If you’re hungry for the best pizza on Lygon Street, we like your style. We are devotees of a circular base, that becomes a triangle wedge and ends in a smile. And with 5 billion pizzas sold worldwide annually, how lucky are we to have some of the most delicious pizza Carlton has to offer.
Origins of Neapolitan Pizza
Why is the world obsessed with pizza?
From its humble beginnings as flatbread topped with oils, herbs, and spices, it was popularised by the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians. Needing something quick and cheap to eat as they travelled through the bustling waterfront city of Naples, Italy (circa 18th century) this Neapolitan style street food saw the addition of tomatoes, cheese, anchovies, and garlic. Some things never change.
Pizza is also personalised. It can be deep-dish or thin crust, it can be gluten-free and vegetarian, it can be a main meal or a snack, it can be social or comfort food, it can also be enjoyed hot or cold. Winner Winner Pizza Dinner!
Discover the Best Pizza on Lygon Street
Did you know tomatoes, cheese, pepperoni, and sausage share a compound called glutamate, which signals excitement in our brains? Basically, we’re helpless against it! Thank goodness all the tastiest pizzas live along Lygon Street.
Toto’s
Toto’s is the original Lygon Street pizzeria, having opened its doors in 1961. It established the Neapolitan style pizza, using a woodfire oven, with crispy thin-crust edges surrounding a flavoursome centre. Dare we say it, Toto’s is the godfather of Melbourne pizza.
Papa Gino’s
Many things may have changed on Lygon Street recently, but Papa Gino’s is not one of them. Part of the Carlton landscape for more than 40 years, the Brosca family are still serving those generous plates of food that made them an institution. If you crave old-fashioned, home-style pizza, Papa Gino’s is calling your name.
Mercadante
So much attention is given to pizza toppings and while important, pizza dough can make or break a good pizza. Mercadante understands this. The selection of wood-fired pizzas, calzones and pizza-based bruschetta is phenomenal, with more than 40 options. Even their focaccia is made from their legendary pizza base. And don’t overlook the Sfilatino (their famous chocolate pizza.)
DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar
Just behind Lygon Street on Drummond Street, DOC pizza combines experience, passion and fresh ingredients to make that killer combo of base and toppings. A relaxed atmosphere and great service only enhance some of the best pizza Melbourne has to offer.
La Taverna
With 33 different flavours of traditional and gourmet pizzas on the La Taverna menu, you are spoiled for choice. The sizes are great and the pizza base is remarkable. Known for its friendly, efficient service, the prices will also put a smile on your dial.
Gemma Simply Italian
You’ll fall in love with Nonna Gemma, whose traditional Italian love of food shared over a table doesn’t just feed the body but the soul. The handmade pizzas from homemade recipes will make you want to call your own grandparents.
The Olive Jar
The Olive Jar is the first-ever home cut pasta and pizza restaurant in Australia! Tucked away in Rathdowne Street behind Lygon, their kitchen is peppered with fresh, authentic Italian food they love to share. Their contemporary take on traditional pizza is outstanding. They even have singing waiters to compliment your singing taste buds.
Cafe Cavallino
Gino Francese established his first Melbourne restaurant on Lygon Street in 1971. Since then the Francese family has been serving some of the finest traditional Italian cuisines this city has ever experienced. With one of the most spacious alfresco seating areas in Carlton, you’ll be able to marry Italian and Australian cultures perfectly.
This uniquely Italian fare is not going anywhere, so don’t look at these pizzeria suggestions as a choice, more like a delicious to-do list that you can eat your way through. That’s Amore!
