Celebrating 400 Gradi Awarded No 8 Artisan Pizza Restaurant in World
In the ever-evolving landscape of Melbourne's culinary scene, few establishments have left as indelible a mark as 400 Gradi. When Johnny Di Francesco first flung open the doors of his pizzeria years ago, it felt nothing short of revolutionary. At a time when Melbourne's pizza offerings were often mediocre at best - greasy bases, uninspired toppings, and little regard for tradition - 400 Gradi arrived like a blistering wood-fired revelation. Di Francesco, a true pioneer, elevated the humble pizza to an art form, importing the soul of Naples directly to our shores. And now, in 2025, the world has taken notice once more: 400 Gradi has soared to an impressive #8 in the prestigious 50 Top Pizza's World's Top 50 Artisan Pizza Chains, while also claiming the coveted Best Customer Satisfaction award - the Maistà Award - for the year. This is not just a win for the restaurant; as Di Francesco himself notes, it's a huge moment for Melbourne, placing our city firmly on the global pizza map.
What sets 400 Gradi apart is an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Di Francesco sends his chefs to Naples for rigorous training under the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), ensuring every pizza that emerges from the wood-fired oven adheres to the strictest Neapolitan standards. The results are nothing short of magical: dough with that perfect balance of chew and char, sauces bursting with the bright acidity of San Marzano tomatoes, and toppings of uncompromising quality. It's world-class Neapolitan pizza, executed with precision and passion, fostering a genuine pizza culture in Melbourne that extends beyond the plate - through masterclasses, innovative events, and an expanding empire of restaurants.
My favourite outpost remains the Brunswick East location, where the vibe is perpetually festive, infused with that boundless Italian generosity that makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in. The service is exemplary; on a recent visit, our waiter recalled my exact order from six months prior - a small gesture that speaks volumes about the team's dedication. Lygon Street may never lack for pizza kitchens, but few take the craft as seriously as 400 Gradi, and Brunswick East embodies this ethos superbly.
We returned recently to toast these latest accolades, and the experience was, as always, flawless. We began with a round of aperitivo delights: tender, fresh calamari served with a silky aioli that begged for repeated dipping, alongside a generous mix of olives brimming with variety and quality. To kick things off properly, I opted for their Boulevardier - a whiskey-twisted Negroni made with Campari, Cinzano Rosso vermouth, and bold Wild Turkey Bourbon. It's a standout in their exceptional Negroni selection, fiery and sophisticated, setting the tone for the feast ahead.
Then came the pizzas, those iconic stars of the show. The Diavola is a spicy triumph: San Marzano tomato base, creamy fior di latte, fiery hot salami, and a finishing flourish of fresh rocket that cuts through the heat with peppery brightness. Equally compelling was the Portofino - loaded with plump prawns, sweet cherry tomatoes, chilli, oregano, and garlic oil - delivering a seafood-forward punch that's vibrant and addictive.
Pizza is world class but other dishes also shine. A surprise standout was the Porchetta Romana, a non-pizza masterpiece: slow-cooked porchetta with welcome crunch from the crackling, never dry, served atop braised lentils that add earthy depth, all drizzled with pork jus and vibrant salsa verde. Paired with a glass of Bericanto Pinot Noir, its elegant red fruit notes complemented the richness of the pork and the zest of the pizzas beautifully.
To conclude, their tiramisu arrived like a dreamy crescendo - layers of espresso-soaked sponge, mascarpone cloud, and cocoa dust that melted on the tongue in authentic Italian decadence. This is authentic Italian dining at its finest: generous, heartfelt, and utterly satisfying.
Congratulations are in order for Johnny Di Francesco and his dedicated team. Through relentless innovation and respect for tradition, they've not only revolutionised Melbourne's pizza scene but earned global recognition that we can all savour. In a city spoiled for choice, 400 Gradi remains a beacon - proof that when passion meets precision, the results are eternally delicious. If you haven't visited lately, do yourself a favour: grab a table in Brunswick East, order a Boulevardier, and let the wood-fired magic unfold. Pizza this good doesn't just feed the body; it nourishes the soul.