Back in 2010 when I was auditioning for the role that would see me move to Melbourne, I happened upon a pizza shop.
Wow, some intro – I found a pizza shop in Melbourne. But you see, this pizza shop became significant because my previous trips to Melbourne had been full of fairly average food, as I completely missed noticing all the great places tucked into laneways. I was convinced there was no good dining in the CBD.
That night, my love and I turned off Elizabeth Street into Little Bourke and discovered +39 Pizzeria. We were lured in by the gigantic jars of Nutella lining the shelving above the bar. With low expectations we perused the menu. I mean, how good could a pizza place in the CBD really be?
The answer… very good. In fact I would say they are up there with Melbourne’s best pizzas.
+39 Pizzeria has been my go-to for carby goodness in the CBD ever since. Every time I have rocked up unannounced (they do take bookings but most of my visits have been impromptu), they have managed to squeeze us in. Such was the case last week when a trio of hungry girls went in search of pizza. I realised, to my surprise, that I had never blogged about it, so fortunately I had my trusty camera in tow.
The menu is substantial, consisting of the Italian staples of antipasti, salads, pizza and pasta. I’ve actually never tried anything other than the pizzas, which I know is all very bad food blogger of me, but pizza is one of my spirit foods.
Every day they have some interesting blackboard specials, always worth trying. On this occasion the pizza had a long and fancy name, which I’ve forgotten. However, most importantly, it had flowers on it.
Please let’s never lose this edible flower trend Melbourne. Food this pretty makes me so happy.
The flavours were quite delicate but for a bit of extra oomph the waiter provided some excellent chilli oil for drizzling.
We also tried the Capricciosa Italiana ($19) with ham, olives, artichoke, mushroom and Fior Di Latte
Topped with good quality ingredients and perfectly woodfired bases, the pizzas always achieve that delicious combination of crispy and chewy.
Balancing all the carbs was a Cavolo Rosso salad ($13)
With red cabbage, parsley, toasted almonds, red onions, huge chunks of creamy squacquerone cheese in a olive oil and vinegar dressing. So fresh and delicious.
The small wine list is largely Italian and very affordable. A bottle of 2013 Luccarelli Primitivo ($40) provided a lush and fruity companion although it really needs food (which clearly we had) as the tannins were a bit sappy.
Most of the staff are Italian so there can be some slight communication barriers (with our flat Aussie drawls) from time to time but they are always friendly and helpful.
Oh, and the Nutella pizzas are awesome too, although we were all preparing ourselves for Easter indulgence so didn’t get one on this visit. However, one of my buddies did score an enormous (empty) jar to take home to her kiddles.
Who do you think does the best pizza in Melbourne?
sassydrcil
April 15, 2015 at 9:19 pm (5 months ago)There are stacks of pizza places in melb that are awesome- 400 gradi, Woodstock, ladro, I Carusi, pizza meine liebe
Nicole Bilson
April 17, 2015 at 2:54 pm (5 months ago)I have a few top picks but I have not been to a single one of those. It seems Melbourne is awash with pizza….no bad thing
brookejones
April 15, 2015 at 11:19 pm (5 months ago)Pizza is my absolute weakness! It’s seriously the only reason I can’t go vegan. The top two pizza places in Halifax are right in our neighbourhood and we walk by them every day on our regular dog walk loop, so it’s impossible not to resist. The smells that come out of those places are glorious! I’ve never seen a pizza with edible flowers though. So pretty!
Nicole Bilson
April 17, 2015 at 2:53 pm (5 months ago)Oh gosh, pizza within walking distance is a liability
Vegan cheese just doesn’t even come close does it …
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
April 16, 2015 at 6:29 am (5 months ago)Everyone needs a go-to Pizza Place. Capricciosas are my best, with Nutella pizzas a close second! And the flowers, oh so pretty! That’s another one to add to my ever growing Places To Eat in Melbourne list – I’ll have to relocate to get through them all at this rate! I’ve never had pizza in Melbourne, but my favourite pizza in Sydney is Cafe Moretti in Leichardt which featured in one of the first series of Masterchef! Boom!
Nicole Bilson
April 17, 2015 at 2:52 pm (5 months ago)Oooh, that is cool. I’ve not even been to Leichardt
I pretty much have a pizza place in every corner of Melbourne now, it’s a good situation to be in
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
April 16, 2015 at 10:58 am (5 months ago)This sounds like a great, unexpected find!! I love those kinds of meals where you have lot to no expectations and you’re pleasantly surprised
Nicole Bilson
April 17, 2015 at 2:50 pm (5 months ago)Yes indeed and a thousand times better than high expectations not being met
Rosie Rockets
April 16, 2015 at 11:16 am (5 months ago)Dammit Nicole, this is another place I have to try and has been on my list for ages. Must, must, must go and try!
Nicole Bilson
April 17, 2015 at 2:49 pm (5 months ago)Oh yes! You must
Jess
April 16, 2015 at 3:05 pm (5 months ago)Nice! Never had flowers on a pizza, but it is now my next challenge
Nicole Bilson
April 17, 2015 at 2:48 pm (5 months ago)Melbourne is putting flowers on everything at the moment. I love it.
Casey
April 16, 2015 at 6:44 pm (5 months ago)Pizza is my weakness! Definitely on the agenda for my next Melbourne trip
Nicole Bilson
April 17, 2015 at 2:48 pm (5 months ago)Pizza is not a weakness, it’s a strength
It’s such a handy location too.
Jem @ Lost in Utensils
April 20, 2015 at 12:58 pm (5 months ago)Love pizza…I’m lucky to have a woodfired pizza oven at home. I’ll check this place out next time I’m in Melbs.
Nicole Bilson
April 20, 2015 at 10:05 pm (5 months ago)I am so jealous – a woodfired pizza oven of your very own! I would never eat anything else