The legendary sports star who preferred pizza delivery to Michelin stars

When it comes to Aussie sporting legends, few names shine as brightly—or as cheekily—as Shane Warne.

The late, great 'Spin King' was famous for bamboozling batters on the pitch, but as it turns out, he was just as mischievous off the field, especially when it came to his food.

Now, thanks to his son Jackson, we’ve been given a hilarious peek behind the curtain at one of Warnie’s most audacious dining habits—one that’ll have every Aussie grinning and thinking, 'I wish I had the guts to do that!'

Let’s be honest: most of us have a soft spot for comfort food, but Shane Warne took it to a whole new level. While his cricketing prowess was world-class, his taste buds were famously down-to-earth.

Forget fancy degustations or superfoods—Warnie’s menu was more like a teenager’s dream than a nutritionist’s recommendation.

He was a self-confessed veggie-dodger, steering clear of anything green and leafy. His go-to meals? Pizza, pasta, bacon sandwiches, and the humble baked beans on toast. And when it came to dessert, you could keep your crème brûlée—Warnie was all about chocolate, ice cream, and lollies.

His food quirks became the stuff of legend. On tour in India, he famously had cans of baked beans shipped over because he just couldn’t stomach the local cuisine. Seafood? Not a chance.

He once admitted he couldn’t stand the smell or texture of fish. Breakfast was a no-nonsense affair: bacon and eggs on white toast, with nary an avocado or salad leaf in sight.

But here’s where Warnie’s food story gets truly iconic. According to Jackson Warne, his dad had a habit that would make even the boldest among us blush: he’d order takeaway pizza to some of Australia’s fanciest restaurants.

Picture this: you’re at Nobu or Rockpool at Crown in Melbourne, surrounded by the city’s culinary elite. The menu is full of delicacies—steak, oysters, sushi—but Warnie?

He’d take one look, shake his head, and say, 'Not for me, thanks.' Then, while everyone else was tucking into their gourmet meals, a pizza from Gradi (just around the corner) would arrive, and Warnie would happily chow down on his margherita right there at the table.

Jackson shared on the Life of Brian Podcast: 'There have been multiple times where he would have an important meeting or catch up with people there for dinner.

He knew he wasn’t going to eat anything, so 40 minutes later, there would be a pizza from Gradi, just around the corner. He would be eating a pizza from a different restaurant in one of the restaurants there.'

Of course, not every maître d’ was as laid-back as Warnie. There was the time he was at a swanky Melbourne eatery with media and cricket commentators.

As the waiter took everyone’s order, Warnie simply waved him away: 'No thanks, mate. I’m right.' Moments later, in came the pizza delivery. Warnie started tucking in, but the maître d’ wasn’t having it: 'I’m very sorry, Mr Warne, but you can’t eat that here.'

Did Warnie kick up a fuss? Not a chance. He just shrugged, took his pizza outside to a nearby bench, and finished it off—cigarette in hand, of course. Classic Warnie.

It wasn’t just Jackson who spilled the beans. Fellow cricketer Brett Lee confirmed the story on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, recalling a night at Nobu when Warnie ordered in a margherita pizza. 'Warnie only ever ate his baked beans, cheese on toast, lasagna, spaghetti bolognese, and margherita pizzas. We were going to one of the best restaurants in the world and Warnie, just being Warnie, decided to order margherita pizza. I don’t think he ever ate one vegetable in his life.'

Warnie’s food antics weren’t just about being fussy—they were a testament to his larrikin spirit and his refusal to put on airs, no matter how famous he became. In a world where celebrities often bend over backwards to fit in, Warnie stayed true to himself, pizza in hand and grin on his face.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, life’s too short to eat food you don’t like—no matter where you are or who you’re with. And honestly, who among us hasn’t wished we could pull off a stunt like that at least once?

So, members, we want to know: have you ever pulled a cheeky move at a restaurant, or do you have your own 'comfort food' you’d sneak into a fancy dinner?

Maybe you’ve got a story about a fussy eater in your family who could give Warnie a run for his money! Share your tales in the comments below—we’d love to hear them.

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