It’s late on a Sunday afternoon in Fitzroy, and Deep End Pizza is alive with the kind of energy that feels quintessentially communal. The smell of baked dough and melting cheese wafts through the air as the kitchen crew moves in rhythm — dough stretched, sauce ladled, trays sliding in and out of the ovens with purpose. Laughter drifts between tables; families lean in over shared slices, couples clink glasses, kids peek over the counter to watch the action. It’s buzzing but comfortable, a space where everyone — from the pizza purist to the curious first-timer — finds their place.
There’s a tangible sense of history here. You can feel it in the décor — the checkerboard tiles, the neon glow, the confident hum of a kitchen that knows its craft. Deep End doesn’t just make pizza; it tells the story of American regional styles, from the thick, cheesy depths of Chicago to the foldable finesse of New York.
And we came ready to try it all.
Detroit-Style: Square, Golden, and Joyfully Crisp
Our first bite of the Detroit-Style pizza was a revelation — a square-cut masterpiece with a focaccia-like base that was equal parts airy and crisp. The rim of caramelised cheese gave it a satisfying crunch, while the interior stayed soft and light. It’s the kind of pizza that balances indulgence with precision — sturdy enough for bold toppings but delicate enough to feel almost elegant.
The Quadruple Pepperoni version pushed all the right buttons: a mosaic of pepperoni layered over melted mozzarella and cheddar, dotted with whipped ricotta and finished with basil. The pepperoni sauce added another level of richness, and that signature edge of burnt cheese sealed the deal. It’s comfort food done with craft — and possibly one of the best uses of pepperoni you’ll find in Melbourne.
Chicago Deep Dish: The Heavyweight Champion
If Detroit is crisp and clever, Chicago Deep Dish is unapologetically grand. This is pizza as an event — a true pie, built thick with layers of cheese, toppings, and a tangy tomato sauce crown. Ours took its time in the oven (around 40 minutes), but when it arrived, it was a sight: molten cheese, golden crust, and a filling so rich it could stand as a meal on its own.
The Classic version — with mozzarella, sausage, mushroom, onion, capsicum, black olives, and pecorino — hit every nostalgic note. The crust was buttery yet firm, the sauce bright and balanced, cutting through the richness of the cheese. It’s a dish that commands silence for the first few bites — hefty, soulful, and immensely satisfying.
New York-Style: Fold, Bite, Repeat
From the thickness of Chicago to the thin crackle of New York-Style, Deep End’s homage to the East Coast felt like a love letter to pizza culture. The crust was light and blistered, the base strong enough to fold without losing its shape — exactly as it should be.
The White Sausage pizza showcased the kitchen’s attention to flavour: mozzarella, taleggio, goat cheddar, gorgonzola, grana, smoked bocconcini, and Italian sausage, all balanced with Sicilian olives and a drizzle of chilli oil – a little kick that takes this pizza to another level. It was indulgent, aromatic, and layered with complexity — proof that New York-style pizza can be just as refined as it is casual.
By The Slice: Served for One
We also tried a slice of Pequod’s-Style Deep Dish — another Chicago icon reinterpreted with Deep End’s signature caramelised cheese edge. It had that perfect textural contrast: a chewy, buttery crust giving way to molten cheese and robust tomato sauce. A small slice was enough to remind you why this style became legendary.
To round things out, we ordered the Root Beer Float — a nostalgic nod to American diners. Vanilla ice cream melting into a glass of A&W root beer might sound simple, but in the context of this meal, it was the perfect finish: sweet, fizzy, and fun.
Service was fast, friendly, and full of personality — staff who clearly love the food they’re serving and know their way around the menu. Even in the peak of the dinner rush, there was an ease to the experience; plates came out in rhythm, drinks refilled without prompting, and recommendations flowed naturally.
The space itself hums with character — neon lights, brick walls, and that unmistakable pizzeria aroma. Sitting there with the family, surrounded by chatter and the warmth of the ovens, you can’t help but feel you’ve stepped into a slice of old-school New York.
The Takeaway
Deep End Pizza is more than a restaurant — it’s a celebration of pizza as craft, culture, and comfort. From the airy squares of Detroit-style to the indulgent depths of Chicago, each bite tells a story of patience, skill, and pure love for the art of pizza-making.
Come in for a slice or a full pie. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. This is a place to come with friends and family, to share a few slices, a few laughs, and to remember that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that bring everyone to the table.
