Welcome to our exclusive Q&A session with Elyas, the passionate owner of 11 Inch Pizza. In this interview, Elyas shares insights into the journey of 11 Inch Pizza, from its humble beginnings to its current status as one of Melbourne’s favourite pizza destinations.
Can You Share the Story Behind the Origins of 11 Inch Pizza?
Absolutely! The concept for 11 Inch Pizza was born from a love of Italian cuisine and a desire to share it with the people of Melbourne.
We started with a simple idea: to create a place where the authenticity of traditional pizza-making methods meets a modern, urban setting. Our goal was to create not just a restaurant, but a community hub where people could come together over food that was both delicious and honest.
The ’11 inch’ refers to the perfect size for our handcrafted pizzas, providing just the right balance of crispy crust and mouth-watering toppings.
How Has the Business Evolved Since Its Inception, and What Do You Attribute This Growth To?
Since opening our doors, 11 Inch Pizza has evolved from a small pizzeria into a beloved staple for pizza lovers throughout the city. I attribute this growth primarily to our commitment to quality and our customer-first approach.
We have always prioritised using the freshest ingredients and crafting our pizzas with care, which our customers really appreciate. Moreover, as dietary needs have evolved, so have we, expanding our menu to include vegan, gluten-friendly*, and lactose-free options.
What Makes 11 Inch Pizza Unique?
Our uniqueness stems from our dedication to quality. We adhere to traditional Italian techniques, like hand-kneading our dough and letting it proof slowly to develop flavour. Our pizzas are baked to perfection in a high-heat oven, delivering the irresistible taste and texture that sets us apart. Beyond the food, our vibrant atmosphere and exceptional customer service make dining with us an experience rather than just a meal.
How Do You Ensure Quality and Consistency in Your Pizzas?
Ensuring quality and consistency starts with rigorous training for our chefs and kitchen staff. Everyone who works in our kitchen understands the importance of following our recipes and techniques to the letter.
We also maintain strong relationships with our suppliers to ensure we receive the highest quality ingredients. Regular quality checks and customer feedback sessions help us to keep our standards high and our pizzas perfect.
How Do You Choose Your Ingredients, and Why Is This Important to You?
Choosing the right ingredients is crucial at 11 Inch Pizza because we believe that great food begins with great ingredients. We are committed to sourcing the highest quality ingredients locally, ensuring that everything we use is as fresh and flavourful as possible.
This meticulous approach to ingredient selection is important because it directly affects the taste and quality of our pizzas. It also aligns with our mission to provide food that not only tastes good but also feels good to eat, knowing it supports local businesses and reduces environmental impact. At 11 Inch Pizza, we’re dedicated to crafting meals that make our customers happy while also making a positive impact on the community and the planet.
What Vision Do You Have for the Future of 11 inch Pizza?
Looking to the future, my vision for 11 Inch Pizza is firmly rooted in deepening our commitment to quality and continuing to serve the people of Melbourne with the best possible dining experience.
We aim to maintain the high standards we’ve set for our pizzas, from sourcing top-tier ingredients to refining our pizza-making techniques. This includes staying connected to the needs and preferences of our community, ensuring that we evolve alongside their tastes while remaining true to the traditional methods that define us.
Furthermore, we’re dedicated to enhancing our service model to provide even better customer experiences, whether they’re dining in, picking up, or ordering delivery. By focusing on what we do best-making great pizzas and providing friendly, efficient service-we’ll continue to strengthen our relationship with the community and ensure that 11 Inch Pizza remains a beloved part of Melbourne’s culinary landscape.
Are There Any Trends in the Pizza Industry Are You Excited About?
Yes, the trend towards more health-conscious dining excites me a lot. People are increasingly looking for options that are not only tasty but also nutritious. At 11 Inch Pizza, we are excited to explore more healthful ingredients, experiment with alternative doughs, and expand our menu to cater to health-focused diners without compromising on flavour.
Thank you, Elyas, for sharing your insights and the story behind 11 Inch Pizza. It’s clear that passion, quality, and community are at the heart of everything you do, ensuring that each slice served is a testament to your commitment to excellence.
Get in Touch
Fancy a delicious slice or three? Then be sure to place an order or pop in and visit us in-person today:
- Call us on: 9602 5333 or 9602 5777
- Make a reservation online
- Order online
- Visit us at 7A/353 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Monday to Friday: 11 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 5 PM to 9 PM
* Allergy Notice: While 11 Inch Pizza offers vegan, gluten free and lactose free options, all items are prepared in a shared kitchen where cross-contamination with allergens—including gluten, dairy, meat, and nuts—will occur. Our gluten free base contains minimal amounts of gluten and is not suitable or recommended for Coeliacs. We cannot guarantee any item is 100% allergen free. Please inform staff of any allergies when ordering, as we may not be able to accommodate all requests. For more information, speak with a manager.
