Craigieburn 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. Merchant — 268 James Parade
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $16-34 per person
Merchant is the benchmark for pizza in Craigieburn. 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 ($16) as a main, plus truffle mushroom to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Larder — 352 James Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $23-35 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Merchant 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 ($23). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. River’s — 115 Sydney Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $19-39 per person
River’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 ($24) 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. Old Works — 380 Bell Grove
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $23-39 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Old Works 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 Craigieburn. The New York-style slice ($23) is the standout.
5. Sol Store — 173 Victoria Parade
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $24-40 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The Neapolitan ($24) and the wood-fired ($21) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a pizza place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merchant | Overall best | $16-34 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| Larder | Locals’ favourite | $23-35 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| River’s | New opening | $19-39 | Yes, via website |
| Old Works | Best takeaway | $23-39 | Counter service |
| Sol Store | All-rounder | $24-40 | Recommended weekends |
Pizza Price Guide — Craigieburn
| 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 Victoria Parade is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Craigieburn.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Old Works and Merchant 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
- South Morang Pizza
- Mill Park Pizza
- Craigieburn Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Craigieburn Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Craigieburn Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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- Best Italian in Craigieburn
- Best Restaurants in Craigieburn
- Cheap Eats in Craigieburn
- Best Takeaway in Craigieburn
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