Arrive. Stay. Eat. Rest…Then, eat a bit more. Go slow and never rush.
Some of the most memorable meals rely on the luxury of time. Yet, time is necessary when you dine at Shop 225 in Pascoe Vale South. Sure, you can go to Shop 225 and grab a quick bite but you miss out on all that is precious about it.
Taking a quick meal at Shop 225 is a disservice to the restaurant. You miss out on the craftsmanship that goes into every course. You miss out on the love and cultural subtleties that are poured into each dish. Ultimately, you miss out on the soul of unique Italian cooking.
Lorenzo Tron, part owner of Shop 225, has created distinct Italian food in a casual and homely setting. What’s even more appealing about Shop 225 are the vegan and gluten-free options. In an earlier review, Lorenzo Tron presented himself as an ambitious restauranteur who wanted to create more vegan options and provide more gluten-free options without losing his Italian roots.
Fast-forward one year and Lorenzo has achieved this successfully. There is a swag of new vegan options across all courses, including Shop 225’s dessert menu. Lorenzo has also received the ultimate accreditation in gluten-free dining. Shop 225 is now accredited by Coeliac Australia; the first pizza and pasta place in Australia to be accredited by the association. This is thanks to Shop 225’s 72-hour proofing process, dough made from stone milled flour and pristine preparation areas that eliminate the chance of cross-contamination.
When you arrive early evening at Shop 225, it’s filled with families and those keen to experience the shop’s celebration of tasty menu options. Upon arrival, the staff members are warm and welcoming, offering suggestions on where to sit; all done with ease. It’s relaxed, calm and homely at Shop 225, qualities that are sometimes overlooked by other restaurants. It’s hard to decide what to order, but at least a bottle of Chinotto can be ordered to start the process. The staff will insist on taking your time so you can make the yummiest choice.
When Lorenzo travels back to Italy, he loves uncovering new culinary ideas to bring home. This is apparent through the choices found on the the ‘stuzzichini’, or finger food, menu. These are perfect as entrees or if you choose to graze. ‘Trittico’ in its vegan gluten-free version is a bowl of mixed legumes and crispy potatoes, sautéed in chilli, garlic, herbs and onion then topped with fried dough puffs. You’d be hard-pressed to find this tasty dish around Melbourne, which makes Shop 225 a distinct pizza and pasta destination.
Shop 225 loves doing things their way, as in a choice from ‘insalate’ (salad selection) – ‘raddicchio’. Plump slices of juicy tomato are divided by squares of house made vegan gorgonzola and a bouquet of salad greens, dressed with citrus glaze and a scattering of salt and pepper.
It’s best to order each course at a time, rather than all at once. While it’s tempting to overeat at Shop 225, you need to leave room for the remaining courses. Naturally, time permits and the staff are obliging if you wish to pace your meal this way. That way, you can judge how best and how much to order all while sampling the luscious vegan options here. The staff instinctively knows when to take your orders without leaving you hanging. Customers are never made to wait unnecessarily at Shop 225.
Another unique feature of Shop 225’s pizza and pasta menus is the gluten-free choices. Shop 225’s pizzas and pastas are light yet satisfying, scrumptious and full of flavour. Even coeliacs can enjoy the options here.
To sample the best in pizza and pasta at Shop 225, select the most unexpected pizza and pasta choices. From the ‘paste’ menu, choose the vegan gluten-free version of ‘orecciette baresi’; spiralled pasta folded into a rich, creamy sauce with fresh broccoli flowerets, garlic and chilli then topped with a scattering of fragrant vegan pecorino cheese. For ‘pizze’ try the ‘ortolana’, a Pomodoro-smothered base topped with grilled eggplant, zucchini, spinach and mushrooms. The waiting staff will arrive soon after these dishes arrive to the table with a jar of chilli oil at the ready. The chilli oil may spoil the bold flavours in both dishes. The chilli in the pasta is balanced well by the pizza, but it’s comforting to know the chilli oil is there if needed.
It’s at this stage of the meal when more rest and relaxation is afforded to guests. You won’t be rushed and pressed for a decision. Plus, the extra time may be needed because there are so many options for vegans to choose from. Vegan customers are also spoiled when it comes to ‘dolci’ (dessert) at Shop 225 so it’s best to try a couple and share with your dining partner.
‘Salame di Cioccolato’ loosely translates to chocolate salami. Slices of biscuity chocolate rounds are cut from a larger log, served with a side of luscious sweet vegan cream then topped with crushed pistachios and a dusting of icing sugar. It’s a rich and decadent dessert; similar to a hedgehog slice, but more indulgent and tasty. ‘Cassata’ is another gorgeous choice, a semifreddo (or semi-frozen) dessert with hazelnuts, chocolate and raisins, and dressed with a caramel sauce and edible flowers. Cassata is a bouquet for the senses that’s cool, creamy and delectable.
For a seasonal choice, you can’t ignore peaches and cream. Charred aquafaba meringue cream is topped by sweet and juicy summer peach slices then finished with passionfruit pulp and baby beetroot leaves and mint. If there’s room in your belly, all three desserts go well well with a soy latte.
A colourful, cultural carnival for the tastebuds is guaranteed when you order these desserts, as well as choices of mains and starters, at Shop 225. You can’t help but taste Lorenzo’s passionate commitment to vegan and gluten-free options here, and it’s this commitment that makes you want to return again and again. One visit is simply not enough.
Experience the celebration of vegan and gluten-free options at Shop 225 Pizzeria. 225 Melville Road Pascoe Vale South Victoria Australia 3044. Phone: 03 9077 4904. Monday to Thursday 5.00pm to 9.30pm, Friday to Sunday 11.30am to 9.30pm (sittings on a Saturday night are 6.30pm and 8.00pm). Follow Shop 225 on Facebook or Instagram.
World Pizza Day is this Sunday, February 9. So, celebrate at Shop 225 by booking a table here. Takeaway/Uber orders are also available. You can view the full menu here.
Disclaimer: Justine de Jonge of Fire & Tea dined at Shop 225 courtesy of the restaurant. All views expressed in this review are her own.
