Now when I think of pizza, I think of here.
Absolutely amazing and best pizza in Melbourne (and best I can remember anywhere even Italy).
Beautiful wildfire taste, thin base but holds its shape. Fantastic toppings - highlights include the mushroom & blue cheese pizza, and the potato pizza.
Great variety of entrees and desserts also, however the pizzas are the main star of the show.
Frank's pizza restaurant is a local icon. Not only are the pizzas absolutely delicious but the menu also enables people with allergies (like me) to continue to enjoy food without having to be worried that we'll get sick. The gluten free pizza base is still the best I have ever had! Any fellow celiacs out there - Il Pizzaiolo is a must try!
The Zucca pizza is second to none and the prosciutto is also a favourite. When you walk into IP, it's like you're walking into a family home with beautifully fresh cooked meals and you're always greeted with a smile.
Best pizzas in the north!
Googled local wood fired pizza and found this Gem. We had not made a booking but quickly were seated no problem. Warm friendly staff who know their food!! The owner was great funny and a great conversationalist . Will definitely go back !! Yum
Great restaurant to eat at. Been here many times, the service and quality of food has been excellent every time. The wood fire oven is spectacular and you are never waiting long for food even when they are busy. Great variety for pizza and the deserts are amazing, would highly recommend for anyone as it is well worth the price you pay.
Really nice pizza and friendly staff. This place makes my top 3 list for places to have pizza in Melbourne. The bases are so light but also have a nice crispness on the bottom. very tasty toppings, can't wait to visit again soon!
3.5. Ordered the salsiccia pizza for takeaway. The pork sausage was great and I really liked the small potato cubes. Crust was good. Friendly staff. Wouldn't mind dining in next time to have the pizzas fresh out of the oven.
Pizzas were beautiful, fresh and loved the thin crispy base. The atmosphere was cool and liked that we could actually see the chefs making our food. Would definitely go back for a pizza hit
This place is always busy! Make sure you book in advance. The atmosphere of the restaurant is really nice. Staff are super attentive and friendly. Pizzas were superb! Food came out really quickly which is a bonus.
Really lovely atmosphere, service and food. Gluten free bases are super delicious. Antipasto selection is just enough- Arancini I would recommend!!
Will definitely return to Il Pizzaiolo :)
Kiwi Living In The Big Smoke
+5
Have had this on my list to do for a long time. Finally went.... And was not dissapointed. The service from the moment we stepped foot in the door was amazing. The entree we had was brilliant. Yes we got a pizza each after which was way too much. But was just amazing. Very very impressed. Even chef came out to talk and see if everything was alright. Will be back again for sure!!!
This place is always busy when we drive past and had a good rating on zomato so we have been keen to try it for awhile. Service was very good and attentive, and the restaurant has a nice ambiance. The food was okay we were a little let down my a few hinge. The mozzarella for appetiser was covered in basil pesto which took away from the flavour and the quality of the cheese. The Parma ham had salt on it which made it too salty. Also they use dried basil not fresh. Just little things really but they took away from the food and the flavour. Worth trying if your local but otherwise didn't compare to 400 gradi.
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They had instant pizzas back in the good old days and they have them here at Il Pizzaiolo. Cooked just like they should be with the temperature high means cooking time is short.
Babysitting around the corner we had it on good recommendations that this place made amazing pizzas amazingly quick. Kelisi only needs a whiff of an opportunity to order pizzas so I was sent out to bring one home for her and a burger from next door for me. I ordered her a Margherita and told them I was waiting next door for my burger and didn't need it so quickly so put the breaks on. They were pretty packed out inside but happily put the breaks on for me.
Pizza came hand delivered from a friendly staff member in time right into the burger shop where I was patiently waiting. It was hot and looked delicious.
Some burger shop delays/drama saw this hot pizza turn cold but after a quick freshen up in the oven back at our friends house Kelisi got her well earned Margherita experience. I also sampled and it was a tasty pizza.
Possibly the best pizza in Melbourne. There's very good reason this place fills up every night. Great staff and space, very efficient team that make you feel welcome and deliver a flawless experience.
Casual relaxed atmosphere. Friendly and warm staff. Good selection on veg options on the menu. The cafe itself is pretty cool looking. Finding parking close-bycould be harder during busy times.
This place is unbelievable! The food is absolutely amazing, best pizza I have had in a long time! The service was wonderful & the owner is great too!Can't believe I have been living so close to this place for 4 years and never had been - I will be back!
Fantastic gluten free pizza!!! I've had a lot of Gf pizzas and this was up there with the best, if not thee best! They make any flavour with a Gf base and all their meats are GF too. Very reasonable prices too. Attentive service. Real Italians working there.
Get the Italian doughnuts.
One word ! Amazing. The pizza was so tasty and perfect. The service was friendly and efficient, it was a great night out Saturday. Would highly recommended.
This pizza place was the best I've been to in a long time. The staff were friendly and the pizza was so good I was lost for words. Most definitely do recommend it.
Authentic Italian pizza. Simple and full of flavour. One of the best pizzerie in Melbourne! And lovely limoncello to finish off a beautiful dinner
Best pizza in the north, hands down. Salads can be a bit hit and miss in terms of freshness, but I guess pizza is their thing. It's also pricy. But it really is excellent pizza!
Went here last night and thought I had booked a table for 7pm through Zomato- despite a confirmation SMS from Zomato there was no booking(!) Not sure what happened there. The Owner told me that they don't take bookings for 7pm on Friday or Saturday night as they have 2 seating times. He was very apologetic and offered us a table outside, which was fine with us! The service was amazing and the Pizza was beautiful and the staff were very friendly and attentive!! We were comped dessert because of the booking debacle- which actually wasn't their fault! Will definitely be back and recommending to friends and family! Thanks guys :)
Quality 'real' Italian style pizzas dine in or take away. Simple tasty toppings and excellent, friendly service.
The range of wines and beers to compliment the pizzas are ideal as well as the range of quality dessert options.
Limited menu in terms of no other options other than pizza, even though they are a winner.
Perfect for an easy, tasty pizza that won't disappoint. If dining in make sure you books couple of days before. This place fills up quickly.
The pizzas here are amazing. You have to dine in to really enjoy though as we had take away once and due to the base being thin it went cold quickly. Huge selection to choose from. Deciding is the most difficult part. Great looking desert menu to if you have room after the pizza. Friendly staff. The is a reason this place is always busy.
Great find! Better to eat in, the experience is way better!! Great staff, very attentive. The pizzas are very light and the focus is obviously on balance. So thin base, with delicious bread, light on quantities of toppings, but very fresh and tasty. I have tried both take away and dine in. Two pizzas is just enough for 2 people on the take away, and will set you back about $40. Dining in with a group is much better & cheaper. We ordered a variety of pizzas and tried a few of them. Yummy!
Great find .....just streets away , great staff , great menu. These guys do a great job start to finish ! The menu is faultless and the staff / owner are extremely passionate about the business. They will do well.
14 of us went to this place and it was fantastic! Everyone was super happy about the quality of food and and it was up there with the best pizza I've had. Highly recommend if you're into wood fire pizza.
Nice looking joint, dined Sunday nite around 6.30
It was pumping. Service was friendly and attentive. Drinks and food came out quick. Pizza was very good, basically standard Napoli style pizzas you find everywhere now. Recommend.
Well what else can I say about this place other than this is THE BEST PIZZA IN MELBOURNE!!
Pizza dough and sauce were delicious, they've really perfected the perfect pizza. Atmosphere was great, loved all the old Italian tunes. Meal was perfectly finished off with a shot of limoncello. Wait staff were wonderful too, will definitely be back.
Pizza is authentic Italian with great flavors. Staff are really friendly. Do not order take away though as pizza will become soggy before you get home
Good pizza, thin based and authentic Italian pizza. Would not suggest doing take away, pizza can go a bit soggy in that time. Otherwise good restaurant.
First our dessert....Italian doughnuts sprinkled with sparkles of fine sugar and a side of white melted chocolate and yes I had to share them but not by choice!!! They were delicious in every way imaginable. I treated myself to the Napoletana pizzas (yes with anchioves) and yes I finished the HUGE sizing of pizza that they serve here. Fantastic pizza and true to the pizzas in Italy 👌🏽 loved the atmosphere and to top it off we were treated with a glass of limoncello 👍🏼 viva Italia and thank you Frank for a fantastic evening. Will return 🤗
Great pizza (classico prosciutto is just so damn good), fast service and even faster take away orders. A must visit if you're a local. Highly recommended.
Okay, no beating around the bush, this is absolutely brilliant Italian food. Atmosphere is great, food is outstanding and the service is attentive. Pure and simple, just an all around delight.
Frank, the owner, has been a restaurateur for well over 20 years and he truly is the Midas of Italian cuisine. I'm also aware of the irony of that because Midas was Greek. But good god damn, this is just a great place to eat. Don't waste time, just go, you won't regret it.
Hands down best Pizza I've had. I have lived in the northern suburbs as well as inner city locations and have pizza at find of places over the years and nothing compares to this. I have reached the point where I refuse to go anywhere else for pizza. Not only are the pizzas amazing but so is the atmosphere. The staff are super friendly and accommodating. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who is after a quality pizza.
Easily the best traditional Italian pizza in Melbourne! Can't even give you a fav, there are too many to choose from. Excellent and attentive service as well. If you are in a hurry you can be in and out in the blink of an eye, but if you have the time I recommend you sit, enjoy from entree all the way to dessert.
Great local pizza place!
Fantastic service! Great menu!
Pizza was good not the best I have had in Melbourne but good nonetheless!
Would come again, great decor and atmosphere! Great place to have a glass of wine some good pizza on the weekend.
Went to this pizza place tonight on a friends recommendation. Glad I did, really attentive service, and really busy. The pizza's were great, light and well seasoned. I'd recommend trying this place if you like a good pizza. The only negative was the noise, it's almost impossible to talk. Otherwise a great find.
The dough, oh mio dio. The base of these pizzas is amazing. We ordered about 7 pizzas, 2 salads, mixed olives. All of it was pretty good. They only have one size but it's absolutely massive. The base is thin yet crispy and the toppings are fresh and good quality, I can see why this place is so busy down in Thornbury. The place itself is decent size with an industrial style exposed brick decor, it has a good vibe, but when it's busy it's extremely loud.
Unfortunately my phone died, was unable to take some happy snaps of the pizza.
Been here few days ago with my family! Pizza were outstanding! I am italian and this pizze are exactly like in Italy. Good selection of wine and drinks! Happy to see that the staff was speaking the language ( very friendly btw). Try the calzone for dessert, it was amazing. Overall a great experience.. i will be back 100%
Have Hunger, Will Travel
+4
Great pizza, lovely venue. My only minor complaint was that it was a little on the noisy side. Otherwise, brilliant service and delicious food.
We have been at Il Pizzaiolo several times; it is our favourite "pizza place"...The real Italian style pizza, at good price and very friendly staff. We recommend for a pizza special dinner with friends.
Absolutely the best pizza I have ever had. I have been here numerous times and will not stop. Frank, the owner has an awesome personality and always remembers you, and treats everyone like they and his close friends, even if it's their first time.
Had a delicious, proper Thin style pizza with quality toppings followed by bomboloni tonight after discovering this neighbourhood gem. Friendly and attentive service - Frank is just awesome! Thanks so much for a great dinner! Must try.
Two Bears And A Fork
+4.5
Like a beacon of light, in the middle of nowhere on Darebin Road, Il Pizzaiolo appeared - totally jam-packed and clearly attracting the locals like moths to a flame. Like 500 loud talkative moths all vying for pole-position in the flame. But that doesn't affect their tasty authentic Italian pizzas, delicious salads and an amazing tiramisu! ↓ Click the link below to read about our entire meal! ↓
Complimenti... Cosa c'è da dire, praticamente fantastico... Una piccola italia, vera, a Thornbury... L'ambiente è unico... Il mangiare senza parole... Il servizio elettrico... Il proprietario unico. Bravi... Agostino.
I was told about il Pizzaiola by a mate and being local, I knew I had to try it asap. Happy to say it lived up to the expectations! Absolutely loved it, one of the best pizzas I've had in Melbourne without a shadow of a doubt. We had the Margherita and Prosciutto, highly recommend! Looking forward to going again!
Amazing Pizza and great service with very friendly staff will be definitely back here in no time. Left very pleased and full. Delishhhhh!!!!
Some of the best pizza in Melbourne (gives D.O.C. and 400 Gradi a run for their money) but is distinctly suburban, reminding me of my local pizza places growing up in Adelaide (it's a good thing!). They don't deliver however, you can expect to get your pizzas 10 minutes after ordering as their impressive wood-fired oven cooks them in no time at all. They also do takeaway fresh chili on request!
great service, i love the quirky idea of a wine on tap! sangiovese is delicious.
antipasto is just like my nonna makes, particularly the yummy cured eggplants.
pizza was amazing, a little soggy but the flavour of the base is exemplary, and the toppings make up for it.
a very fresh and vibrant place which i hope thrives in this local area!
great for a cheap and quick pizza
Didn't feel like travelling to far last Friday night after work . friends had recommended this place and we weren't disappointed Great atmosphere and filled with customers. I I loved the fact that the roasted veggies were cut up small on my veggie pizza Great flavours .Friendly Italian waiters and the perfect tiramisu to share
Thanks guys We will be back .
Booked a table for 8. When for a pizza tonight. Food, service, atmosphere was great. Keep up the great work guys. Nutella pizza was to die for.
Great place... great pizza. Fantastic location without being crowded along high st thornbury. Frank is great always accomodating and generous. If you love wood fire pizza you will defiantly love Il Pizzaiolo!!!
Authentic. Saturday night, busy but not chaotic. Fit my wife and I in for a cosy little dinner. The capricciosa was delicious, I could just eat the base alone!
Lunch was to die for. Frank was thr perfect host, I learnt about Naples, the culture of the dough, a levitating base - it was great fun. Will be back: probably next week.... Highly recommend.
Just like the old country. I've been here twice after coming back from living in Italy, and I can surely say this is the closest you get to true authentic Italian pizza. Never mind the prices, it's worth every cent. Non greasy, won't leave you bloated. They import their ingredients and even slice the prosciutto fresh.
This little strip of shops had been cursed for a long time coming, but I am so glad that they've been able to pick it up with this place. Absolute favourite. Keep it coming.
Amazing!. This place has the best pizza I have ever eaten!! Absolutely delicious! I can't wait to go back to try all the other pizzas on the menu. We tried the smoked salmon, patata and the giardino. Yum!!! Great service too! Can't ask for more.
This place goes up there on my 'MUST GO AGAIN' list. I have been to a lot of restaurants, let alone Italian ones, but I must be bold enough to say that this is one of the best especially when it comes to their pizza's and desserts. I was especially amazed by the quality service and hospitality I received especially when I arrived at the restaurant a little early while they were still preparing to open and the head chef was more than happy to have me sit down and order and also made the time to come past for a chat and to ask as what my thoughts were on the food.. I must recommend the Nutella Calzone!
Wednesday night around three weeks after Il Pizzaiola opens, we already have to book a table. This place is small but so inviting and comfortable. I dread the day that we will have to book two weeks in advance just for a 6pm booking! Located in a small pocket of shops in Darebin road in Thornbury, such an establishment has been a long time coming in this area. So as much as I would like to keep it a secret, I have no doubt the word is out already about how great Frank’s pizzas are so I may as well tell you about it. The beautiful black and white mosaic wood fired oven sits gleaming in the corner. It looks so perfectly round, formed and new, I am slightly tempted to walk up to it and stroke my hands across it. The colours match the black chalk like walls which are inscribed in white providing explanations of pizza and its ingredients. Here, you can amuse yourself by reading more out more about pancetta, about san marzano tomatoes and about the VPN (Association of Vera Pizza Napoletana)
Tried many a good pizza around melbourne , probably one of the best going around at the moment
Best Neopolitan style pizza in Melbourne. Experience eating many a pizza in Naples (and at other Naples style pizza restaurants around the world) tells me this place is the real deal. I'm a regular here and it beats all other pizza places in Melbourne hands down. Excellent food and a great atmosphere. A very highly recommended restaurant.
Amazing!. Great set up, love the option of sitting at the bar and ordering a pizza and beer. The pizza is truly authentic Napoli pizza, best pizza we have had since coming back from Italy. Great selection of Italian Beer and wine.
A Little Gem. I was craving a good pizza and that is what i found at Il Pizzaiolo. At times, certain bites transported me back to italy, the flavours were authentic . Service was very good and wait times was perfect.
Simply the best.... Amazing pizza...best in the area by far!
Amore!. Delicious pizza. All of them. Thin, crispy and the right amount of topping. Love the caprese salad. Wine is super cheap. Love the ambience, it's a little noisy but in a welcoming way and try choosing between the tiramisu or the Italian doughnuts.... I would suggest do both on the first time!
The Wandering Reviewer
+4.5
The Best Pizza I've eaten ever. My friend had the fresh strawberry and nutella calzone which was huge and came with ice cream. We did our best to plough through it but only made it 3/4 of the way.
Extra things to note: Parking isn't too bad in the area, you can usually get a park within 50 metres. Waiting staff are lovely, just ask and they'll do and get anything for you. Frank the owner even came to our table to see how things went. He is the brains and the heart of this business. He is passionate about his restaurant and serving good food to his customers. I can see why he is one of the few people in Melbourne awarded high esteem in the pizza industry.
Not only will I be returning but will bring friends and spread the word. This is what Melbourne eating is all about. Fine fresh food, lovely atmosphere, family business and affordable.
Booked a table of 10 for my mums birthday and it was perfect. Great value and great tasting pizzas, ambience is what I like in a authentic place like this...........lots of noise. All this and it's so close to home. Oh and did I mention the pizzas were great.
Not bad. One of those super authentic places with basically nothing but a bit of ham and mushrooms as toppongs.. Tasted nice but wouldn't go out of my way to go back with so many great options in the area.
Best place ever! Wonderful vibe. family friendly yet would still be a perfect place for a date. The GF pizza bases have to be the best iv ever had and all at a totally reasonable price. Definitely a must try!
The pizza here is amazing, the best we've ever had. So simple and so good. All the staff were friendly and greeted thanked my boyfriend by name which they remembered from the booking
Great staff and service, very attentive. The pizza was so delicious with the perfect topping combinations that didn't make us feel heavy afterwards. Will definitely go back! Dessert pizza to die for!
One of Melbourne's best. Certainly the best pizza in Northcote. Can't go wrong with well executed Buffalo mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes. This local eatery is proving that it IS possible to succeed in tough economic climates and indeed expand operation to meet growing demand.
Does get a little noisy for the first sitting when families with young kids come for 'tea'. If you want a more peaceful environment have a G&T at home first.
Keep up the good work!
Australia's best pizza....but it'll cost you. Without a doubt the best pizza in Melbourne, if not Australia.
However, the prices, like many "traditional" pizza places is simply over the top. Shame the pricing doesn't stick to the "traditional" mantra. As another reviewer states, I too paid a lot less at Grimaldi's in New York.....and what a pizza that was, O M G !!
Fit us in last minute on a Sunday which was very obliging. Wait staff were lovely. Pizza not the best I've had but still good and will give it another go.
Frank and his great team just keep getting better. 10/10 for the best pizzas in Melbourne and brilliant service.
Lil' Kim And Big Ach
+4.5
Good local spot (dog friendly). Finally managed to get down for a late dinner on Friday. Without a reservation, you will find it hard to get a table inside. Otherwise, they are open til 10:30pm so arrange your arrival accordingly (if without a booking).
There are a few tables outside (no heating) if you can brave the winter chills. Hubby and I opted for the Antipasto for Two - selection of cured meats (x3 types) + large buffalo mozzarella + marinated vegetables (olives, eggplant) served with warm bread...a decent serving size. The menu is simple. They only serve pizzas (you can choose with or without their tomato base sauce). We decided for the Diavola (without tomato base) - spicy pork sausage, rosemary potato, roast peppers, rocket and parmigiano...yum...it was spicy and the pizza base was just right.
We were too full to try their dessert menu...but the plates coming out looked pretty good.
Tried this for the first time last night and it was sensational! One of the best pizzas in Melbourne. Very traditional with a large thin crispy base and simple toppings. It is usually packed so
Book a table and it is so worth it. The service is fast and friendly and the restaurant looks fantastic with a great atmosphere. Probably my new favourite for dinner.
Best pizza in the Northcote/Thornbury area. And probably further than that too.
And covid hasn't changed that one little bit!
You can get now prepared pizzas ready for the oven, they take 6-7 minutes in the oven and taste mint!!
Delicious food. Friendly owner and staff. It was pretty busy but Service was still quick. Didn't get that excess salt feeling after eating pizza that I always do. Highly recommend 😀
Best Italian woodfired pizza in Melbourne.
price: Not cheap but the quality is the price
Only open for dinners Wednesday to Sunday. Make a booking as they get busy.
friendly staff
friendly owner
Yes, another pizza place.
Is there room for another one, well, yes if it meets the expectations of a what a good pizza should consist of and this place does.
It caters for all tastes and does it brilliantly from Vega options to meat lovers in a simple no fuss menu.
All this comes at a premium price.
If you are looking for bulk at low pricing then go to Domino's, however if you want a wood fired pizza made in a traditional way then you cannot go pass this suburban venue.
It is busy and during peak times bookings are essential which tells you the pizzas must be good.
Sarah Louise wilson bayliss
+5
Incredible pizza and lovely staff. A spelling mistake on the wall next to us was annoyingly all I could notice once I spotted it but it could all be forgiven at the taste of that pizza! Highly recommend.
Delicious, unique rectangular pizza with great ingredients
Delicious food, genuine and lovely staff, stand out service. 100% would recommend to friends and family.
Amazing Naples-style pizza. Fabulous owner and great staff. Our go to place in the local area.
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