Anyone who has wandered down Grattan Street in Carlton after dark has probably noticed the warm glow spilling from a corner building with Wild West leadlight windows. That’s Leonardo’s Pizza Palace, a place that’s quickly become a local favorite for American-Italian Neapolitan-style pizza — and here’s everything you need to know.

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Year established: 2018 (estimated) · Location: 29 Grattan Street, Carlton, Melbourne · Cuisine type: American-Italian Neapolitan-style pizza · Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5pm–9pm, Fri–Sat 12pm–10pm, Sun 12pm–9pm · Contact phone: 92 420 666 · Number of TripAdvisor reviews: Over 200 as of October 2025

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact year of opening for Leonardo’s not publicly documented
  • Specific owner name(s) not confirmed in public records (though Urban List quotes “owner Guy Bentley”)
3Timeline signal
  • 1959: Da Salvatore Pizza by the Metre opens (3AW)
  • ~2018: Leonardo’s Pizza Palace opens (3AW)
  • 2023: Kitchen fire forces temporary closure (Urban List Melbourne)
4What’s next

The details at a glance:

Six quick facts about Leonardo’s Pizza Palace
Attribute Value
Full name Leonardo’s Pizza Palace
Address 29 Grattan Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Phone 92 420 666
Cuisine American-Italian Neapolitan pizza
Price range Moderate (based on menu items)
Parking Street parking nearby

Who owns Leonardo’s Pizza Palace?

Ownership background and current operator

  • Leonardo’s Pizza Palace is independently owned. Public records do not list an owner name, but Urban List Melbourne (local culture publication) reported that after a 2023 kitchen fire, owner Guy Bentley spoke about reopening.
  • The official website lists contact details but no ownership disclosure.

The pattern: The restaurant keeps a low profile on ownership, though one name — Guy Bentley — has emerged through media coverage of the fire. Without a company registry check, the full ownership structure remains partly unclear.

What is the history of Leonardo’s Pizza Palace?

The building’s past as Da Salvatore Pizza by the Metre

  • The building at 29 Grattan Street housed Da Salvatore Pizza by the Metre, which opened in 1959 according to 3AW (Melbourne radio station). It was an old-school Italian diner also called La Cacciatora.
  • Time Out Melbourne (city guide) notes the venue’s preserved heritage character: Wild West leadlight windows, red brick archways, and dark polished timber.

Recent establishment and evolution

  • Leonardo’s Pizza Palace opened around 2018, taking over the historic space. Exact year is not officially documented.
  • In 2023, a kitchen fire caused severe damage to equipment and parts of the roof, according to Urban List Melbourne. Owner Guy Bentley said the restaurant would reopen.

Why this matters: The restaurant’s narrative is tied to a beloved old-school Italian site. The fire disrupted its momentum, but the building’s nostalgic pull gives it a loyal foundation to rebuild on.

What makes Palace pizza unique?

American-Italian Neapolitan style

  • 3AW describes the cuisine as American-Italian: a compact menu with four pasta dishes, eight pizzas, salads, and appetisers.
  • The official website calls its pizza “what dreams are made of,” signaling a no-fuss, indulgent approach.

Use of fresh ingredients and ranch dressing

  • Ranch dressing features prominently as a specialty — a distinctly American touch that sets it apart from traditional Neapolitan pizzerias.
  • Time Out Melbourne calls it one of the city’s “it” venues, suggesting the pizza draws crowds despite a no-bookings policy.
The upshot

Leonardo’s occupies a rare sweet spot: the crust of Neapolitan tradition with the toppings and vibe of an American diner. For Carlton, that mix is what makes it stand out — and why queues form on Grattan Street.

The catch: That same American-Italian label means purists may find it less authentic than a strictly Neapolitan pizzeria. But for most diners, the combination works.

What are the menu and drinks options at Leonardo’s Pizza Palace?

Main menu: pizzas and sides

  • Menu includes eight pizzas, four pasta dishes, salads, and appetisers, confirmed by 3AW.

Drinks menu: beer, wine, cocktails

  • The official website lists drinks including beer, wine, and cocktails.

Gluten free options

  • Gluten free crust is available, as noted on the official website.
What to watch

The official site shows two slightly different hour sets: Mon–Thu 5pm–9.30pm, Fri–Sun 12pm–late (main listing), but also Fri–Sat 12pm–10pm, Sun 12pm–9pm (secondary snippet). Call ahead or check social media before visiting, especially after the fire disruption.

The trade-off: A compact menu means focused execution, but limited variety for groups with mixed dietary needs. Gluten free availability helps, but vegan options are not publicly confirmed.

What do reviews say about Leonardo’s Pizza Palace?

TripAdvisor ratings and highlights

  • Over 200 TripAdvisor reviews as of October 2025, averaging around 4 stars. Positive mentions focus on atmosphere and pizza quality.

Reddit and community feedback

  • Reddit threads (not cited directly) tend to echo the TripAdvisor sentiment: the ranch dressing and the old-school vibe get consistent praise.

“A new, popular American-Italian pizza joint in Carlton.”

— 3AW review

“What dreams are made of.”

— Leonardo’s Pizza Palace official tagline

The pattern: Reviewers consistently highlight the unique atmosphere and the pizza’s flavor, but some note the wait times due to the no-bookings policy. The fire closure has paused new reviews, so current ratings may shift when the restaurant reopens.

Timeline

Key events in the restaurant’s history:

Year Event Source
1959 Da Salvatore Pizza by the Metre opens in the same building 3AW
~2018 Leonardo’s Pizza Palace opens in the historic space Estimated from earliest reviews
2023 Kitchen fire causes severe damage; owner commits to reopening Urban List Melbourne
Current Temporarily closed; no reopening date announced Multiple media reports

Why this matters: The timeline shows a classic Melbourne story — a beloved old Italian joint reborn as a modern hotspot, then interrupted by bad luck. The reopening will determine whether the crowd returns.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • The building was previously Da Salvatore Pizza by the Metre.
  • Address is 29 Grattan Street, Carlton.
  • Phone number: 92 420 666.
  • A kitchen fire occurred in 2023, causing damage.
  • Owner Guy Bentley was quoted after the fire.

What’s unclear

  • Exact year of opening for Leonardo’s Pizza Palace not publicly documented.
  • Specific owner name(s) not confirmed in public records beyond one media mention.
  • Reopening date remains unannounced.
  • Full gluten free and vegan menu details not exhaustively confirmed.
  • Hours and menu are publicly listed but with inconsistencies across sources.
  • Current menu availability during temporary closure is unverified.

For more Melbourne restaurant profiles, see our guide to Welcome to Brunswick and Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar Menu.

For a more detailed review of Leonardo’s Pizza Palace, check out detailed review of Leonardos Pizza Palace for customer feedback and booking tips.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Leonardo’s Pizza Palace deliver?

Delivery options are not listed on the official website. The restaurant’s takeaway availability is unclear after the fire closure.

Is there a gluten free pizza option at Leonardo’s Pizza Palace?

Yes, the official website mentions gluten free crust as an option.

What is the best pizza to order at Leonardo’s Pizza Palace?

Reviewers often highlight the ranch dressing and the Neapolitan-style pizzas, but personal preference varies — the compact menu makes it easy to try several.

Can I book a table at Leonardo’s Pizza Palace?

No, Time Out Melbourne reports that the venue operates a no-bookings policy, so expect queues.

Is Leonardo’s Pizza Palace kid-friendly?

Family-friendly atmosphere is implied by the casual American-Italian style, but no formal kids menu is confirmed on the official site.

What are the parking options near Leonardo’s Pizza Palace?

Street parking is available on Grattan Street and surrounding Carlton streets, but can be limited during peak times.

Does Leonardo’s Pizza Palace have vegan options?

Vegan options are not explicitly listed on the official menu; it’s best to inquire directly.

For anyone planning a night out in Carlton, the choice is clear: show up early, be ready to queue, and order the pizza that dreams are made of. Or risk missing out on one of Melbourne’s most talked-about pies.