This Just in: the Team Behind Johnny's Green Room to Open Garfield, a Playful Pizzeria with Natural Wines and Pidapipo Softserve, on Lygon Street
The historical Carlton grocery shop is to enter a new era with plans just announced for three fresh and exciting new venues to open in 2026, including playful pizzeria, Garfield.
King & Godfree, the historical Carlton grocery shop, is to enter a new era with plans just announced for three fresh, new venues to make their home in the iconic corner building site. The new venues will open over the coming summer and throughout 2026.
The first of the three venues, slated to open in December, will see the space previously occupied by Agostino transformed into a casual and fun pizzeria. In time, the basement cellar will reopen as a late-night cocktail and music bar, and the much-loved deli will be reimagined as an all-day neighbourhood osteria and wine bar.
That casual pizzeria, Garfield, set to open at the end of January 2026, is inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, Rome, and even Tokyo, which, if you haven't heard, is producing some of the best pizzas in the world. Named for an orange cat that wandered into the building site and helped himself to leftover pizza, Garfield is set to be just as playful, reimagining classic techniques with bold flavour pairings.
With celebrated chef Karen Martini leading the charge, inventive offerings are set to include the likes of blended Italian staples (such as a Margherita x Marinara number) and modern takes on old favourites, such as Garfield's Hawaiian, featuring house-roasted leg ham, fermented pineapple, and barbecue sauce on a white base. "We've taken the essence of classic Italian pizzerias and reinvented it," says owner Jamie Valmorbida. And with Pidapipo next door, it's no surprise that dessert will feature rotating Pidapipo soft serve.
Owner, Jamie Valmorbida (of Pidapipo and Johnny's Green Room) says, "Letting go of the deli wasn't easy, but it was time to move forward. What we're building still carries that same spirit — just in a new way. Our goal is to create venues that become part of Carlton's story for years to come."
That the King & Godfree building is an integral part of Carlton's history is undeniable, with the original store dating back to 1884. Carlo Valmorbida, Jamie's grandfather, is said to have brought Italian staples such as olive oil, Parmesan cheese and pasta to the Carlton community, and was central to Melbourne's evolving hospitality landscape.
Johnny's Green Room, Arianna Leggiero
Valmorbida has gathered a stellar team around him to bring these new concepts to fruition. The same creative group returns from Johnny's Green Room, including Karen Martini (who has also been busy taking over the kitchen at Bar Carolina) as Culinary Director and Dion Hall, leading the design. Joel Penno, with over 30 years of experience in the industry at venues such as Chin Chin and Stokehouse, will serve as General Manager. Mark Glenn, with over 20 years of experience in acclaimed kitchens such as Dinner by Heston and Cumulus Inc., joins as the Executive Chef.
"Building on the success of Johnny's Green Room, we're creating a family of hospitality venues that honour the site's heritage while looking to the future. This is about realising the King & Godfree building's vision and creating a true neighbourhood precinct — generous, welcoming, and connected to its history."
Images: Griffin Simm.
Garfield is slated to open at the end of January 2026. To keep up to date with further details, check out @kingandgodfree on Instagram. If you're craving a slice of pizza or a bowl of pasta in the meantime, check out the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne.
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