Where Chefs Eat: Frankie Hadid Knows Where To Get The Best Pizza In Melbourne

At Clara Luna, the restaurant at Jamsheed Urban Winery in Preston, head chef Frankie Hadid makes dishes that draw from their Syrian Venezuelan upbringing. Chargrilled calamari served with pumpkin harissa salsa, and cheese arepas with fried sweet plantains and guasacaca (avocado salsa) have made the restaurant a chef-favourite. But where does Hadid dine? We sat down with the up-and-coming chef to find out.

What’s your go-to breakfast spot?
Skinnys Eatery in Preston! It’s on my way to work and they have possibly the best doughnuts and hash browns in town. Lovely service.

Where do you take visitors when they’re in town?
Capers is always a good time. Excellent music and if the kitchen’s open whilst you’re having a boogie, order the pickled octopus to go with the Greek Salad Martini.

What’s the best place for a drink and snacks?
Kafenion. It’s such a gorgeous space and so cosy by the window. I love the Maria Callas cocktail, taramasalata and bread.

Where do you recommend for a date spot?
If your date has the potential to be your everlasting love, Arnold’s in Kensington.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato spot?
Cono Gelateria in Reservoir. If the Sicilian olive and sea salt gelato is on the specials board, I’m taking home two tubs.

Where do you go for a special occasion?
Caterina’s Cucina e Bar. If you are lucky enough to be served by Caterina herself – and chances are you will be – you’re in for a very special long lunch. There is a chaotic elegance and familiar atmosphere that is so comforting.

What’s the best place to eat as a solo diner?
I love ending my work week on a Sunday night and either dining in or getting takeaway from Jade Kingdom. It’s a very special family-owned restaurant. Very few places in Melbourne make me feel like Jade Kingdom does.

What’s the best place for a late-night feed?
Bowltiful on Swanston Street. It’s open until 2am. Have a nourishing bowl of noodles after service and you’ll sleep like a baby.

Where can you find the best bread in Melbourne?
I have three different spots for bread. Akimbo for shokupan, To Be Frank for focaccia and Ovens Street for fougasse.

What Melbourne restaurant do you think is the most underrated?
Not sure if it’s underrated, I just want everyone to go to Pizza Elettrica in Thornbury. I think about the New Haven pie at least once a week.