FAQs
Got questions?
First Time at Deep End Pizza? Start Here
What Makes Deep End Pizza Special?
We're Australia's only restaurant offering six authentic American regional pizza styles under one roof. Chef Paul Kasten, an American ex-fine dining chef from Connecticut, has spent years working on each regional style to bring you the most authentic American pizza experience outside the USA.
Which Pizza Style Should I Try First?
- New to Deep Dish PIzza? Start with Chicago Stuffed Deep Dish (the legendary 2kg cheese bomb) or try Pequod's by the slice first
- Want something you can’t find anywhere else in Australia? Chicago Tavern Style (dine-in only)
- Prefer lighter options? Detroit Style with its fluffy focaccia-like base
- Love thin crust? New Haven Style (Chef Paul's home state specialty) or our elevated New York Style
What Are Your Six Pizza Styles?
- Chicago Stuffed Deep Dish - The 2.5-inch thick legend with cheese inside, sauce on top (40 min bake)
- Pequod's Deep Dish - Charred cheese crust edges, available by the slice
- Chicago Tavern Style - What Chicagoans actually reach for on the regular, cut in squares (Australian exclusive, dine-in only)
- Detroit Style - Square, fluffy focaccia-like base with caramelized cheese rim
- New Haven Style - Thin, crispy, charred crust from Chef Paul's home state of Connecticut, USA (18", dine-in only)
- New York Style - Elevated thin crust with premium toppings
Planning Your Visit
Do I Need A Booking?
Highly recommended! Our intimate 62-seat restaurant fills up fast! We strongly advise booking ahead if any of the following apply to you:
- Dining during peak dinner hours (6:30pm - 8:30pm)
- Weekend lunch service (12pm - 2:30pm)
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights
- If you're traveling specifically to visit us
Walk-ins welcome when space permits, but bookings guarantee you a table.
Do You Take Walk-ins?
Yes, when space permits, but bookings are strongly recommended due to our small size (62 seats) and popularity. We also keep our four bar seats open on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.
How To Get There
Where Are You Located?
412A Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne. Entry is on Westgarth Street.
Parking Options
Street Parking:
- Limited 2-hour parking available on Brunswick Street (paid Mon-Sat 8am-6pm)
- 1-hour and 2-hour free parking on Westgarth Street
- Free parking after 6pm weekdays and all day Sunday
- Other nearby side streets (Kerr Street, Palmer Street) often have better availabikity
Nearby Parking:
- Wilson Parking - Corner of Brunswick & Johnston Streets (5-minute walk)
- Secure Parking - Multiple locations on Smith Street (3-4 minute walk)
- Tip: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find parking, especially on weekends
Public Transport Options
Trams:
- Route 11 - Stop 17 Brunswick Street/Leicester Street" (2-minute walk)
- Route 86 - Stop 21 Smith Street/Alexandra Parade" (8-minute walk)
Pizza Details & Timing
How Long Does My Pizza Take?
Chicago Stuffed Deep Dish: 40 minutes (it's worth every second!)
Other styles: 20-30 minutes
Pequod's by the slice: 10-15 minutes
Tip: Let our servers know your order when you arrive if you're on a time constraint - we'll prioritise preparation. We recommend checking out our menu before your booking.
Why Does Chicago Stuffed Deep Dish Take So Long?
It's a 10-step process! The 2.25 inch in thickness means we need that full 40 minutes to cook through properly. Nothing is pre-made - every pie is built fresh when you order.
Can I Pre-Order My Deep Dish before Arriving?
Not currently available for dine-in (too many no-shows resulted in wasted pizzas). If in a hurry, simply order your Chicago Stuffed Deep Dish when you arrive, and we'll get it started right away.
Do You Offer Pizza By The Slice and When Is It Available?
Yes! Pequod's Chicago Deep Dish by the slice is available during all our operating hours for dine-in, delivery, and click-and-collect takeaway. Our other pizzas are designed to be at their best as a whole pie. Our doughs would need to be reformulated and the way we top and bake them changed to accommodate slice trade.
What Are Your Hours?
Monday - Sunday: 5pm - 11pm (kitchen closes 10:30pm)
Weekend Lunch - Saturday & Sunday: 12pm - 3pm (kitchen closes 2:30pm)
Why Do You Have Different Deep Dish Styles For By The Slice & Full Pie?
We offer two distinct Chicago deep dish styles to cater to different serving needs and taste preferences:
Full Pie: Chicago Stuffed (Giordano's style)
- Extremely cheesy with a rich, tender crust
- Too gooey to serve as individual slices
By the Slice: Pequod's Style
- Thicker, more open crust with caramelized cheese rim
- Sturdy enough to serve as individual slices
- Unique flavor profile beloved by many Chicagoans
This variety allows us to offer the best deep dish experience whether you're ordering a whole pie or just a slice.
Sizing & Portions
How Much Should I Order?
Our amazing servers will provide order recommendations for your party size
Chicago Stuffed Deep Dish: 7" feeds 1-2 people, 10" feeds 3-6 people
Chicago Tavern Style: 15" feeds 2-3 people
Detroit Style: Regular (8x10") feeds 1-2, Large (10x14") feeds 3-4
New Haven Style: 18" feeds 3-4 people
New York Style: 16" feeds 2-3 people
Pequod's: Individual slices, perfect for trying before committing
What If I Can't Finish My Pizza?
Go big or go home - with leftovers! Every takeaway box includes Chef Paul's expert reheating instructions. Many customers say it's like getting two meals for one price. See Chef Paul's reheating guide here.
Takeaway, Delivery & Dining Options
Which Styles Can I Get For Takeaway/Delivery?
Available for Takeaway: Chicago Stuffed Deep Dish, Detroit Style, New York Style, Pequod's by the slice. See our Takeaway Menu here
Available for Delivery: Chicago Stuffed Deep Dish, Detroit Style, Pequod's by the slice. See our Delivery Menu here: DoorDash or UberEats
Dine-In Only: Chicago Tavern Style, New Haven Style (these are best enjoyed fresh from our ovens). See our Dine In Menu here
Why Does My Chicago Stuffed Deep Dish Come Unsliced For Takeaway?
The 2.25in thick structure needs to stay intact during transport. If sliced, juices will start settling to the bottom of the box and will soften the crust. If you're planning to take it somewhere like the park where it is inconvenient to cut it yourself, just ask and our chefs will be happy to cut it for you.
Why Aren't The 18" New Haven Style & 15" Chicago Tavern Style Pizzas Available For Takeaway?
Our New Haven Style and Chicago Tavern Style pizzas are available for dine-in only because:
- The New Haven Style is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the textures are perfect
- The Chicago Tavern Style is only available in limited quantities due to the labor involved in its production. For this reason, we reserve it for our dine-in customers who may have travelled a long way to try it.
Dietary Requirements & Customisations
Do You Have Gluten Free Options?
Yes! Gluten-free Detroit Style bases available. They're the best gluten-free bases we've ever tried!
Important note: While our gluten-free bases are prepared in a flour-free kitchen during production, we can't guarantee there will be no gluten contamination during cooking. We use freshly washed hands, separate pans, utensils and cutting boards, but we cannot completely remove the risk without a separate kitchen. You'll see what we mean when you visit - it's a cozy space! Please let us know about any severe allergies when booking so we can discuss the best approach for your needs.
What About Vegan Options?
Vegan cheese available for New York and New Haven thin crust pizzas. Just request when ordering or add a note for click & collect. With at least 24hr notice, we can also have a vegan Detroit base ready for you.
Do You Have Halal Options?
Absolutely! Halal pepperoni available and can be:
- Added to any pizza
- Substituted for the meat toppings on any pizza
Our famous Oven Roasted Lemoncello Chicken Wings are Halal, as are many of our rotating specials.
Can You Modify Any Pizza?
Most styles can be customized for dietary needs and preferences. However, Pequod's by-the-slice cannot be modified.
Family & Celebrations
Do You Have A Kids Menu?
No separate kids menu, but we offer kid-friendly options across all styles. Detroit & New York Styles are particularly popular with kids. Ask our servers for recommendations! We also have free pizza-themed colouring sheets to keep little ones entertained.
Do You Have Highchairs And Space For Prams?
Yes! We have highchairs available and can accommodate a limited number of prams in our cozy space. Just mention your needs when booking so we can ensure the best seating arrangement for your family.
Can I Bring My Own Cake?
Absolutely! No cakeage fee. We'll even add candles to your Deep Dish pizza if you prefer. We love celebrating with you!
Are You BYO?
No, we're not BYO. We have a great selection of craft beers, cocktails and great local wines.
Can I Bring My Dog?
We're dog lovers (we have two of our own!), but currently don't have outdoor dining. Stay tuned - we're working on making this possible!
Payment & Ordering
What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
We accept cash and all major credit cards for your convenience.
Do You Split Bills
Yes! For large groups, we recommend:
- Option 1: Each person orders their own pizzas and drinks via our table QR codes
- Option 2: Pizza orders through our servers (we'll split the bill at the end) & individual drink orders via QR codes
This keeps things simple and ensures everyone gets exactly what they want!
How Do I Order?
Two easy options:
- Table QR codes - Scan and order directly from your phone
- Our friendly servers - Traditional old school table service with expert recommendations
Both methods give you access to our full menu and our team's pizza expertise.
Accessibility
Can You Accomodate Guests With Mobility Needs?
We want every guest to enjoy the Deep End experience, but our old building has some features to be aware of:
- Restaurant entrance: Two steps up from street level
- Dining areas: The front dining room is step-free once inside, while our rear dining room has two steps down
- Facilities: Our bathrooms are located off of the front dining room, but they do not include grab bars or sufficient space to turn a wheelchair
Planning your visit: Please mention any seating requirements when booking, and our team will ensure you're seated in our most suitable area. We're always happy to discuss how we can best accommodate your needs and make your Deep End experience as comfortable as possible.
Large Groups & Events
Do You Take Large Bookings?
Yes! Groups of 8+ require:
- Credit card to secure booking
- $10 per person no-show fee (with only 63 seats, no-shows greatly impact us)
Yes! Groups of 12+ require:
- Credit card to secure booking
- $40 set menu that can be tailored to your guests dietary needs. Contact us at [email protected]
Do You Do Catering Or Functions?
Yes! We offer:
- In-house functions (sit-down dinners to casual gatherings)
- Pickup catering (customized to your guest count and budget)
- Delivery catering (customized to your guest count and budget, within a tight radius and outside of peak service times)
Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your event.
Can I film or photograph in the restaurant?
Personal use: Absolutely, feel free! Remember to tag us @deependpizza
Commercial use: Please contact us for permission.
About Deep End Pizza
Who Owns Deep End Pizza?
We're independently owned by American Head Chef Paul Kasten, his Australian wife Kate Paterson, and their friends Rasmus Gundel & Hiske Deschepper. Born during Melbourne's lockdown in 2022, we've become a symbol of resilience, passion, and authentic American pizza.
Do you support the community?
Yes! We're proud to support:
- Local sports team sponsorships (first-come, first-served)
- Community events and fundraisers
- Music and theatre programs
Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorship requests.