BAYSIDE IN 5: Bayside’s Best Pizza
Valentine’s Day might be just around the corner, but there’s another special day on the February calendar that we love celebrating - National Pizza Day, which just happens to be TODAY! What could be more romantic than enjoying a slice (or two) from one of Bayside’s many incredible Italian restaurants, beachside bars and takeaway joints?
To get into the spirit, we asked our team to share their favourite recommendations for the best pizza in Bayside. From classic Margherita and Pepperoni style to the best gourmet pizza by the bay (for those who prefer their slice on the fancier side), this Bayside In 5 will help you find the perfect pizza to celebrate National Pizza Day 2023!
Topolino’s St Kilda
87 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Topolino’s have served great Italian food to the bayside community for 50 years, so you know you’re in safe hands! Topolino’s pizza menu serves up the classics to absolute perfection, with the Napolenta and Seafood pizzas amongst some of their absolute standouts. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the Bandito special with sun-dried tomatoes, hot salami, fetta and basil is a pizza that is sure to impress.
With an unbeatable old-school vibe that will transport you straight to Italy, this St Kilda icon will have you coming back for the next 50 years!
Portone Bar: Woodfired Pizza
3/246-250 Carlisle St, Balaclava
Portone Bar is one of Bayside’s many hidden gems, and their woodfire pizza is absolutely beloved by Balaclava locals - and for a good reason! Using only housemade doughs and sauces, every pizza served by the team at Portone is crispy, light and bursting with flavour. We recommend pairing the Bufalina Margherita Pizza with the Roquette Pear Salad for a smoky and refreshing meal - perfect for the warmer weather!
You are guaranteed a slice of the perfect woodfire pizza, and the friendly staff can pair your order with one of their many delicious wines to add to the experience. With beautiful green decor, live music and dogs welcome - put Portone on your list for your next bayside pizza night!
Cucina and Co
325 New St, Brighton
If you’re looking for a taste of Italy without leaving the bay, look no further than Cucina and Co. The team know how to make incredible pizza, but don’t just take our word for it! The Brighton restaurant was named ‘Best Pizza Restaurant in Victoria’ in 2017 and 2022! It’s not hard to know why.
A great pizza starts with the dough. Cucina & Co’s pizza dough recipe is unique, combining three different types of flour with a high percentage of Multigrain Wholemeal flour and naturally fermented through Mother Yeast for 96 hours. The result is a premium Italian quality dough that is very light and easy to digest.
If you’re looking for an exceptional experience, their set menu is $60 per person and includes an entree, main meal and dessert (it wouldn’t be a visit to Cucina and Co without trying their Cannoli!)
Cucina and Co are one of bayside’s most popular restaurants, so be sure to make a reservation well in advance!
48H Pizza e Gnocchi Bar
15 Gordon St, Elsternwick
Are you looking to take your pizza game up a level? Book yourself a Masterclass at this award-winning Bayside Italian restaurant! Learn how to make gnocchi, pizza and tiramisu from the very best. The classes are available in person and online and are open to aspiring chefs of all ages.
If you’re less interested in cooking and more interested in eating, the menu at 48H is unbeatable. Their pizzas are perfectly crispy on the outside and the warm and fluffy on the inside, which is exactly how authentic Italian pizza should be. Be sure to arrive with an appetite because it’s well worth trying their gnocchi, too, with a glass of Grappa to wash it down.
Earth, Wind & Flour
9 Ormond Rd, Elwood
Earth, Wind & Flour certainly takes the prize for the best-named pizza restaurant in bayside!
If you are looking for something different this National Pizza Day, Earth, Wind & Flour is a perfect choice. This Elwood eatery is not just great at puns but knows how to make incredible pizza with its wide range of traditional, gourmet and vegan options. The menu is inspired by various cultures and flavours, making a trip to Earth, Wind & Flour a unique experience. We especially love the Chimichurri pizza!
Described as ‘Bayside’s Artisan pizza and pasta restaurant’, Earth, Wind & Flour is the perfect choice for your next date night.
https://earthwindandflour.pizza
Have you got a favourite Bayside local for pizza that didn’t make it onto our list? Let us know so we can try it out!