Carlton welcomes a new pizzeria with the arrival of Garfield on Lygon Street

Just in case Carlton locals didn't already have too much pizza, ice cream and vino on their doorstep (and let's be real, is there even such a thing as too much?), a fun new spot is set to open right next to Pidapipo – and it's purr-fectly primed to be a popular purveyor of all the above. Get ready for Garfield, folks.

A triple-threat pizzeria, licensed bar and soft serve haven, this Italian eatery comes with a cute Carlton-based backstory: while the building was being renovated, a local orange cat would prowl around in search of leftover pizza from Johnny's Green Room – hence the name, Garfield. It's the first launch out of a family of venues planned for the soon-to-reopen King and Godfree building from owner Jamie Valmorbida.

Garfield credits its inspiration to modern pizzeria culture across the globe, from Naples and Rome to Tokyo. The menu has been developed in collaboration between culinary director Karen Martini and newly appointed executive chef Mark Glenn, and swings deliciously from the classic to the creative. Traditional ingredient-led pies will please the purists among us, though the pizzeria certainly won't shy away from more inventive ideas and specials to keep the Lygon Street throngs excited. 

A classic Margherita is non-neogitable, of course, but we're also hanging out for Garfield's take on the Aussie pizza, which will feature guanciale, egg, Volos olives and thinly sliced potato. And we can also vouch for the titular 'za, which is inspired by the flavours of lasagne and loaded with traditional Italian-style meatballs, fresh basil and parmesan. Yum! 

“Garfield embraces the spirit of old Carlton. It’s quick, casual and fun. We wanted to create something that feels familiar and welcoming,” says owner Jamie Valmorbida. “It’s built for the neighbourhood first. If locals love it and keep coming back, then we’ve done our job”

Go ham (literally) on the pizza, but don't skip dessert. Here, it's a glorious soft serve offering, courtesy of a dream collab with Pidapipo and flavours will be on regular rotation. Plus, there'll be plenty to love for the boozers, thanks to a drinks list that spotlights natural wines, bottled cocktails and even a house lager on tap. 

The space itself – with a soft yellow glow, granite benches and big, open windows – feels fresh and playful. Miaow! We are so ready to nuzzle up to this hot new spot, and we can't wait to find out more about the two other new venues that will reinvigorate the King and Godfree building. Stay tuned as details unfold.