Garfield Pizzeria

Overview

Garfield is here, and it's bringing playful, yet technically impeccable pizza to Carlton. The counter-service pizzeria, named for an orange cat who visited the building site and helped himself to a slice, reimagines the traditional Italian restaurant experience on Lygon Street with its nostalgic, laid-back vibes and ingredient-driven approach. 

Owner, Jamie Valmborbida (of Johnny's Green Room) says, "Garfield embraces the spirit of old Carlton. It's quick, casual, and fun. We wanted to create something that feels familiar and welcoming. It's built for the neighbourhood first. If locals love it and keep coming back, then we've done our job." 

The pizza program, in the safe hands of celebrity chef Karen Martini, serving as Culinary Director, and Executive Chef Mark Glenn (of Cumulus Inc and Dinner by Heston), showcases the simplicity of traditional pizzerias, elevated with deliberate, modern twists. 

"After many years in the kitchen, I'm only interested in cooking that excites me. Garfield lets me explore pizza with precision and imagination, honouring the craft, but not being confined by it. When you understand the rules deeply enough, you can afford to play," says Martini. 

The tight menu features four red and four white pizzas, which are the responsibility of Head Pizzaiolo Sangsub Ha, a self-proclaimed pizza fanatic. He brings his specialised 'Tokyo Stretch' method to the kitchen, creating an airy structure that still delivers a satisfying crunch. He says, "What we're doing at Garfield reflects exactly how I like to make and eat pizza – respecting the discipline and tradition of great pizzerias around the world, while still allowing room to experiment and have a bit of fun with our flavour combinations, where it makes sense." 

The menu is completed by a concise selection of snacks and starters that nod to Italian antipasti but, in keeping with the pizzeria's trend, are intentionally non-traditional in flavour. Sweet pickles are spiced with Sechaun pepper and anise, crumbed eggplant is lightened with lemon yoghurt and cumin salt, and calamari fritti leans Asian with a ginger lime salsa. 

The compact, walk-in-only venue was designed by Dion Hall (known for projects including HER and Supernormal) to be a youthful yet retro space, serving the neighbourhood as a happy hangout for a quick pizza and glass of natural wine. Granite benches, communal tables, and warm lighting create a contemporary space that feels both familiar and inviting. 

And with the famous Pidapipo sharing a wall next door, it's no surprise that its soft serve on the menu. The rotating menu launches with soft-serve yoghurt paired with nutty praline. There's also a take on tiramisu with English Breakfast Tea, limoncello, caramel, and Biscoff.

Images: Supplied.