packed full of Roma tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella and a host of other treats. And you can’t call yourself a carnivore unless you’ve tried their roast pork and apple slaw combo. Pure meaty heaven.

Thankfully for our waistlines, the brains behind A25, Remo Nicolini, is keen to create nutritious Italian fare that harks back to traditional techniques, rather than the super-sized, grease-laden twists we’ve seen in some pizzerias. Docklands-based pizza lovers, this means you don’t have to think of your slice addiction as a bad thing—at A25, a pizza is no worse for you than the average sandwich, so there’s no guilt in indulging more than once a week... Is it lunchtime yet?

> Book a table by calling 03 9620 1110

Image credit: Jenna Fahey-White for The Urban List