MELBOURNE | Ali Cengiz learnt how to make pizza growing up with in parent’s pizzeria in Cranbourne. He thought the world of pizza was behind him when he graduated university and moved to New York City to pursue a career in finance. Returning home and missing the kinds of pizza he’d enjoyed in NYC, he decided to return to pizza and, in 2021, opened Sunnyside Sliced in Mentone. Earlier this year, Ali opened a second location in Newstead, Brisbane. A third location, in Docklands, opened a short while after. I popped in to find out more for What’s on Melbourne.
At Sunnyside Sliced, the focus is on thin crust, 18-inch, NYC-style pizzas, and the Sicilian-style deep dish ‘Grandma pizzas’ of Long Island. Both are available as whole pizzas, or by the slice, made using hand-stretched, long-fermented dough. Whole pizzas are made-to-order, while individual slices are par-baked, and finished-to-order, to ensure speedy service without a loss of quality.
Premium ingredients are used to create NYC slice flavours like the Pepperoni Classic (provolone and pepperoni), Sunnyside Cheese (mozzarella, provolone, aged caciocavallo, and fresh basil), and BK Greenpoint (provolone, bell pepper, red onion, mushroom, and olive). Slices are designed to be folded and enjoyed, with just the right amount of chew, crispness, and ‘flop’.
For Grandma slices, with a wonderfully springy, crispy thick base, flavours include things like the New Mexico (Napoli tomato, provolone, Spanish chorizo, bell pepper, onion, and jalapeno), Pepperoni Prince (Napoli tomato, provolone, pepperoni, and Bippi Hot Honey), and Upside Down Cheese (mozzarella, provolone, aged caciocavallo, heavy Napoli tomato, sesame seeds, and fresh basil).
All pizzas come with the option of adding chilli oil, ranch dressing, Mat’s Hot Shop dill pickle sauce, and Bippi Hot Honey. Gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available.
While pizzas are the star at Sunnyside Sliced, Ali and the team have also been working on perfecting their NYC-style Hero subs. Think fresh ingredients and cold cuts inside freshly baked, house-made sub rolls. There’s also cheesy garlic knots, salads, and a few cakes and cookies.
To drink, it’s local and Italian sodas, and Arnold Palmers (a refreshing blend of iced tea, lemonade, and mint).
Sunnyside Sliced
2/685 La Trobe Street
Docklands
Victoria 3008
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9116 3770
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 11:00am to 9:00pm