DOC Pizza

Across its growing number of restaurants and bars, DOC Pizza consistently knocks out textbook Pizzas made with only the finest produce. And the Limoncello-based Cocktail pretty quaffable too.

DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar

Location: DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar – Southbank, 6 Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC 3006 Ph: (03) 9686 2780 DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar – Carlton, 295 Drummond St, Carlton, VIC 3053 Ph: (03) 9347 2998 DOC Espresso, 326 Lygon St, Carlton, VIC 3053 Ph: (03) 9347 8482 DOC St. Kilda – Pizza & Pasta Bar, 14-16 The Esplanade, St. Kilda, VIC 3182 DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar Delicatessen, 22 Main St, Mornington, VIC 3931 Ph: (03) 5977 0988

The diners of Melbourne are, quite rightly, proud of their pizza culture. Whether you are in a traditionally Italian area like Lygon Street in Carlton or further afield in Windsor or Elsternwick, both the pizza dough and toppings are top-notch.

So if you want to establish yourself in Pizza in this town, you’d better bring your A game. Thankfully, the team behind DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar do exactly that. And with a menu that starts by explaining the different types of Cheese and Salumi that they use, you know they mean business.

Having initially set up shop off of the afore-mentioned Lygon Street, DOC now has a number of outposts. This time around, we head into Southbank to try their operation on Riverside Quay.

The Space

Although situated in Southbank, this particular DOC is sat away from the waterfront.

Instead of boasting views of the Yarra, it is tucked around the back, looking towards the Eureka Tower. This is a mixed blessing. Whilst it is quieter than dining beside the ‘River, where foot traffic can feel intrusive, it’s also a bit of a wind tunnel. Happily, the night that we eat is hot and muggy, so the breeze that stirs our outside table is welcome. However, one of my companions states that on a previous visit, the gusts were a bit too much.

As it is, our table on the outside terrace is perfect for this particular meal. Indeed, on a balmy evening such as this, joining the chatter of diners seated on the pavement has a positively Mediterranean feel.

Should you wish to sit inside, the interior of the restaurant is clean, chic and inviting. A bar runs along the back wall, hemmed by a service counter. Wooden tables with bistro-style chairs buzz with animatated conversation and globe pendant lights dangle from the white strutted ceiling. Plenty of natural light floods the room from the multitude of windows – some of which open onto the dining terrace.

For more of the Best Restaurants in Southbank, Melbourne, see here.

The Food

Firmly rustic Italian, as you might expect.

Entrees

If you don’t wish to dive straight into a Pizza, DOC Pizza offers a spin on the classic antipasti selections of trattorias across Italy.

The cutely named Antipizza Bar has small array dressed Olives and Cheeses, plus favourites such as Polpette ($20) – Beef & Pork Meatballs, San Marzano Tomato & Grated Reggiano.

Aside from this, there’s a Mozzarella Bar which serves cured meats paired with the Mozzarella of your choice.

Finally, there are a selection of Insalate, including the ever popular Caprese ($25), promising Ox Heart Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil, EVO, Balsamic, Rocket & Basil Pesto.

Another of our favourite spots to enjoy a glass of wine, a plate of charcuterie and a pizza is Ombra in the CBD. Read our review here.

Pizzas

Not surprisingly, the main event at DOC Pizza is what comes out of their wood-fired ovens.

There are 19 Pizza to choose from, including a Weekly Special. Pleasingly, as with the cheeses and cold cuts, authenticity is key. If you are partial to a deep-pan Hawaiian with extra Pineapple, you’ll be disappointed. At DOC Pizza, the bases are that complex combination of light, yet chewy – their flavour enhanced by a skilfully calibrated amount of char.

DOC has a busy venue in down on the ‘Peninsula. For more on this eatery and other places to dine, see our piece on the Best Restaurants in Mornington.

As I’m feeling nostalgic for time spent in Southern Italy, I go old-school with the Pizza Capricciosa Nuova ($28). It comes wearing a blush of San Marzano Tomato and scattered with Fior Di Latte, Leg Ham, Mushroom, Artichoke & Olive. The centre is beautifully moist and I surprise myself by finishing the whole thing off with barely a whimper. It’s fabulous.

For contrast, one of my companions orders the Pizza Pancetta ($33) and is similarly impressed. He receives a golden disc, crowned with Yellow Tomato Passata, Caciovallo Cheese, Flat Pancetta, DOC Deli’s Pork Sausage, Rosemary & Thyme. The smell as it hits the table is utterly mouth-watering and the flavour matches the expectations.

Having over-indulged in Pizza the night before, another friend goes for the Lasagna Alla Verdura ($30). Here, the sweetness of Roasted Pumpkin marries blissfully with Smoked Scamorza, Ricotta and bitter Radicchio.

If you’re heading up the coast to glorious Noosa, check out our guide on where to eat and drink.

The Drinks

Most of the tables around us are kicking back with either a Beer or a chilled glass of Wine and my companions follow suit.

However, I break from the herd by ordering DOC Pizza’s take on a Limoncello spritz. It’s a great accompaniment to both the food and the warm weather.

Overall

At first glance, pizza is such a simple dish. Given this, it can be a real shock when you’re presented with a heavy, soggy (or burnt) dud.

Well at DOC Pizza, you need have no such fears.

The kitchen sources quality, authentic ingredients and treat them with love and respect. The result is divine pizzas that would make a Neapolitan cry tears of happiness.

Add in a relaxed vibe and cheery, helpful staff and you have a great place to grab a casual meal when you’re next on the Southbank.