Some of the best pizza in the world can be found right here in Australia, in an unassuming local pizzeria in Melbourne’s north.
Pizza has been around since antiquity. And people have a lot of strong feelings about what constitutes a great pizza (pineapple, or no? Thick crust or thin?). From Naples to New York, pizza is a source of cultural prowess and pride. So, it’s no small feat that a hole-in-the-wall neighbourhood pizzeria in Melbourne has been labelled as one of the world’s best at none other than the globally-recognised 50 Top Pizza World awards held in Naples.
SHOP225 has been crowned the best pizza restaurant in Australia (Image: Julian Lallo)
SHOP225 were ranked 28th in the world, competing against over 1000 other restaurants (Image: Julian Lallo)
The friendly neighbourhood restaurant is beloved by locals in Melbourne's north. (Image: Julian Lallo)
SHOP225 of Pascoe Vale in Melbourne’s north took out the top gong for best pizza in the country, ranking 28th in the world overall and beating out some of Italy’s most esteemed pizzerias. The beloved, small local restaurant competed against over 1,000 other pizzerias from around the globe, with results decided by judges who posed as anonymous shoppers. SHOP225 was the only Australian restaurant to crack the top 50 list, with just one other Aussie restaurant nabbing a spot on the long-list of top 100 pizza restaurants, 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar, also in Melbourne.
It’s no surprise that the Victorian capital is Australia’s front-runner when it comes to great pizza, given the waves of Italian migration in the city’s history that have greatly shaped its food and coffee culture. Absent from the list this year is Sydney’s Al Taglio, which has been a fixture of on the list in previous years.
SHOP225 is the creation of chef Lorenzo Tron, who does things a little differently. Whereas some pizzerias are known for their stubborn adherence to ingredients and recipes (looking at you, Italy), SHOP225 prides itself on its ability to create great pizza for any dietary requirement. In fact, the restaurant was one of the first pizzerias to be accredited by Coeliac Australia. Tron’s culinary philosophy was influenced by his vegan mother, who would often struggle to find accommodations when dining out around Melbourne. Eleven of the thirteen pizzas on offer at SHOP225 can be made vegan, and gluten-free crust is made from a combination of rice, tapioca, maize, soy, pea and potato flours.
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Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
From rust-coloured foliage and foodie experiences to stunning sunsets, this part of Victoria is best explored as the mild days of winter arrive.
As the heat of the summer sun subsides and the milder days roll in, the stunning landscapes of Geelong and the Bellarine add pops of colour. The slight chill in the air will stir your taste buds and invite you to explore the peninsula’s foodie hotspots, while the vivid sunsets and cooler evenings will draw you to cosy fireside chats and evening adventures to watch the stars appear one at a time.
Just over an hour from busy Flinders Street, or a short 25-minute drive from Avalon Airport, Geelong is Melbourne’s cooler, more laid-back cousin with a sparkling marina, stunning surf beaches, impressive museums and a lively foodie scene.
Winter is the perfect time to see local sights.
It’s also the perfect starting point from which to explore the Bellarine Peninsula. Packed full of jaw-dropping scenery, inviting townships and over 40 cellar doors serving up local cool-weather wines, winter here is distinctly beautiful with its change of colours, temperatures and produce.
Whether you drive or catch the short but incredibly scenic ferry from the Mornington Peninsula, it’s no surprise this region offers up one of Australia’s best long weekend destinations. Here’s how to soak it all up.
Day 1: Explore Geelong with the locals
Morning
Start the day by grabbing breakfast and strong coffee from Pavilion Geelong (try the braised mushrooms on toast) while watching the gentle waves lapping the edge of Corio Bay. After brekkie, join the locals walking along the scenic Art Deco waterfront to explore the historic piers, beautiful beaches and gleaming white yachts in the marina.
Start the day at Pavilion Geelong.
Afternoon
After a morning in the sun, venture to the recently refurbished Federal Mill precinct, a grand old woollen mill built in 1915. Explore the industrial history of this area, as well as the gourmet produce on offer, before pulling up a table at the popular Paddock Bakery. Famous for their wood-fired sourdough and tasty pastries, this cafe serves up tasty dishes like their Crème Brûlée doughnuts. Chase your lunch down with an afternoon of gin tasting at Anther Distillery.
Try the Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnuts.
Night
For an evening of frivolity and decadence, head back to Geelong for dinner and a show at the newly reopened Geelong Arts Centre. Later, enjoy a mini Negroni with a scoop of Black Pearl Oscietra Gold caviar at the sleek Non Disclosure Bar.
Day 2: A foodie-centric day in Moorabool Valley
Morning
Wake up with the soft winter sun and cooler temperatures, then travel to the lush farmlands and stunning landscapes of Moorabool Valley, the home of Meredith Farm Store. Choose a seat outside in the leafy courtyard and enjoy a tasting platter of fresh produce among the flowers.
Afternoon
To explore the area, visit the cellar door at the Moorabool Valley Wine Collective, which encompasses three award-winning winemakers, before stopping by Austin’s Wines for lunch. Not only can you taste over 10 local wines at the dedicated tastings bar, but you can also curate your own cheese platter to eat outside on their shaded deck.
Stop by Austin’s Wines for lunch.
Night
Continue on your foodie quest with dinner in Newtown at the Asian fusion Two Noble restaurant, or, inside the same venue at Sawyers Arms Tavern, dive into the European flavours of Eileen’s Charcoal Grill on your way back to Geelong.
The chef’s hatted Two Noble restaurant is waiting.
Day 3: Adventures in The Bellarine
Morning
For a light breakfast, head 20 minutes out of town to the rustic Ket Baker, an artisan bakery known for their 100% sourdough croissants. Grab a hot cuppa under the gum trees and enjoy the morning chill in the air. Then spend the morning on the foodie-focused Bellarine Taste Trail, visiting local producers like Bellarine Smokehouse, Flying Brick Cider House and FarmDog Brewing.
Enjoy a light breakfast at Ket Baker.
Lunch
There’s no better way to enjoy lunch than to make it from scratch. With Harvest Experience’s Pasta & Pinot cooking class, you’ll have a genuine farm-to-plate experience as you learn to make fettuccini and filled ravioli from scratch. Once cooked, sit down, relax and enjoy your hard work with a glass of Bellarine Peninsula pinot noir.
Afternoon and night
Burn off your lunch with an afternoon trip to the bayside town of Portarlington, where Australian blue mussels are harvested offshore. Stop by the quirky Ducks Nuts and peruse the trinkets and treasures before making your way to the restored Portarlington Grand Hotel. Built in 1888, this beautiful building now houses four distinct dining experiences, including the new open-air spaces of The Atrium and Lawn, where you can enjoy a local gin as the sun sets over the bay.
