Best Pizza in Elsternwick — 2026 Guide

Elsternwick has a pizza scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs creative, walkable, authentic — 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 $28-45 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. Wagtail — 228 Anderson Drive

Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $20-37 per person

Wagtail is the benchmark for pizza in Elsternwick. 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 ($20) as a main, plus truffle mushroom to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.

2. Atlas Store — 363 Smith Place

Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm Price: $17-32 per person

This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Wagtail 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 Press — 327 William Place

Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-11pm Price: $16-30 per person

Ada Press 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 ($26) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the truffle mushroom ($23) is the one regulars order.

When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.

4. Ava Quarter — 285 Smith Place

Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $20-30 per person

The takeaway option on this list. Ava Quarter 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 Elsternwick. The New York-style slice ($20) is the standout.

5. Mia’s — 374 Fitzroy Lane

Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $24-35 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 ($23) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a pizza place.

Quick Comparison

Pizza Price Guide — Elsternwick

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 Smith Place is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Elsternwick.

Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.

Delivery: Ava Quarter and Wagtail 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

• Brighton Pizza
• Brighton East Pizza
• Elsternwick Cheap Eats — when budget matters
• Elsternwick Bars — post-dinner drinks
• All Elsternwick Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Italian in Elsternwick
• Best Restaurants in Elsternwick
• Cheap Eats in Elsternwick
• Best Takeaway in Elsternwick

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Food Guide
• Find Your Perfect Melbourne Suburb
• Explore Elsternwick