Overview
It's been a long time between slices, but one much-loved Carlton pizza spot is finally set to enjoy its full phoenix-from-the-ashes revival moment. Leonardo's Pizza Palace will reopen in all its original glory on Friday, July 15; just over 12 months after a fire blew through its pizza kitchen and forced the venue into an extended closure.
Dealing with the fallout of significant fire damage right in the midst of lockdowns and restrictions was no mean feat. While the venue has been allowed to operate in a reduced capacity since January, its legendary woodfired pizzas have remained off the menu while the pizza kitchen stood closed. But now, with rebuilding finally finished, it's all back, baby.
Jana Langhorst
The July 15 relaunch will kick off a big weekend of celebrations, as the team returns to doing what they do best and give the people what they've been craving. That means you'll be able to be reunited with smash hit pizzas like the Jalapeno with fermented peppers and cheese, and the house Pepperoni.
Leonardo's snacks and sides are also worth a look-in, with bites like the cacio e pepe polenta, loaded salumi plates and anchovy crostini currently in the lineup.
Natalie Jurrjens
Also on the bill for opening weekend: non-stop happy hour specials, including $12 Negronis, $12 jugs of beer and the signature Pina Coladas going for an easy $14 a pop. There's a lot to celebrate, after all. Kicking off a return to the regular DJ programming, the tunes will also be banging, with the weekend's curation courtesy of Wax'o Paradiso.
"We are so relieved and excited to welcome people back in and serve up the food we are known for," says co-owner Guy Bentley. "It has been a really tough 12 months and we are looking forward to the future."
Leonardo's Pizza Palace will relaunch form 5pm on July 15, at 29 Grattan Street, Carlton. Its new weekend opening hours are 5pm–1am Friday, 12pm–1am Saturday and 12pm–late Sunday.
Top Images: Natalie Jurrjens