EAT: SHOP 225, PASCOE VALE SOUTH
Twice already in recent months I have found myself making the trek to Pascoe Vale South (via public transport, so fair effort there) for food; the most recent visit taking place in early February for a tasty Italiano spread at Shop 225. Authentic Italian flavours, quality ingredients and maximal flavour makes the journey to the ‘burbs WELL worth it. Their pizzas are popular with locals - wood fired pizza bases with the perfect crispy and doughy bite, studded with an aromatic smoky char. But there’s more to Shop 225 than just pizzas - plenty of fresh and tasty salads, pastas and stuzzichini (appetisers) to eat… IN ADDITION to their pizzas, of course. Our appetites were whet with a special stuzzichini menu item; crispy potatoes and lentils crumbed croquettes paired with a herbed, garlicky aioli. Most people eat with their eyes first and foremost and based on this, the vibrant caprese salad looked super inviting. Looks were not deceiving, and the sweet bursts of tomato, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil and peppery rocket made for simple perfection on a plate. The Italians definitely know a thing or two about simple ingredient combos and perfect execution, which was also exemplified by their cacio e pepe spaghetti. Be sure to leave some room for dessert - a serving of tiramisu and pistachio semifreddo rounded out our meal beautifully.
At the time of writing this review, many restaurants and cafes have temporarily closed up shop, while others are pivoting to takeaway/delivery to stay afloat during the coronavirus shut down. For those of you in the 3044 area, look no further than Shop 225 for a quality Italiano feast on the dinner table at home - see their website for more details and to place your orders.
Caprese salad - with Italian bufalo mozzarella, served with fresh tomatoes, roquette, basil, oil and oregano.
Crochette - potatoes and lentils crumbed croquettes served with herbs and aioli sauce [Specials of the week menu].
Cacio e pepe - spaghetti served with traditional cheese and black pepper sauce [Specials of the week menu].
213 pizza - with pesto, fior di latte, eggplant, salame, and artichoke.
Tiramisu - with mascarpone, savoiardi, and coffee.
Cassata - semifreddo al pistachio with hazelnuts, choc and raisins.
Shop 225
225 Melville Rd,
Pascoe Vale South, Victoria, 3044.
+61 3 9077 4904
Disclosure: I dined as a guest of Shop 225. All opinions expressed in this post are based entirely on my experience and observations made during the time of my visit.