⭐ Rating: 9.5/10
Verdict:
A Fitzroy institution that still delivers some of Melbourne’s most consistent woodfired pizzas. While newer venues chase trends, Ladro leans on technique, quality produce, and decades of refinement - and it works.
Best for:
• Classic woodfired pizza and iconic 100 Layer Lasagne
• Reliable Fitzroy dining
• Casual date nights
Price: $$–$$$
What to Order at Ladro Fitzroy
If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t overcomplicate it.
Go with:
- Bababing pizza (icon)
- Porcellino pizza (another signature)
- 100 Layer Lasagne (possibly the best you will ever taste)
- Decadent Tiramisu
Add a simple side and a glass of wine, and you’ve got the full experience. (Notwithstanding they have standout dishes other than pizza and pasta and cooked us a perfect 400g rib eye.)
Is Ladro One of the Best Pizzas in Melbourne?
Short answer: yes - but with context.
Melbourne’s pizza scene has evolved rapidly, with a wave of Neapolitan purists and experimental newcomers pushing the category forward. Ladro isn’t trying to out-trend them. Instead, it sits in a different lane - one built on consistency, balance, and a quietly confident understanding of what makes great pizza. One of their signature pizzas, Badabing, has been on the menu since 2003.
The result? It may not be the city’s most hyped slice right now, but it remains firmly in the conversation when discussing the best pizza in Melbourne.
Few venues command the same respect and longevity as Ladro.
Sitting confidently on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, Ladro has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s Italian dining scene for over 20 years - and after a recent visit, it’s clear why it continues to rank among the city’s elite. We were privileged to attend a media dinner at this iconic restaurant and sample the true "Ladro experience". Ladro hits that sweet spot between casual and polished. It’s energetic without being chaotic, making it equally suited to a relaxed weeknight or a low-key date. Service is efficient and knowledgeable, and the wine list leans European, complementing the menu without overreaching.
Fitzroy is competitive territory, but Ladro remains one of the suburb’s most reliable performers.
It may not be the newest or the most talked-about, but if you’re after:
- consistency
- quality
- and a proven track record
Ladro is still firmly in the top tier of pizza in Fitzroy.
A New Chapter: Ladro’s Private Dining Room Launch
While Ladro’s foundations remain unchanged, there’s an exciting new addition that elevates the experience: a beautifully designed private dining room, discreetly tucked within the original space.
This new room signals a strategic evolution for Ladro - offering a premium option for private dining in Melbourne, intimate celebrations, corporate events, and curated Italian feasts. The space is warm, inviting, and perfectly aligned with the venue’s identity - understated but considered.
It’s not a departure from what Ladro does best. Instead, it enhances it. You still get the same exceptional food and hospitality, but now within a more intimate, tailored setting.
For those searching for private dining Fitzroy or Italian restaurants with function spaces in Melbourne, this addition makes Ladro even more compelling.
The Ladro Experience: Hospitality That Still Delivers
Hospitality can make or break a dining experience, and Ladro continues to excel here. Hosted by owner Stefano - an exceptional operator who understands both food and service - the evening felt seamless from start to finish.
There’s a rhythm to the way Ladro operates. Staff are attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without being overbearing. It’s the kind of service that enhances the meal rather than distracting from it.
Matched wines of Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio set the tone early - a simple but effective pairing that reflects Ladro’s commitment to Italian authenticity.
The menu at Ladro balances classic Italian dishes with Melbourne sensibilities, and it starts strong.
The calamari is exactly what you want - light, crisp, and perfectly seasoned. A reliable opener that sets the pace.
But the real standout is the 100 Layer Lasagna, widely regarded as one of Ladro’s signature dishes. This is not your average lasagne. It’s a meticulously layered, deeply flavoured dish that delivers richness without heaviness.
Each bite reveals slow-cooked depth, structure, and balance. It’s comfort food elevated - and arguably one of the best lasagnes in Melbourne.
For those exploring beyond pizza, dishes like linguini marinara (with Queensland prawns, mussels, clams, and squid) and pappardelle ragu (featuring slow-cooked osso bucco) reinforce Ladro’s credibility as a serious Italian kitchen.
The Main Event: Why Ladro Serves Some of the Best Pizza in Melbourne
Let’s be clear - pizza is the hero here. And Ladro executes it at a level that few can match.
The base is everything: wood-fired, lightly blistered, and structurally sound. It’s the kind of pizza that prioritises balance over excess - no overloaded toppings, no gimmicks, just precision.
Badabing Pizza: The Signature You Must Order
If there’s one pizza that defines Ladro, it’s the Badabing.
On the menu since 2003, this signature combines fennel salsiccia, provolone, tomato, and chilli. It’s balanced, bold, and quietly addictive
This isn’t just a recommendation - it’s essential ordering. When locals and regulars all point to the same dish, it’s usually for good reason.
The Porcellino represents a more contemporary take on Italian pizza. Featuring sweet potato purée, guanciale, nduja, and parmesan, it’s rich, layered, and indulgent. This is the “foodie pick” - a pizza that reflects Melbourne’s evolving palate while still respecting Italian foundations.
The Gabagool leans into big flavours - capocollo, stracciatella, and chilli create a combination that’s salty, creamy, and slightly edgy.
It’s a perfect example of what makes Melbourne pizza unique: rooted in tradition but unafraid to push boundaries.
For something lighter, the Il Capo delivers with prawns, yellow tomato, chilli, and rocket. It’s fresh, vibrant, and adds contrast to the richer options.
While pizza dominates, Ladro proves it’s not a one-trick pony.
A 400g grass-fed rib eye, cooked to perfection and served with mushroom sauce, adds a hearty option for those wanting something beyond Italian classics. Paired with crisp fries and a fresh rocket salad, it rounds out the table effortlessly.
To finish, the tiramisu delivers exactly what it should - decadent, balanced, and satisfying. No reinvention needed.
Why Ladro Still Ranks Among the Best Restaurants in Fitzroy
What makes Ladro stand out in a city saturated with great dining options? It’s clarity of identity.
Ladro doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It focuses on what it does best - wood-fired pizza, Italian classics, and genuine hospitality - and executes it with consistency. In a dining landscape often driven by trends and reinvention, Ladro’s strength lies in its restraint. It understands its lane and stays in it - exceptionally well. The addition of the private dining room shows evolution without compromise, ensuring it remains relevant while preserving what made it iconic in the first place.
Final Verdict: A Must-Visit for Pizza Lovers in Melbourne
If you’re building a list of the best pizzas in Melbourne, Ladro is non-negotiable.
From the iconic Badabing pizza to the indulgent Porcellino, the standout 100 Layer Lasagna, and the new private dining experience, Ladro delivers across every touchpoint.
This is not a restaurant chasing hype. It’s one that has quietly built - and maintained - a reputation for excellence over decades.
Some venues evolve. The best ones simply stay brilliant. And Ladro is firmly in that category.
What is the best pizza at Ladro Fitzroy?
The Badabing pizza is widely considered the signature and must order. It features fennel salsiccia, provolone, tomato, and chilli, and has been on the menu since 2003.
Is Ladro one of the best pizza restaurants in Melbourne?
Yes, Ladro is consistently ranked among the best pizza spots in Melbourne thanks to its wood-fired technique, balanced toppings, and long-standing reputation in Fitzroy.
Does Ladro have private dining?
Yes, Ladro has recently launched a new private dining room within its Gertrude Street venue. It is ideal for group bookings, celebrations, and corporate events.
What are the must order dishes at Ladro?
Top dishes include the Badabing pizza, Porcellino pizza, Gabagool pizza, and the famous 100 Layer Lasagna. The tiramisu is also a standout dessert.
Where is Ladro located in Melbourne?
Ladro is located on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, one of Melbourne’s most popular dining precincts.