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One of the most scenic places in Melbourne is the Arts Precinct along the Yarra River. Imagine this: crisp weather, sun setting over the water, museums and theatres surrounding you. Aussie inspiration everywhere! But suddenly, it happens. You’re hungry. Starved, even. Without sacrificing a second of local charm, head straight to experience another Melbourne art form – pizza.
Melbourne is the unofficial capital of arts and culture in Australia. That’s probably why Melburnians put such care and attention into the classic pie. That, and the fact that Australia and Italy go waaay back. Italians have been immigrating to Australia since the 1800’s. Today they’re one of the largest cultural groups in Melbourne, much to the benefit of the pizza-loving population. On that note, here’s your local guide to the tastiest slices in town:
400 Gradi
99 Lygon St, East Brunswick VIC 3057
The resident pizza genius Johnny Di Francesco’s family hails from pizza Mecca Naples, where he returned to study pizza-making from the masters. With a menu of 15 classic pies, this restaurant will do you right.
DOC Mornington
22 Main St, Mornington VIC 3931
If there’s anything Australians appreciate more than quality wine and good coffee, it’s pizza with the freshest ingredients. That’s one reason why locals make the trek to DOC in the suburb of Mornington. The emphasis here is on fresh produce and a huge variety of local and Italian cheese.
Ladro
224 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Ladro is where stylish pizza lovers go to gorge. Locals love the spicy, savory seafoody-goodness of the Gamberi pizza with lemon garlic prawns, zucchini, fior di latte (an Italian mozzarella cheese), chili and basil.
Photo: Ladro / Facebook
Woodstock
63 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
This warm wood-decorated spot in the heart of Lygon Street, Melbourne’s Little Italy, is where locals go for the Australian version of a Sicilian family feast. Their formula is spot on: quality ingredients, a simple, classic menu and home-style ambiance.
+39
362-364 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
+39 is popping up all over the Aussie interwebs, for good reason. This casual pizza joint epitomizes the Australian spirit: laid-back atmosphere, friendly service and a plate of delicious comfort foods.
Firechief Pizzeria
169 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn East VIC 3123
Head to “The Chief” for traditional Neapolitan style pies and an atmosphere so lively you’ll think you’re at a footy match.
Photo: Firechief / Facebook
Baby
631-633 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121
Baby is an artsy (read: hipster) space serving delicious pizza. While it is mostly takeaway, you might be able to elbow in between the regulars for a seat around their single massive table.
Mr. Wolf
9-15 Inkerman St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Mr. Wolf is in St. Kilda, Melbourne’s neighborhood by the beach. The menu includes “Pizza” and “Not Pizza”. We choose pizza, all day err’day! Go for their signature creation “Signore Lupo” with melty mozzarella, roast cauliflower, sausage, pancetta and splash of fiery chili.
Kaprica
19 Lincoln Square S, Carlton VIC 3053
Kaprica’s pizza is a sight to behold. Cut yourself a slice and watch the gooey mozzarella stretch from plate to mouth. This charming little pizza joint has whole heartedly earned the adjectives “rustic” and “cozy” along with “amazing”.
Feeling inspired to experience all that Melbourne has to offer? With WeGo, planning your trip is as easy as booking your flights and finding the right hotel. There, you’ll get it all sorted faster than you can say g’day mate! (Ok, that was cheesy! Wink, wink.)
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