ST KILDA’S PIZZA E BIRRA

Review:  Pizza E Birra – Melbourne

Words and Images by Daria Kill-Smith

Pizza E Birra shimmers brightly at the Fitzroy St junction of Canterbury Rd and Grey Street St in St Kilda.  A black and white, 1950’s deli-style shop frontage of glass bay-windows showcases a rear wall of wine laden shelves above the bar, with a massive black and white collage over the kitchen pass that celebrates the immigrants of the time. Our bench seat by a corner window gave an unimpeded view of the constant activity on Fitzroy St, along with the comings and goings of restaurant patrons – adults and kids alike, as well as the staff knuckling down to business keeping patrons well fed and watered.

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An extensive menu ensured any craving could be met, and included antipasti, salads and of course, pizza – with traditional Italian flavours including imported Buffalo mozzarella, aged pecorino, and gorgonzola. Italian pork sausage, 36 hour-cooked Veal Osso buco, and local seafood made up the pasta selection, while pizzas were topped with porcini mushrooms and black truffle; zucchini, tomato, and aromatic basil; green apple and chilli. Salads of rocket, parmesan and pear, and a warmed asparagus, spinach and almond rounded off the mains. A selection of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes were available, plus a dessert pizza of Raffaello, gelato and coconut.

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Mark, the manager, ensured all dishes were delivered promptly to our table, with the assistance of the capable service and kitchen staff.

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With planned works to bring the restaurant back to its former glory, it is expected that Pizza E Birra will remain a popular destination for St Kilda locals.

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www.pizzaebirra.com.au

60 Fitzroy Street

St Kilda

VIC 3182

Phone: (03) 9537 3465

**Daria was a guest of Pizza E Birra – thanks to co-owner Ly Nguyen

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Connie Lambeth

The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

theaustraliatimes.com/news

literallyconnie@bigpond.com

connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

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