There’s nothing like a good pizza night in Melbourne. The city has a wealth of some of Australia’s finest slices so you’ve got plenty of options for a good night out with good carbs and good mates.
Pizzaiolos from Fitzroy to Hampton has successfully found a way to blend Victoria’s famously rich produce with imported ingredients to produce some top-tier slices. Contemporary pizza joints like Baby and Bar Romantica keep banging on with inventive toppings while hardy traditionalists like Di Stasio and Eat’aliano get by just fine sticking to the classics.
Whatever your test, you’ll find something below to lure you out for what really should be a weekly tradition. Take note and go forth: Melbourne’s best slices await.
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Jump To:
- North/West Side
- Leonardo’s Pizza Palace, Carlton
- Red Sparrow Pizza, Collingwood
- DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar, Carlton
- Takeaway Pizza, Preston
- Pizzeria Magma, Fitzroy
- Rita’s, Abbotsford
- Thin Slizzy, Collingwood
- Di Stasio Pizzeria, Carlton
- Capitano, Carlton
- Pizza Miene Liebe, Northcote
- Wolf & Swill, Thornbury
- Bar Romantica, Brunswick East
- Harley & Rose, West Footscray
- South/East Side
- City
North/West Side
Leonardo’s Pizza Palace, Carlton
Leonardo’s Pizza Palace was opened by Nick Stanton, Guy Bentley, Mark Catsburg, and Jonathan Harper in the historic Da Salvatore Pizza by the Metre location, combining the charm of wood-panelled walls and exposed brick to create a home away from home where the pizza is unforgettable. Featuring a comfortable dining room with red carpet floors and ambient lighting, the traditionally-inspired Italian menu isn’t all pizza, including chicken and mushroom alfredo pasta, calamari fritti, and more.
As far as pizzas go, you can expect classics such as pepperoni and pork and fennel sausage, as well as a few variations like the eggplant parm, the zucchini, and the jalapeno. Carlton is home to more than its fair share of pizza joints, but Leonardo’s Pizza Palace is one of the very few that combines a nostalgic atmosphere with quality ingredients and cooking.
Address: 29 Grattan St, Carlton VIC 3053
Contact: (03) 9242 0666
Opening hours: Monday — Thursday (5 PM — 10 PM); Friday — Saturday (12 PM — 12 AM); Sunday (12 PM — 11 PM)
Red Sparrow Pizza, Collingwood
Red Sparrow Pizza is Melbourne’s first all-vegan pizzeria, opened by co-owners Michael Craig and Shelley Scott who share a love for plant-based cooking. Exposed brick walls, communal wooden tables, and warm lighting create an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and laid-back, while the menu includes classics that you’ll recognise including pepperoni, Hawaiian, and BBQ chick’n.
Beyond pizza, Red Sparrow offers a selection of small plates and salads, like their arancini balls, wood-fired broccolini, waffle fries, and garlic bread. No matter if you’re a staunch vegan or not, if you’re interested in a slightly different take on the classic pizzeria, Red Sparrow Pizza is well worth checking out.
Address: 406 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Contact: (03) 9417 1454
Opening hours: Tuesday — Thursday (5 PM — 10 PM); Friday (4 PM — 10 PM); Saturday (12 PM — 10 PM)
DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar, Carlton
DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar in Carlton is a beloved institution on the Melbourne dining scene, where Italian culinary tradition is met with a distinctly contemporary flair. With its lively atmosphere, the restaurant offers a slice of Italy in the heart of Melbourne’s Little Italy, while the menu promises classic pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts, and topped with premium ingredients.
While pizza is what should have your attention, DOC also serves up antipasti, handmade pasta, and tasty desserts that all showcase the finest local and Italian produce. a spot you should visit for everything from a date night to celebrating a special occasion with family.
Address: 295 Drummond St, Carlton VIC 3053
Contact: (03) 9347 2998
Opening hours: Monday — Thursday (5 PM — 9:30 PM); Friday — Saturday (12 PM — 10:30 PM); Sunday (12 PM — 10 PM)
Takeaway Pizza, Preston
Located on High Street in Preston, Takeaway Pizza does exactly what its name suggests (as well as being the strongest SEO play I’ve seen in a little while), offering a delightful blend of casual charm and quality dining. This neighbourhood gem serves up wood-fired pizzas that are inventive and comforting, with a menu that features everything from classic Margheritas to creative toppings like spicy nduja and honey.
The cozy, laid-back setting is perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family, while the drinks list includes a compelling selection of natural wines and craft beers. Friendly staff and a vibrant atmosphere make Takeaway Pizza a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious, unpretentious fare in Preston.
Address: 535 High St, Preston VIC 3072
Contact: (03) 9044 6850
Opening hours: Monday — Thursday (4 PM — 9 PM); Friday — Saturday (4 PM — 9:30 PM); Sunday (4 PM — 9 PM)
Pizzeria Magma, Fitzroy
One of Melbourne’s top pizza restaurants is no more. Fitzroy’s favourite Supermaxi closed down in 2022 but was swiftly replaced by Pizzeria Magma. The site’s legacy has been upheld rather nicely, with Magma quickly taking the mantle thanks to its imported Mesiano oven, which produces consistently excellent wood-fired pizza.
With a tight list of small plates also on the menu, it’s worth packing a table with some starters before committing to pies like a signature Magma, flipping the traditional Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes, 36-month-old Raggiano, DOP buffalo mozzarella, basil and virgin oil. Simple, delicious, fresh.
Address: 305 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
Contact: (03) 9578 5789
Opening hours: Monday — Saturday (5:30 PM — 10 PM)
Rita’s, Abbotsford
The Bingo Bango pizza, with mozzarella, salami, pancetta, olives and caramelised onion, is one of the best pies you can find in Melbourne. There’s little doubt the signature has been pulling the majority of Rita’s business since it opened at the tail-end of 2012 on Johnston Street, Abbotsford.
The charming spot has quickly become one of Abbotsford’s top players, run by three mates including chef Daniel Spizzica (ex-Stokehouse). Here, he works with managers Brett Graham and Rob Lowther to pump out quality pizza and pasta in a highly sociable space centred around an open kitchen.
The pizza is all about those salty, semolina-encrusted bases served in either 10-inch or 13-inch sizes with a steadfast dedication to classics. The aforementioned Bingo Bango is the best thing here but the menu is greatly varied and demands repeat visits.
Address: 239 Johnston Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Contact: 0438 998 898
Opening hours: Wednesday — Friday (5 PM — 9 PM); Saturday — Sunday (5 PM — 9:30 PM)
Thin Slizzy, Collingwood
In the quiet stretch of Johnson Street between Hoddle and Wellington, Thin Slizzy has taken up the relaxed, yet high-quality pizzeria mantle that was left in tatters by the once-great Lazer Pig.
It’s not a massive venue: more popular as a takeaway spot, with folks often walking a few minutes to enjoy their pizza at Victoria Park. Still, the quality of the slice is as unquestionable as the creativity of their names.
Address: 115 Johnston Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Contact: (03) 8597 4475
Opening hours: Wednesday (5 PM — 9 PM); Thursday (5 PM — 10 PM); Friday — Saturday (5 PM — 11 PM); Sunday (5 PM — 10 PM)
Di Stasio Pizzeria, Carlton
Rinaldo Di Stasio and Mallory Wall, along with Chef Federico Congiu, have quickly turned Di Stasio Pizzeria into one of Carlton’s greatest treasures. The commitment to tradition, house-made ingredients and locally sourced produce is not at all unique to Melbourne, but it’s refined to the point of perfection here.
From Congiu making his own Jersey fior di latte to him turning the original Di Stasio, located in St Kilda, into a cheese factory, the massive effort pays equally large dividends. Melbourne locals now know Di Stasio as one of the more consistent pizzerias in the city, positioned as another super reliable resolver of your weekly pizza craving.
Address: 224 Faraday Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Contact: (03) 9070 1110
Opening hours: Wednesday — Thursday (5 PM — 11:30 PM); Friday — Sunday (12 PM — 11:30 PM)
Capitano, Carlton
From Bar Liberty to Capitano, the team behind this popular Carlton pizza joint manages to get the perfect chew from their sourdough bases, giving them plenty of structure for their old-school and new-school pizza toppings.
You’ll want to choose carefully if you’re going to pick through their expansive wine list, there’s plenty to pair here, with a lot of Italian varieties mixed in with a few local classics.
It’s tempting to go for the tried and true traditional pizzas, but Capitano is actually at their best with the pizzas squares, like the ‘Roni Square with tomato, pepperoni, pickled chilli, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Address: 421 Rathdowne Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Contact: (03) 9134 8555
Opening hours: Wednesday — Thursday (5:30 PM — 9:30 PM); Friday (5:30 PM — 10 PM); Saturday — Sunday (12 PM — 5 PM, 5:30 PM — 10 PM)
Pizza Miene Liebe, Northcote
One of the most popular restaurants in Northcote. Pizza Miene Liebe is a locally beloved institution, but it’s often overlooked by outsiders sticking to more productive pizza hotspots like Brunswick East, Fitzroy, Collingwood, and South Yarra.
The range is generous and can overwhelm quite easily. Stay the course. Land on whichever feels right and go for it, even if you’re vegetarian or vegan you’ve got plenty to love here.
If a bit of spice doesn’t scare you away, go for the Super Hot, with tomato, provolone, hot sopressa, prawns, garlic, and chilli. It may not be traditional Italian, and can often feel as heavy as a New York slice with too much pork, but it’ll surely have you coming back to this pizza joint numerous times.
Address: 231 High Street, Northcote VIC 3070
Contact: (03) 9482 7001
Opening hours: Monday (5 PM — 9 PM); Tuesday — Saturday (5 PM — 10 PM)
Wolf & Swill, Thornbury
The mirror ball that hangs over the back room reiterates Wolf & Swill’s casual approach to the traditional pizza experience. It always feels like a late-night party here, even in the daytime.
A solid rotation of craft beer takes precedence over the wine list, while toppings lean towards the indulgent with the likes of confit garlic and honey; buffalo mozzarella and rosemary; and one with pork and fennel sausage with buttered leek.
Address: 826 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071
Contact: 0429 263 500
Opening hours: Monday (4 PM — 10:30 PM); Thursday (4 PM — 10 PM); Friday — Saturday (4 PM — 10:30 PM); Sunday (4 PM — 10 PM)
Bar Romantica, Brunswick East
Located in Brunswick East, Bar Romantica is a reliable scene-stealer and has most definitely thinned the crowd from nearby 400 Gradi. One bite and it’s easy to understand why: with pizza that takes a hardy approach to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and flavours which hit the sweet spot between old-school and new-school.
The signature pie has just passata, fior di latte, and basil. At Bar Romantica, it’s all about the simple pleasures. Our other recommendations would be to reach for the Jerusalem artichoke, pecorino, blue cheese, and rosemary; and the Italian sausage, passata, fior di latte and spiced honey.
Address: 52/54 Lygon Street, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Contact: (03) 9191 9410
Opening hours: Wednesday — Thursday (5:30 PM — 11 PM); Friday — Saturday (5:30 PM — 12 AM); Sunday (5:30 PM — 10 PM)
Harley & Rose, West Footscray
Consider Harley & Rose a hidden secret, tucked away in West Footscray with a bunch of Melbourne’s most underrated chefs and hospitality stalwarts, offering up a menu that’s straightforwardly satisfying.
The eponymous pippie pizza is stacked with parsley, lemon, and cream: creating an unconventional flavour combo that will delight adventurous Melburnians. Also highly recommended is the ‘house sausage’: made with fennel sausage, tomato, eggplant, and pecorino.
Address: 572 Barkly Street, West Footscray VIC 3012
Contact: (03) 9689 9752
Opening hours: Tuesday — Saturday (5 PM — 10 PM)
South/East Side
Freddy’s, Windsor
Grab some mussels and clam and follow that up with one of the kitchen’s signature Shepherd’s Pie pizzas. That seems to be the way to do it Windsor’s high-energy Freddy’s. Classic flavours and quick service do the trick here, making this an easy pick if you want a reliable slice.
The roaring woodfire oven is the centrepiece of the open kitchen: of course, handling dough that has been made using a 72-hour ferment, resulting in a chew and crispness that is perfectly judged for most toppings.
Address: 78 Chapel Street, Windsor VIC 3181
Contact: (03) 9529 2827
Opening hours: Monday — Thursday (5 PM — 9 PM); Friday (5 PM — 10 PM); Saturday (12 PM — 10 PM); Sunday (12 PM — 9 PM)
Woods Yard, South Melbourne
While salads and sandwiches rule the roost at Woods Yard during the day, this buzzy South Melbourne spot turns into a classic pizza and pasta bar come evening.
Co-owners Kris and Aaron Wood run a tight ship, focused on consistency with their naturally fermented sourdough bases (made with a range of wheat grains sourced from Berrigan).
A tight edit of natural and biodynamic wines feature alongside the pizza, which leans toward minimal, high-quality toppings like mushroom ragu or guanciale with honey and chilli.
Address: 74 Eastern Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Contact: 0450 207 874
Opening hours: Monday (7:30 AM — 3 PM); Tuesday — Wednesday (7:30 AM — 10 PM); Thursday — Friday (7:30 AM — 11 PM); Saturday (4 PM — 11 PM)
48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar, South Yarra
Sure, you could go to 48 Hr Pizza e Gnocchi Bar for some of its namesake potato-filled pasta, but the wisest choice at this South Yarra institution is invariably pizza.
As one of the city’s favourite pie joints, 48 hr Pizza e Gnocchi Bar is often claimed as the best of the best when it comes to this staple of Italian cuisine.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a local Melburnian who hasn’t spent a late night stuffing their face with favourites like the classic Marinara, or the Notti d’Oriente with lamb sausage, mozzarella, capsicum and red onion.
Address: 373 Malvern Road, South Yarra VIC 3141
Contact: (03) 9824 2573
Opening hours: Tuesday — Sunday (5 PM — 10 PM)
Baby, Richmond
From the same team behind Chin Chin and Kong — a.k.a. the Lucas Group — Baby Pizza is a produce-forward pizzeria where the focus is on nailing all of the small details.
The homemade mozzarella says as much: texturally perfect on toppings like the San Daniele prosciutto with Fior di latte, rocket, and reggiano. Alternatively, for a punchier burst of flavour, try the Borgo hot salami — a certified crowd pleaser.
Address: 631-633 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Contact: (03) 9421 4599
Opening hours: Monday — Thursday (12 PM — 9:03 PM); Friday — Saturday (12 PM — 10:30 PM); Sunday (12 PM — 9:30 PM)
Eat’aliano by Pino, Windsor
Located in High St, Windsor, Eat’aliano by Pino makes the best pizza in the area. They don’t need any out-there pizza toppings either; just fresh, simple ingredients and dough that’s obviously been treated with love and handled by a primo pizza oven.
While simple is the way to go here, there are also quite a few unconventional bangers like the La Melbourne, with S. Marzano, cheese, leg ham, olive, artichoke, and mushroom.
Address: 118 High Street, Windsor VIC 3181
Contact: (03) 9510 2221
Opening hours: Tuesday — Friday (5 PM — 10 PM); Saturday — Sunday (12 PM — 10 PM)
City
400 Gradi
Founded by Johnny Di Francesco, the 400 Gradi name was first introduced to Melbourne diners in 2014: with the opening of the Brunswick restaurant that has since spawned outposts in Eastland, Essendon, Mornington, Mildura, Norwood, and even…Dallas, Texas.
While every 400 Gradi venue is worth visiting, the outpost in Crown is a favourite of local Melburnians and visitors alike thanks to its convenient location, and pumping venue capacity (i.e. 330).
If you love your pizza and want to experience some of the best there is — not only in Melbourne, but likely anywhere in the world — this should be on your must-do list.
Address: 8 Whiteman St Southbank VIC 3006
Contact: (03) 9292 5777
Opening hours: Monday — Thursday (12 AM — 10 PM); Friday — Saturday (12 PM — 11 PM); Sunday (12 PM — 10 PM)
SPQR, Melbourne CBD
Looking for some beautifully consistent, wood-fired sourdough pizza in Melbourne CBD? You’ll want to head on over to Liverpool Street where you’ll find SPQR. While they’ve also got a restaurant in the MCG, the citybound mainstay is a much more convenient port of call.
The deceptively simple Margherita is the top choice, but there’s also an excellent surf-and-turf style pie with San Marzano tomato, prawns, nduja, fior di latte, olive, and basil. With a menu that’s short and highly curated, this is one venue we’d confidently say serves some of Melbourne’s best pizza.
Address: 26 Liverpool Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact: (03) 9671 3326
Opening hours: Tuesday — Thursday (12 PM — 2 PM, 5 PM — 9 PM); Friday (12 PM — 2 PM, 5 PM — 10 PM); Saturday (5 PM — 10 PM); Sunday (5 PM — 9 PM)
Dom’s Social Club, Melbourne CBD
A relative newcomer to the CBD pizza scene, Dom’s Social Club operates across three levels that include a pizzeria, public bar, and rooftop cocktail spot.
Breathe a sigh of relief, because the pizza is excellent: from the quality of the dough and oven, to the creative flavour combos and wine pairings, you won’t leave disappointed.
We didn’t stop for a drink at the public bar, but are happy to report the rooftop to be an ideal — and as yet relatively unknown — spot for an after-work cocktail. If one Negroni turns into three and you’re after some food, simply order up to the rooftop, or pop downstairs to satisfy your hunger.
Address: 1/301 Swanston St, Melbourne, 3000
Contact: 0401 605 845
Opening hours: Wednesday — Thursday (5 PM — 11 PM); Friday — Saturday (5 PM — 1 AM)
+39 Pizzeria and Antipasteria, Melbourne CBD
Tucked away on an unassuming section of Little Bourke Street (there are lots of outdoor adventure stores nearby), +39 was opened by Remo Nicolini, the brother of Tony who owns the legendary D.O.C. in Carlton.
At lunch, the venue does a roaring trade: populated with the corporate denizens of the many offices surrounding it; before transitioning into a slightly more subdued version of itself that is perfect for date night or a relaxed family dinner.
Obviously, if you’re there for the pizza you aren’t going to be disappointed, with options like the Cappricciosa Italiana covered in fior di latte, leg ham, and artichoke hearts; or the Calabrese with nduja and hot salami. Alternatively, the tagliatelle, gnocchi, and lasagna are all tasty entrees.
Address: 362 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, 3000
Contact: (03) 9642 0440
Opening hours: Monday — Thursday (12 PM — 3 PM, 5 PM — 9:30 PM); Friday (12 PM — 3 PM, 5 PM — 10 PM); Saturday (12 PM — 10 PM); Sunday (12 PM — 9:30 PM)
If you found this Melbourne pizza guide helpful, check out some of our other local food round-ups:
