Melbourne’s dining scene is no stranger to innovation, but few venues have built a reputation for inclusivity and excellence quite like SHOP 225. The beloved Pascoe Vale South pizzeria has officially become the first pizza restaurant in Australia to achieve Vegan Australia Accredited Business status, further cementing its position as one of the country’s most progressive and celebrated hospitality venues.
Fresh from international success, including being crowned Best Pasta in the Asia-Pacific Region and ranking among the Top 10 Pizzas in the Asia-Pacific at the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific Awards, SHOP 225 continues to prove that exceptional dining can also be genuinely inclusive.
For founder Lorenzo Tron and his team, the latest accreditation isn’t simply another award to display on the wall. It represents years of commitment to ensuring every guest can enjoy an authentic Italian dining experience regardless of dietary requirements.
A Pioneer of Inclusive Dining in Australia
Long before dietary inclusivity became a major hospitality trend, SHOP 225 was leading the conversation.
The restaurant has consistently challenged the notion that gluten-free, vegan or allergy-friendly dining should involve compromise. Instead, the venue has built its reputation on delivering authentic Italian food crafted to the same standards regardless of dietary preference.
This latest recognition from Vegan Australia joins an extraordinary list of industry firsts and achievements, including:
- Australia’s first pizza restaurant accredited by Coeliac Australia
- The first venue outside Italy recognised by the Slow Food Movement
- Named Best Pizza in Australia in 2025
- Named Best Pizza in Victoria in 2026
- Ranked 28th Best Pizza in the World
- Awarded Best Pasta in the Asia-Pacific Region in 2026
It’s an achievement that places SHOP 225 among the most decorated pizzerias in Australia and increasingly on the world stage.
What Vegan Australia Accreditation Means
The Vegan Australia Accredited Business program recognises venues that meet strict standards around vegan food preparation, ingredients and operational procedures.
Importantly, SHOP 225 is not a fully vegan restaurant. Instead, the accreditation recognises the systems and integrity behind its vegan offering.
The venue has implemented robust procedures designed to ensure transparency and confidence for diners seeking vegan options. These systems complement the already rigorous standards required through its Coeliac Australia accreditation.
For guests, it means greater trust that vegan dishes are prepared with care and that the restaurant takes dietary requirements seriously.
In an era where diners increasingly seek reassurance around food preparation practices, accreditation provides an extra level of confidence.
Vegan Dining Is Never an Afterthought
One of the reasons SHOP 225 stands apart is its refusal to treat vegan dining as a token gesture.
Many restaurants offer a single vegan pizza or pasta to satisfy demand. SHOP 225 has taken a completely different approach.
Its vegan menu has been thoughtfully developed to showcase authentic Italian flavours while remaining true to traditional techniques and craftsmanship. Dedicated vegan ingredients are used throughout the menu, including carefully selected vegan cheese alternatives designed to perform consistently in the restaurant’s traditional woodfired oven.
The result is food that appeals not only to vegans but also to diners who simply appreciate quality Italian cooking.
As Lorenzo Tron explains:
“From the beginning, our goal has been to create a truly inclusive dining experience where every guest feels considered and catered for, regardless of their dietary requirements.”
That philosophy continues to drive every aspect of the business.
Standout Vegan Pizzas and Pasta
SHOP 225’s vegan offering extends far beyond a simple margherita.
Among the most popular vegan pizzas are:
Vegan Margherita
A classic done properly, showcasing quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
Vegan Capricciosa
A satisfying interpretation of one of Italy’s most beloved pizza styles.
Vegan Scotta Culo
One of the venue’s signature creations that demonstrates how creative vegan pizza can be without sacrificing authenticity.
The vegan menu also extends into pasta, where SHOP 225 has earned significant international acclaim.
Popular vegan pasta dishes include:
Rigatoni Al Formaggio
Rich, comforting and packed with flavour.
Fettuccine Norcina
A dish that highlights the restaurant’s commitment to delivering authentic Italian experiences for vegan diners.
Combined with the venue’s award-winning pasta credentials, these dishes help position SHOP 225 as one of Melbourne’s most compelling vegan-friendly Italian restaurants.
Raising the Bar for Melbourne’s Vegan Dining Scene
Melbourne has long been recognised as one of Australia’s most vegan-friendly cities, with demand for plant-based dining continuing to grow.
SHOP 225’s accreditation represents an important milestone for the broader hospitality industry. It demonstrates that restaurants can maintain authenticity while embracing inclusivity and accommodating a diverse range of dietary needs.
The venue also offers gluten-free and Halal-friendly options, making it a destination where families and groups with varying dietary requirements can comfortably dine together.
That sense of dining equality has become one of the restaurant’s defining strengths.
Rather than separating diners based on dietary restrictions, SHOP 225 has created an environment where everyone can share in the same experience.
Why SHOP 225 Continues to Lead
Few restaurants can claim to be changing industry standards while simultaneously producing some of the best pizza and pasta in the world.
SHOP 225’s success comes from a simple but powerful philosophy: great food should bring people together.
Its latest Vegan Australia accreditation is another significant chapter in a remarkable story that has seen a suburban Melbourne pizzeria earn national and international recognition for both quality and inclusivity.
For diners seeking award-winning pizza, exceptional pasta and one of the most thoughtful approaches to dietary requirements in Australia, SHOP 225 continues to set the benchmark.
Verdict
SHOP 225 isn’t simply one of Australia’s most awarded pizzerias—it is one of the country’s most important hospitality success stories.
By becoming Australia’s first Vegan Australia accredited pizza restaurant, the venue has once again demonstrated that inclusivity and culinary excellence can go hand in hand. Combined with world-class pizza, award-winning pasta and industry-leading dietary accreditation, SHOP 225 remains a must-visit destination for Melbourne food lovers. Also check our best Italian restaurants in Melbourne and best pizza restaurants in Melbourne.
FAQ
Where is SHOP 225 located?
SHOP 225 is located in Pascoe Vale South in Melbourne’s north and has become one of Australia’s most acclaimed pizzerias.
What is Vegan Australia accreditation?
Vegan Australia accreditation recognises businesses that meet strict standards relating to vegan ingredients, food preparation processes and transparency around vegan dining.
Is SHOP 225 a fully vegan restaurant?
No. SHOP 225 is not fully vegan but offers an extensive vegan menu and follows accredited procedures to support vegan diners.
What vegan pizzas are available at SHOP 225?
Popular vegan pizzas include the Vegan Margherita, Vegan Capricciosa and Vegan Scotta Culo.
Does SHOP 225 offer vegan pasta?
Yes. Standout vegan pasta dishes include Rigatoni Al Formaggio and Fettuccine Norcina.
Is SHOP 225 gluten-free friendly?
Yes. SHOP 225 was Australia’s first pizza restaurant accredited by Coeliac Australia and is renowned for its gluten-free pizza offering.
What awards has SHOP 225 won?
SHOP 225 has been named Best Pizza in Australia (2025), Best Pizza in Victoria (2026), Best Pasta in the Asia-Pacific Region (2026), ranked 28th Best Pizza in the World, and recognised by the Slow Food Movement.
Why is SHOP 225 considered a leader in inclusive dining?
The restaurant offers high-quality vegan, gluten-free and Halal-friendly options while maintaining rigorous food preparation standards and authentic Italian cooking techniques.