Four Melbourne pizza spots have been recognised among the best in the Asia Pacific region, with four local venues appearing on the latest 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific list announced in Tokyo this week.
The international guide ranks standout pizzerias across the region using a mystery shopper process. This year Japan led the list with 11 venues, followed by Australia with nine and China with six. Tokyo was the most represented city with seven restaurants, while Melbourne tied with Hong Kong for second place with four.
Leading the Melbourne contingent was Shop225 in Pascoe Vale South, which placed seventh overall and secured a spot inside the Top 10. The neighbourhood pizzeria has built a strong reputation for catering to a wide range of dietary needs and was the first pizzeria in Australia to receive accreditation from Coeliac Australia.
The guide praised the venue for its “great attention to allergies and food intolerances”. One of its pizzas, the 2807 featuring fior di latte, mushroom cream, pork sausage and porcini, was also singled out. Shop225 also received a special award for Best Pasta Proposal, with judges highlighting the restaurant’s house made pasta including gnocchi and fettucine.
Another Melbourne favourite, 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar in South Yarra and Elsternwick, came in at number 14. The venue is known for its dough that is left to ferment for at least 48 hours. Among the standout menu items mentioned was the “canguro” pizza topped with wild kangaroo salami, macadamia pesto and native greens.
Moonee Ponds restaurant Il Caminetto, a sister venue to Shop225, ranked 29th and received praise for its Parmigiana pizza and classic ravioli del plin.
Rounding out the Melbourne entries was +31 Pizzeria on Little Bourke Street, which placed 40th with its red and white base pizza selections earning a mention.
The top 15 venues from the Asia Pacific list will automatically qualify for the 100 Best Pizzerias in the World awards, set to be announced in Naples on 15 September.
The full list is available here.
