Leo's Is South Yarra's New Nostalgia-Heavy Restaurant Serving New York-Style Pizza by the Slice

Nick Stanton, Guy Bentley, Mark Catsburg and Jon Harper made a splash with their much-loved South Yarra diner Ramblr...and even more of a splash when they announced its sudden closure earlier this year. But the Chapel Street space has just scored a fitting successor, reincarnated as the guys' latest venture, Leo's By The Slice.

New sibling to fellow hits Leonards House of Love and Leonardo's Pizza Palace, the Chapel Street restaurant is an ode to the classic pizza slice shops of New York City. And, while it might share some DNA and name inspiration with the rest of the stable, Leo's is proving it's very much its own animal.

In front, expect a cosy space that nods to the takeaway joints and Pizza Huts of your childhood, complete with familiar red laminate benchtops, chequered floors and group-friendly booths. Beyond, lies a moody back bar where you'll happily find yourself shooting pool and kicking back over a few post-pizza craft brews.

Kate Shanasy

The menu is a short, sweet and simple lineup of eight pizzas, available only by the hot, cheesy slice. But don't go expecting anything too similar to that of Carlton sibling Leonardo's – here, it's all about that authentic New York-style pie, crisp-edged and pliable.

You'll find the likes of a classic pepperoni, a loaded meatlovers and even plant-based options including the vegan Chinese bolognese (a nod to an old Ramblr signature). Swing by at lunch (12–4pm) and you can team a slice of margherita with a can of Grifter beer for an easy $9.99.

The drinks lineup is concise, but interesting, with craft beers, natural wines and easy-drinking cocktails. A vending machine has more brews, alongside a tidy range of Leo's merch.

Find Leo's by The Slice at 363 Chapel Street, South Yarra. It's open Wednesday–Sunday, 5pm–midnight.

Images: Kate Shanasy