Every bite tells a story | Mooroopna Pizzeria is a little slice of Italy

Owner Adrian Vigliaturo has dedicated his life to running a café and restaurant focused on classic Italian cuisine.

After successfully operating his first café in Tatura for 11 years, Pizza Nostra, he moved his venture to Mooroopna, where his centrally located pizzeria has thrived for 10 years.

Known for balancing business sense with generosity, Adrian has a passion for Italian food that is evident in every detail of the pizzeria’s operation.

The menu showcases a wide range of pizzas and pasta, respecting Italian traditions while introducing local ingredients and unique twists.

Guests can enjoy everything from classic margherita and pepperoni pizzas to gourmet creations topped with fresh, regional produce.

The chefs prioritise high-quality ingredients, crafting each pizza with a perfect balance of sauce, cheese and a crispy base.

The pasta offerings include favourites such as carbonara, pesto and bolognese, all made with a dedication to flavour and authenticity.

For dessert, patrons can indulge in house-made Italian gelato, a local favourite.

Beyond pizza and pasta, the menu caters to diverse tastes, offering fresh salads, hearty lasagna, and gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Weekly specials allow the chefs to experiment, adding new flavours for diners to enjoy.

The restaurant also offers a curated wine selection, including ‘Charlie’s Drop’, a red wine produced by Adrian’s family in dedication to his uncle Charlie.

This shiraz, made from grapes sourced in the Heathcote region, is available by the glass or bottle and pairs perfectly with many menu items.

The pizzeria’s success stems not only from its delicious food but also from its community-oriented approach.

Adrian and his team are devoted to supporting Mooroopna’s economy by employing locals, many of whom are young people gaining valuable work experience.

This family-friendly establishment fosters a welcoming environment, with staff members who go above and beyond to create memorable experiences.

Patrons often comment on how the team remembers regulars’ favourite orders and provides thoughtful recommendations to newcomers.

The pizzeria also features a versatile function room upstairs, which can host 70 seated guests or 100 for standing events, catering to private functions and community gatherings alike.

Adrian’s commitment to the local community extends beyond employment and dining; the pizzeria actively supports local sports clubs and organisations, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Mooroopna and Shepparton.

With a comfortable atmosphere and attentive service, the pizzeria has earned a loyal following.

Recently, we dined there with our friends Vaughan and Michelle Adams, well-known locals who provided additional insights into the restaurant’s community impact.

Our waitress, Helen, was gracious and knowledgeable, reinforcing the welcoming spirit we had heard so much about.

Together, we shared a plate of bruschetta before diving into a variety of mains, including a speciality pizza, a perfectly cooked beef and reef scotch fillet, chicken scallopini and creamy garlic prawns.

Michelle and Vaughan noted that these dishes were among their regular orders, a testament to the pizzeria’s consistent quality.

For anyone in Mooroopna or Shepparton, this pizzeria is more than a restaurant — it’s a gathering place where friendships are built and the community comes together.

Open every day except Sunday, it offers a reliable, high-quality dining experience that blends outstanding Italian cuisine with genuine hospitality.

Food pricing for Mooroopna Pizzeria, rated by Jan and Paul: $$

(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $)