Bayswater North has a pizza scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs affordable, diverse, developing — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every pizza spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.
Expect to pay $18-32 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you wood-fired, the higher end gets you Neapolitan done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. Cardinal — 134 Albert Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10pm Price: $14-25 per person
Cardinal is the benchmark for pizza in Bayswater North. The New York-style slice is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The margherita is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.
Order this: The sourdough base ($14) as a main, plus truffle mushroom to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. The Happy Place — 279 Homer Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm Price: $17-35 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Cardinal but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The Neapolitan here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The wood-fired ($17). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Ada’s — 162 Beach Grove
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-11pm Price: $19-29 per person
Ada’s opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The margherita ($25) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the truffle mushroom ($25) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. Gus’s — 187 Albert Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $22-32 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Gus’s doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Bayswater North. The New York-style slice ($22) is the standout.
5. Kai — 213 Albert Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $22-31 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The Neapolitan ($29) and the wood-fired ($20) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a pizza place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal | Overall best | $14-25 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| The Happy Place | Locals’ favourite | $17-35 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| Ada’s | New opening | $19-29 | Yes, via website |
| Gus’s | Best takeaway | $22-32 | Counter service |
| Kai | All-rounder | $22-31 | Recommended weekends |
Pizza Price Guide — Bayswater North
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8-14 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $18-32 | Sit-down, proper menu, decent wine list |
| Premium | $50+ | Tasting menus, premium ingredients |
Before You Go
Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Homer Place is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Bayswater North.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Gus’s and Cardinal are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- Melbourne CBD Pizza
- Melbourne CBD Pizza
- Bayswater North Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Bayswater North Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Bayswater North Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Italian in Bayswater North
- Best Restaurants in Bayswater North
- Cheap Eats in Bayswater North
- Best Takeaway in Bayswater North
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