Paloma Pizza is a proper neighbourhood restaurant, equally suited to a quick takeaway pizza after work as it is to a long celebratory dinner with family and friends. It’s run by brothers Matt and Kael Sahely, who grew up around the corner and had regular family dinners at Zia’s Pizza, the building’s former occupant. The brothers have opened a string of successful venues separately and together, including Vacation Coffee and Neighbourhood in Armadale; and St Pauls General Store and Nora’s on the Mornington Peninsula.

Food is cooked with care here. Gnocchi are handmade, ragu simmers for 12 hours, and the pizza dough undergoes a 48-hour ferment. The drinks list covers cocktails including the Margarita and Americano, and a Sicilian Paloma with gin, blood orange and Campari. There’s also a considered wine list focused on organic Italian varieties.

The restaurant’s interiors were designed by Kael’s wife, Rebecca, who also created the branding and logo. Existing architectural features, including the soaring ceilings and original archways, are paired with dark timber finishes, ambient lighting and an intentional seating layout that keeps the kitchen and bar in view from every table.