A Slice of the Big Apple in Bayside: Discovering Sunnyside Sliced in Mentone

In the quiet bayside suburb of Mentone, where the Nepean Highway hums with the gentle rhythm of Melbourne’s south-eastern sprawl, an unexpected culinary revolution simmers in the ovens of Sunnyside Sliced. This unassuming pizzeria, tucked away on Como Parade West, transports diners straight to the bustling streets of New York City with every foldable slice it serves. Forget the wood-fired Neapolitan bases that dominate Melbourne’s pizza scene; here, it’s all about the hand-stretched, stone-baked 18-inch pies inspired by the iconic slice shops of Manhattan. Sunnyside Sliced isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to the American-Italian dream, proving that world-class pizza doesn’t require a postcode in the concrete jungle.

The Man Behind the Dough: Ali Cengiz’s Journey to Sunnyside

At the heart of Sunnyside Sliced beats the story of owner Ali Cengiz, a man whose life has been kneaded by dough since childhood. Growing up in his family’s pizzeria in Cranbourne, Ali was stretching bases before he could reach the workbench without a stool. “I’ve been in the pizza game my whole life,” Ali reflects in a Broadsheet interview, his passion evident in every word. But it was a stint in the Big Apple that truly ignited the spark. Immersed in New York’s relentless energy and its legendary pizzerias, Ali returned to Australia determined to recreate that magic—not in the inner city, but in the welcoming suburbs of Mentone.

Opened in mid-2022, Sunnyside Sliced quickly became a destination spot, earning accolades like a top-five ranking from the Herald Sun. Ali’s vision was clear: authenticity without pretension. He imported Sicilian pans from Washington, USA, for his deep-dish offerings and sourced premium ingredients, including Italian Napoli tomatoes canned mere hours after harvest. Even his mum lends a hand in the kitchen, whipping up family recipes like rich bolognese for “Mum’s Spaghetti” and gooey lasagne layers. It’s this blend of heritage and innovation that makes Sunnyside feel like a neighbourhood gem with global flair.

Mastering the Fold: The Art of the NYC Slice

Step into Sunnyside Sliced, and the aroma of long-fermented dough baking in a “beast of an oven” greets you like an old friend. The open kitchen buzzes with jumpsuit-clad chefs wielding wooden paddles, churning out up to 50 pies an hour during peak times. What sets Sunnyside apart is its unwavering commitment to the classics, executed with meticulous precision.

The menu is a celebration of simplicity and boldness, divided into slices for the solo diner and full rounds for groups. Start with the Sunnyside Cheese Slice (£6/AUD$8), a no-frills triumph of three cheeses—mozzarella, aged provolone, and a whisper of oregano—dusted with fresh market basil. It’s the benchmark of any great slice shop, as Ali notes: “The cheese pizza doesn’t allow room to hide; it’s all about balance.” For those craving heat, the Hella Honey Slice (£7/AUD$9) layers spicy chorizo and jalapeños with Brooklyn’s cult-favourite Mike’s Hot Honey, delivering a salty-sweet kick that lingers.

Deep-dish fans rejoice in the Sicilian-style “Grandma” pie (£32/AUD$45 for a Grande serving 2-4), baked upside down for a caramelised cheesy crust that’s crisp on the outside and pillowy within. Pepperoni lovers can opt for the deep-dish version by the slice (£7/AUD$9), praised in reviews as “yummy and a decent size.” Beyond pizza, the menu ventures into comforting Italian territory: Vodka Rigatoni in a creamy tomato sauce, Mum’s Lasagne with layers of béchamel and mince, and sides like three-day garlic focaccia or Garlic Cheese Rolls (£5/AUD$7). Sweet tooths end with Biscoff Tiramisu (£8/AUD$11), a modern twist on the classic.

Portions are generous—Duos (four slices, feeds 1-2) start at £18/AUD$25— and gluten-free dough is made in-house, though not certified for coeliacs. Delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Menulog keeps the crispy edges intact, even 40 minutes from Mentone, as one raving customer attests.

A Vibe That’s Equal Parts Hustle and Heart

Sunnyside Sliced captures the gritty romance of a NYC corner joint: graffiti-style murals, a walk-up window for grab-and-go slices, and a compact dining room that encourages turnover rather than lingering. Yet, it’s infused with Melbourne warmth—outdoor courtyard seating for balmy evenings, immaculately clean facilities (hooks for bags included), and a no-reservations policy under 12 that keeps things egalitarian. After 4pm, the Bar Sunnyside shifts to adults-only, pouring local brews alongside the pies.

Service is a standout, with staff like Aisha earning shout-outs for patient menu walkthroughs in this QR-code-only world. “The pizzas tasted very nice, and the staff were wonderful,” gushes a Tripadvisor reviewer. It’s casual dining at its best: paper plates, counter orders, and an atmosphere that’s lively without being loud. As one Reddit user proclaimed, “Mentone has the greatest pizza shop in the fuckin’ world!!!”

Why Sunnyside Has Melbourne Hooked

The proof is in the ratings: 4.8/5 on Google from over 250 reviews, 4.7/5 on Restaurant Guru from nearly 1,000, and effusive praise across platforms. Diners flock from across the city, declaring it “the best pizza in Melbourne” and “worth the hike to Mentone.” The Red Mushroom slice has been hailed as “the best pizza I’ve ever had,” while the deep-dish chorizo earns repeat visits. Even minor quibbles—it’s small inside, no printed menus—pale against the consensus: crispy, authentic, and unforgettably delicious.

In a city spoiled for pizza choices, Sunnyside Sliced stands out for its soul. It’s not just food; it’s a reminder that the simplest pleasures—a perfectly folded slice, shared with mates—can transport you across oceans.

Visit Sunnyside Sliced

Fancy a taste of the action? Sunnyside Sliced is open for dinner from 5pm daily (check website for updates). Swing by for a slice, book a spot online for larger groups, or order delivery to your door.