Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question before you pull up a chair? You're in the right place. This page brings together the answers to everything people ask us, whether it's how our coeliac-safe kitchen works, when to book on a busy Friday night, what The Secret Garden fits, how catering and cooking classes run, or which awards we've picked up along the way. It's the same information scattered across our website, gathered into one easy spot. If your question isn't here, give us a ring on (03) 9077 4904; we're happy to help.

FAQs

Dietary and the Menu

  • Is Shop225 safe for coeliacs?

    Yes. Shop225 is the first pizza restaurant in Australia accredited by Coeliac Australia. Our accreditation means there is no risk of cross-contamination, so guests with coeliac disease can dine freely and order with confidence.

  • How is your gluten-free pizza made?

    Our gluten-free dough is made with dedicated gluten-free flours, not de-glutenised wheat, and prepared in a separate, controlled space to ensure safety and quality. It's one of the reasons Shop225 has become a benchmark for gluten-free pizza in Melbourne and Australia.

  • Do you have vegan options?

    Plenty. Most of our pizzas are available vegan, made with house-made vegan cheese, and we're proud to be the first vegan-accredited pizzeria in Australia. Vegan pasta and desserts are on the menu too.

  • What desserts do you make?

    We make all our desserts exclusively in-house, including Tiramisu, Sicilian Cannoli and our Gnocchi Dolci. Save room.

  • Is Shop225 halal friendly?

    Yes. We cook with halal-friendly ingredients and welcome all communities. Halal guests tell us what matters most is being genuinely welcomed, not just accommodated, and that's exactly how we run our table.

  • Do you have dairy-free options?

    Yes. Dairy-free options are available across the menu, made with plant-based alternatives, so nobody has to skip the good part.

  • Do you have vegetarian options?

    Of course. Vegetarian pizzas, pastas and sides are available at every service, alongside our traditional, gluten-free, vegan and halal-friendly options.

  • Can one table order across different dietary needs?

    That's the whole point of Shop225. One vegan, one coeliac, one who just loves great pizza- everyone orders from the same kitchen and shares the same table without compromising on taste. We call it food for everyone.

  • What does “food for everyone” actually mean?

    It's our mission: no matter what allergies or dietary requirements you might have, everyone should be able to sit at the same table and enjoy a meal without compromising on taste. It shapes how we cook, how we serve, and how we think about food itself.

  • Do I need to tell you about dietary requirements in advance?

    For regular dining, just let our team know when you order, and we'll look after you. For functions, catering and classes, please advise us in advance so we can prepare everything safely for your group.

  • What does Slow Food certified mean?

    It means real, quality ingredients. Shop225 is the first Slow Food-certified pizzeria in Australia, a commitment to honest food made with respect for tradition and its produce.

Bookings and Visiting

  • Do I need to book a table?

    Yes, booking ahead is the safe move. A reservation means a guaranteed seat, a personalised welcome, and a table set just for you. Walk-ins are always welcome when space permits, but our dining room is intimate by design and fills quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings.

  • How do I make a reservation?

    You can make a reservation through our reservations page, or call us on (03) 9077 4904. If you can't find time online, give us a ring, and we'll do our best.

  • How long will you hold my table?

    We hold your table for 10 minutes. Running late? Just call us, and we'll do our best to accommodate you; otherwise, we reserve the right to use the table and seat you at the next one available.

  • What are your opening hours?

    We are open Monday to Thursday from 5.00 pm to 9.30 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 12.00 pm to 9.30 pm.

  • Where is Shop225?

    Shop225 is located at 225 Melville Rd, Pascoe Vale South VIC 3044, in the heart of Melbourne's north.

  • Where do I park?

    Parking around Shop225 is easy. Free on-street parking is available on Melville Rd, though the spots directly in front of Shop225 are a clearway Monday to Friday from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Springhall Parade behind us is a great option, just a two-minute walk to the front door. Cumberland Road and the surrounding side streets work too. See our parking guide for the full rundown.

  • Can I get there by public transport?

    Yes, easily. Shop225 is a short walk from Pascoe Vale Station.

  • Are children welcome?

    Of course, Shop225 is a family-friendly Osteria. Kid-friendly menu options and high chairs are available on request.

  • Do you do takeaway and delivery?

    Yes, both. Order pickup or delivery through our online ordering page, or come dine in with us.

  • Do you sell gift cards?

    Yes. Gift cards are available on our website and make excellent presents for dinner or one of our cooking classes.

Functions and Private Events

  • Can catering options be modified?

    Yes. Our catering options can be modified by adding or swapping items, and dietary requirements are easily accommodated as soon as you let us know.

  • Do you cater outside the restaurant?

    Yes. We bring restaurant-quality Italian food straight to your home or chosen venue, perfect for backyard gatherings, birthday celebrations, private functions, festival stalls and community events.

  • What's included in your catering?

    Our catering includes delicious appetisers, authentic wood-fired pizzas made with handcrafted dough and quality toppings, desserts and sweet treats, custom menu options tailored to your preferences, and gluten-free options accredited by Coeliac Australia.

  • What catering packages do you offer?

    We have three catering package options. Option 1: unlimited pizzas for 2 hours with 5 toppings. Option 2: fresh homemade gnocchi or short pasta with a choice of Napoli, bolognese or pesto, plus unlimited pizzas. Option 3: Italian antipasto with salami board, focaccias, olives and arancini, plus unlimited pizzas. Every option can be modified, and dietary requirements are easily catered for when advised in advance. Check our catering page for the full information.

  • How many guests can you cater for?

    We cater for both small and large events. Our catering is scalable, from an intimate gathering to a large celebration, and we'll work with you on the details so every guest is taken care of.

  • Do you provide staff at catered events?

    We offer the option to include professional staff, including chefs, waitstaff, and food servers, who ensure everything runs smoothly from setup to cleanup.

  • Do you cater outdoor events?

    Yes. Backyard parties, festivals and weddings are all fair game. We set up everything at your chosen venue so you can focus on the celebration.

  • How do I book Shop225 catering?

    To book Shop225 catering, contact us with your event date, location and guest count, and we'll guide you through the process with a tailored quote. We aim to respond within 24 hours.

Cooking Classes

  • What cooking classes do you run?

    We run classes in traditional pizza-making, gnocchi mastery, cannoli and Italian dessert-making, fresh pasta techniques, and more Italian favourites. Every class is hands-on and taught by experienced chefs.

  • Do I need any experience to join a class?

    No. Our classes are designed for all skill levels, from complete beginners to home cooking enthusiasts.

  • How long does a class run?

    A class at Shop225 runs between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the focus.

  • Can classes cater for dietary requirements?

    Yes, gluten-free, vegan and halal options are available on request. Please advise us ahead of time.

  • Can I book a class for a group or corporate event?

    Absolutely. We tailor experiences for groups of any size, from small private sessions to larger corporate events. Perfect for birthdays, team-building, family gatherings, and date nights.

  • What should I bring to a class?

    Just bring yourself and an appetite to our cooking class in Shop225. Aprons, equipment and ingredients are all provided. An adult must accompany participants under 18.

  • Can I become a certified pizzaiolo at Shop225?

    Yes. We've teamed up with an accredited training provider to offer the first Australian recognised pizza course, The Art of Pizzaiolo. You'll learn dough science and fermentation, stretching and shaping, wood-fired baking mastery and ingredient selection, with accredited certification available on completion.

Awards and Recognition

  • What awards has Shop225 won?

    Shop225 was awarded 28th Best Pizza in the World and Best Pizza in Australia 2025 by 50 Top Pizza, Best Pasta in Asia Pacific 2026, and #1 Customer Satisfaction in the whole Asia Pacific by 50 Top Pizza in 2025.

  • What firsts does Shop225 hold?

    Shop225 holds a few firsts we're proud of: the first pizza restaurant in Australia accredited by Coeliac Australia, the first vegan-accredited pizzeria in Australia, the first Slow Food-certified pizzeria in Australia, and the first pizzeria ever to cook at Parliament House.

  • Did Shop225 really cook at Parliament House?

    Yes. Shop225 made history in Canberra as the first pizzeria ever to cook at Parliament House, bringing the very same handcrafted dough and care we serve every night. And the same pizza is waiting for you on our menu.

  • Has Shop225 catered for anyone famous?

    We've had the honour of being part of the team that catered for world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, an unforgettable experience that reflects our passion for creating outstanding Italian cuisine.

  • Has Shop225 been on TV?

    Yes. We were featured on the first episode of SBS's Simply Gluten Free after becoming the first pizza shop accredited by Coeliac Australia, and the Postcards crew on Channel 9 came by to try some of our famous dishes. Check our publications page for full awards and recognition.