In America, the way you like your pizza says more about you than pretty much anything else. Thin crust or deep dish? Eaten flat, folded in half, with a knife and fork or dipped in sauce? And as this video demonstrates, it can be a very contentious topic. Thankfully, we're not in America, and at this spot on Brunswick Street, you can eat your 'za however you like, sans judgement.
Deep End is a family-run eatery by American-born chef Paul Kasten and his Melburnian wife Kate Paterson. It specialises in three of the most distinct types of American-style pizzas: New York-style thin crust, Detroit-style square crust and Chicago-style deep dish. Choose between classics like cheese or pepperoni, or opt for variations with toppings like clams, pine mushrooms, brussels sprouts and roast spinach.
To amp up the heat, get some chilli salt on the side – heat levels go from level two with jalapeño to level five with Carolina reaper, for those who relish the pain. And if you like to dip your pizza in sauce – don't knock it 'til you try it – you can get ramekins of ranch, blue cheese and pepperoni sauce.
While the pizzas here are the main drawcard, you can start your night with small plates like oven-roasted chicken wings, cheesy garlic focaccia or an iceberg wedge salad. Since the deep dish pizzas require a 30-minute bake time, they're the perfect way to whet your appetite while you wait.
Deep End also boasts a drinks menu loaded with local beers, wine and cocktails, so you have plenty of options to help you wash down that 'za. Find out more at the website.