Leonardo's Pizza Palace — Restaurant in Melbourne

After hearing glowing recommendations from the staff at Madonna Electric (another pizza gem), we knew we had to give Leonardo’s Pizza Palace a go. Tonight, we dined with friends, booked in advance, and eagerly anticipated some pizza magic.

The venue has a nostalgic 70s charm, with warm decor and a lively atmosphere. A DJ was spinning some tunes, which added to the vibe, though we found the music a touch too loud at times (perhaps that’s just us getting older! Hah)

Service was friendly but had a couple of hiccups. They were out of wines we were keen on, and while it took a bit of time to sort out the order, we eventually got a couple of bottles that paired well with the meal.

To start, we ordered a selection of snacks: the polenta with pecorino and pepper, cucumber with whipped goat's curd, anchovy crostini, and crumbed olive gildas. The snacks had a wine bar feel, which was refreshing for a pizza spot. While they were all pleasant and light enough to leave room for the pizzas, they didn’t quite hit the "elevated" mark that would deliver an umami kick but we are at a pizza joint so all in context. They were solid starters nonetheless. So tick here.

But let’s get to the reason we came: the pizzas. We shared a couple, starting with the Margherita, as it’s our go-to test for any pizza joint. It’s all about the dough and crust for us, if you can’t deliver a stellar Margherita, the rest doesn’t matter. Thankfully, Leonardo’s passed the test with flying colors. The 15-inch pizzas had a beautifully thin crust, with a great chew and char that held up against the simple toppings of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. The dough was clearly the star here, as it should be.

We also tried the pork and fennel pizza, which was equally delightful. The flavors were well-balanced, and while it came with a dipping sauce and chili oil on the side, it didn’t really need them. The toppings were just enough to complement the crust without overpowering it, striking the perfect balance. Despite some common complaints we’ve heard about a lack of toppings, we actually appreciated the restraint. Leonardo’s pizzas are a lesson in how to elevate the pie.

While the food was undeniably good, the evening wasn’t without its challenges. An issue we had was the rigid booking schedule. With only 6:30pm or 8:30pm slots for dinner, we opted for the later one to avoid feeling rushed. However, with the kitchen closing just an hour after our booking, we were pressured to order quickly. On a Saturday night, especially when you’re enjoying a couple of bottles of wine, it would be great to graze on snacks, take your time, and then order pizza at your own pace. We’d love to see Leonardo’s extend the kitchen hours to accommodate their later diners better, as it would enhance the experience significantly.

All in all, Leonardo’s Pizza Palace delivers where it counts and that is fantastic pizzas with great crust, solid snacks, and a fun,...

Leonardo’s Pizza Palace isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a full-blown experience, the kind of place that feels like it was built for nights you’ll want to remember. From the moment you step inside, you’re hit with a vibe that feels effortless yet perfectly curated. The dim lighting sets the mood just right—not too dark to see your food, but enough to make everything feel a little more exciting. The booths are cozy and inviting, the kind of spot that makes you want to lean in and share a laugh over a slice of pizza. Add a DJ spinning tracks that strike a perfect balance between upbeat and chill, and you’ve got the kind of energy that turns a simple dinner into something special.

And then there’s the food. Let’s start with the pepperoni pizza—classic, yes, but executed to absolute perfection. The crust is that magical mix of crispy and chewy, with just the right amount of char from the oven. The pepperoni? Spicy, slightly oily (in the best way possible), and piled on generously. This is pizza that doesn’t mess around—it knows what it is and delivers every single time. And as if the pizza wasn’t enough, the vodka pasta comes in swinging. Rich, creamy, and downright indulgent, it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and nod in approval after the first bite. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form.

Of course, no meal at Leonardo’s would be complete without a drink in hand. The Negronis here are a revelation—perfectly balanced with just the right amount of bitterness and citrus to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of cocktail that pairs effortlessly with the food, cutting through the richness of the pasta and complementing the spice of the pizza. And if you’re more of a wine person? My friend swears by their selection—thoughtful, approachable, and exactly what you’d want to sip on while enjoying the feast in front of you.

What truly sets Leonardo’s apart, though, is how everything comes together. The vibe, the food, the drinks, the service—it all works in harmony to create an experience that feels bigger than the sum of its parts. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to guide you toward the best thing on the menu or recommend the perfect drink to pair with your meal. They know how to keep the mood light, the service smooth, and the energy buzzing.

Leonardo’s Pizza Palace is more than a place to eat—it’s where you go when you want a night out that feels like a celebration. It’s unpretentious but polished, fun without trying too hard. The kind of place that doesn’t need to scream for attention because it’s already got it. Whether you’re there for the pizza, the pasta, the Negronis, or just the good vibes, one thing is certain—you’ll leave happy, full, and already planning your next visit. In a city like Melbourne, where great dining options are everywhere, Leonardo’s stands out as a must-visit destination. It’s not just a meal; it’s a...

My wife and I have eaten pizza all around the world - North America, South America, Europe and Australia. But when it comes to Leanardo's Pizza Palace, only one phrase can describe our experience - we were rendered speechless. Suffice it to say that the Pork Sausage pizza was easily and by far the best pizza we've ever had in our lives. When you think pizza can only reach a certain threshold of goodness, think again, because Leonardo's ups the ante (and then some), taking pizza to a new level.

Having travelled to Melbourne for our wedding anniversary, we knew that we wanted to check out the very widely known "Lygon Street" for some genuine Italian cuisine. We stumbled across Leonardo's, which is adjacent to Lygon, and saw the raving reviews. So we decided not to let the bright lights of Lygon steer us away from hopping one or two streets across to Leonardo's. And boy, we'll never regret the decision we made!

When we walked in, we were immediately stunned by the warm aesthetic and homely smell. We were greeted by the waitress, and escorted to our seat. We ordered a beer on tap, a Pork Sausage pizza, and a Margherita Pizza, with the Sausage Pizza being an absolute stand-out (we both love pizzas that are more rich and full of ingredients rather than a stripped-back and more simplistic pizza).

After we had finished, we were so wowed that we mentioned it to our waiter, and walked out wishing that Leonardo's could live a little closer to home (and that we could take some back with us to Brisbane). I'd happily spend every dollar again if I could.

On the way back, while walking on Lygon St, I was observing the pizzas people were eating at other restaurants, and I could just tell by the way they looked (crusts, toppings, cheese, etc.) that they were infinitely inferior to the pizzas we just ate. I felt sorry for all those people who were missing out.

I feel like I'm simultaneously the most privileged and ruined person in the world. Privileged for having tasted a Lenoardo's Pizza in my lifetime, and ruined for having to eat "regular" pizza at every other restaurant I go to from now on. Nothing will compare.

If you're in Melbourne and thinking of having pizza/pasta/Italian/Lygon St, erase every other option from your list and come straight...