There’s no denying that what Victorians do, they do well. The Italian (and worldwide) favourite of pizza is in a league of its own in Victoria, where discerning palates demand the best. Stringy mozzarella, burnished crust, pure tomato sauce and a drizzle of really good olive oil are all we need. These are the best pizzas in Victoria, as crowned in the delicious. 100.
Di Stasio has long been a fixture of Melbourne’s Italian food scene, but only recently added a pizzeria to its arsenal. Rinaldo “Ronnie” Di Stasio and Mallory Wall’s chatty Carlton pizzeria is a love letter to Rome: think an artful courtyard made for spritzing and negroni sipping and luxe pizzas loaded with lobster. Ingredients are sourced from the best producers. 224 Faraday St, Carlton; distasio.com.au/carlton.
There are strong family ties at World Pizza Champion Andrea Cozzolino’s suburban pizzeria. All 20-odd pizzas can be made gluten-free (a nod to his mum who is coeliac); sister, Celeste, gets naming rights; and whisper to order polarising pineapple on the “Don’t tell Nonna”. The slow-fermented pizzas, cooked in the gas oven, are juicy up top and crisp below. 219 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe; littlenaples.pizza.
After 13 years in the game, The Forge remains the standout among the region’s pizza purveyors. A visit without trying The Shearers is a punishable sin: luscious strands of the region’s finest slow-roasted meat, salty pops of Meredith Dairy’s goats cheese, red onions and pine nuts on a fine yet firm base bubble and blister in all their glory in a woodfire hearth. 14 Armstrong St North, Ballarat; theforgepizzeria.com.
Heartbreaker bar’s iconic hole-in-the-wall pizza joint Connie’s still delivers the good times, despite its retro diner closing. Michael and Zara Madrusan have reverted their charming pizzeria to its original late-night format and New York slices and pies are still the game. Classic pepperoni retains GOAT status; sausage and mushies are worthy look-ins. 234A Russell St, Melbourne; heartbreakerbar.com.au/connies-pizza.
At Pizzeria Magma, it’s all about coaxing the best out of the ingredients. Owner and pizzaiolo John-Paul Aziz crafts neo-Neapolitan style pies. Long-fermented wild dough, simple toppings and cooking with fire creates pizzas that are lively and fun. Matched with an easy atmosphere and simple drinks list, it’s good times at this freshly minted restaurant. 305 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North; pizzeriamagma.com.
