As the temperatures in Melbourne continue to drop, we all need something comforting to keep us warm. Not only is pizza the ultimate life choice, it also goes hand in hand with a cosy, intimate environment to enjoy it in. Whether it’s your first date, dinner with mates, date night or dinner with the family, pizza is always a good idea. Not only does it cater to and satisfy all tastebuds, it’s also not a not a “break the bank” kinda dinner, so you don’t have to break a sweat if you’re shouting. Despite pizza being affordable, it will never come off as a cheap dinner option, and there are countless lucky finds in Melbourne you can visit when you’re feeling cheesy and even a bit fancy.
1. Rita’s (Abbotsford)
The reigning champion of Melbourne’s top spots for a slice, Rita’s offers quality pizza, beers and wine in the heart of Abbotsford. Rita’s boasts rustic Italian from the fit-out to the menu – perfect for an indulgent with your fellow pizza lover diners. Upon entering the unassuming storefront, the open kitchen fills the restaurant with the warm aroma of baking pizza. There are two sizes (10-inch and 13-inch), served on consistently crispy bases with the freshest local ingredients used to top their masterpieces. If you haven’t already, it’s worth paying a visit to the now iconic Rita’s – your dinner companions and your tastebuds won’t be disappointed!
2. Capitano (Carlton)
What’s better than pizza? Pizza and a movie, of course! Located a stones throw away from Cinema Nova on Lygon street, pizza restaurant Capitano is the perfect companion to the typical dinner and movie night combo. This relaxed yet social bar and diner serves up American-Italian inspired pizza alongside simple starters and pasta. If you’ll excuse a brief intermission from the pizza talk – Capitano’s famous tiramisu is a boozy dessert you won’t want to miss out on. The tiramisu is made to order and features sponge cake soaked in a variety of local liqueurs topped with mascarpone cream – d’lish! Ok back to the pizza – you can expect mouth-watering options of square pizza bases topped with mozzarella, parmesan and the finest ingredients available on the market. The ‘Grandma’s Square’ is an instant classic and highly recommended.
3. DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar (Carlton)
This is one for all the lovers of pizza (….and lovers). Arguably one of the best gourmet pizzas the northern suburbs of Melbourne has to offer, DOC is a household name synonymous with authentic Gastronomia Italiana. More than just a pizzeria and mozzarella bar, take a trip to Italy through mouth-watering food and the bustling atmosphere enhanced by the accommodating waitstaff. The wood-fired pizza itself is traditionally made in-house topped with fresh produce, homemade cheeses and high-quality cured meats. You can’t go wrong with a Margherita Pizza, or for something meatier, opt for Pizza Capricciosa Nuova. One of our top picks for date night pizza!
4. Leonardo’s Pizza Palace (Carlton)
Situated in a building once home to Da Salvatore Pizza by the Metre, which opened in 1959, Leonardo’s is a slice of Melbourne pizza history. With the mid-century modern interior still intact, the famed Leonardo’s is a cosy dive bar meets old-school Italian – American dining where you can get a long neck and an authentic Italian wood-fired pizza. If you and your fellow diner(s) are feeling adventurous, the Chinese Bolognese pizza is a must-try. Love it or hate it, this Asian fusion creation is sure to be a talking point and makes for a memorable pizza dinner outing.
5. Pizza Pizza Pizza (CBD)
If you’re in the city and tossing up a late-night bite, this Melbourne institution is a no-brainer. Situated amongst the many gems of Meyers place, Pizza Pizza Pizza is one of the CBD’s favourite cocktail meets takeaway bars offering quality pizza available by the slice or the pie. Don’t let the storefront fool you, behind a thick black curtain reveals a 70s-style eatery complete with intimate booths, moody lighting and tunes to match. With a solid selection of 18-inch pizzas (yes, 18-inch!), you can expect traditional numbers like the Margherita, pepperoni and vegetarian alongside other comforts like chicken wings, garlic bread and fries. Don’t forget to check out their monthly pizza specials and famous boozy cocktails. Another one of our tops picks for pizza date night and hands down the best pizza in Melbourne CBD.
Honourable mentions:
Dickstein’s, Farro, Wolf and Swill, Bar Romantica, 1000 Lire, Red Sparrow, Pizza Shop & Fratellino
How to find Pizza Deals and Pizza Discounts Near You
Is a bubbling hot, cheesy pizza dinner outing on your mind but not in your budget or schedule? Lucky for you, modern-day quality time comes in the form of takeaway pizza, the couch and the latest episode of….well, whatever it is you’re binge watching this week . You can browse online for the latest working Domino’s Pizza vouchers for an even cheaper pizza dinner, with up to 50% off your next order and as always, check out Shopa Docket for current pizza coupons and pizza deals near you.
