Now Open: Pizzateca Lupa Is Serving Up Traditional Roman-style Teglia and Tonda at South Melbourne Market

The idea of modern pizza might have been born in Naples, but that won't stop Romans from thinking their thin and crusty alternative is the superior slice. If you feel similarly, you'll be thrilled to know South Melbourne Market has welcomed Pizzateca Lupa – a Roman-style cafe and pizzeria named after Rome's symbolic she-wolf. While the corner of Cecil and Coventry Streets is far from the Seven Hills, diving into the menu offers plenty of reason to visit.

Exploring authentic Italian cuisine in a laidback setting, brothers Lino and Gabriele Torre have shaped a takeaway lunch featuring traditional slices of teglia — square focaccia baked in a tray — adorned with a handful of rotating toppings. Meanwhile, there's also classic pizza tonda — round pizza with a super thin crust — made fresh to order. However, the dine-in menu is where Pizzateca Lupa really shines, showcasing the full spectrum of antipasti, pasta, pizza and Italian specialities.

Kick off your feast with fried globe artichokes, fritto misto, and a selection of artisanal cheeses and meats. Then, delve into Roman-style pasta dishes made with Pastificio Liguori, one of Italy's oldest pasta producers, including carbonara tubettone, cacio e pepe spaghetti and amatriciana fusilli. As for the dine-in pizza menu, you'll find 13-inch pizza tonda options, from the tried-and-true margherita to the inventive norma, combining fried eggplant, smoked fior di latte, cherry tomatoes, ricotta salata and basil.

"Traditionally, Roman pizzas feature a light and crispy crust, which is what we're doing at Pizzateca Lupa. We're really focused on depth of flavour, it's not just about adding tomato and anchovies; we pre-cook the tomatoes for richness and every ingredient is considered using the best quality produce we can find," says Co-Owner and chef Gabriele Torre.

The drinks menu is just as thoughtful, with ST. ALi's dark roasted 'Italo Disco' blend delivering a pick-me-up shaped by Italian coffee sensibilities. If dining in, explore a selection of Venetian spritzes, or sip down a paloma or negroni. You'll also encounter beers from Peroni and Bodriggy, while a curated wine list spans local and Italian varieties, available by the glass, carafe or bottle.

Pizzateca Lupa's design is also a hit, inspired by alimentari-style stores. Led by Melbourne-based architects Jackson Clements Burrows, a fruit and vegetable shop was transformed into this bright 34-seat cafe and pizzeria. Evoking the quiet charm of European simplicity, a deep red palette and walnut tones invite a warm dining experience, while street-side tables and chairs conjure just a hint of Rome's food neighbourhoods, from Trastevere to San Lorenzo. Time for a slice? Se manga.