Pizzeria Officina: A Quirky Garage-Themed Dining Experience
Step into a unique pizzeria that will challenge your expectations! Located in Canberra's Region, Pizzeria Officina has a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, resembling an old-school mechanic's garage. But don't be fooled by the rough-around-the-edges decor; this place serves up some seriously tasty treats.
The restaurant, situated next to Bar Outro on Lonsdale Street, is a converted garage adorned with car-themed memorabilia. From tires at the entrance to posters of cars on the walls, it's a car enthusiast's dream. And the menu follows suit, offering a creative twist on classic Italian cuisine.
Here's where it gets interesting: The owners, who also run Terra and Recess, have embraced a temporary mindset due to the building's impending redevelopment. This translates to a no-frills approach, with a focus on short-term equipment and a casual atmosphere.
On a scorching Saturday, the pizza ovens added to the heat, but the unique menu choices were worth it. While the temporary keg system was a work in progress, we opted for chilled tinnies from the fridge. And the pizza options? Well, they were anything but ordinary.
The menu is divided into 'classic' and 'custom' pizzas, with the latter being a playful take on familiar flavors. The 'Surf n Turf' pizza, for instance, is a delightful combination of prawns, nduja salami, and stracciatella cheese on a vodka tomato sauce base. But wait, there's more! The 'Big Mac' pizza is a bold creation, featuring seasoned beef mince, pickles, burger cheese, and 'mac sauce' on a sesame seed base, topped with shredded lettuce. And this is the part most people miss—the attention to detail in replicating the iconic burger.
The Surf n Turf pizza impressed with its evenly distributed prawns and flavorful tomato vodka sauce. The latter is a trendy choice, as vodka enhances the tomato's flavor without overwhelming it. But the Big Mac pizza, while creative, may not live up to the hype, much like its fast-food counterpart. A simple tweak of placing the 'mac sauce' on top of the lettuce could have elevated the experience.
The real game-changer was the addition of dipping sauces for the pizza crusts. Garlic mayo, in particular, added a delicious twist and made crust-eating a delightful affair.
The side salad, with its woodfired peach, offered a refreshing contrast, though it could have benefited from more ripeness or a longer cooking time. The plastic plates and cutlery added to the casual vibe, but the glass cups were a welcome touch.
Pizzeria Officina provides a fun and kitschy dining experience, but the prices might raise some eyebrows. When a pizza costs over $30, diners will naturally expect a memorable culinary journey.
After your meal, step next door to Bar Outro for a cocktail, or enjoy a drink from Outro's menu at the pizzeria. And if you're feeling social, follow Pizzeria Officina on Instagram to stay updated on their latest creations.
Controversy alert: Is it fair to judge a restaurant's value solely based on its prices? Does the unique theme and creative menu justify the cost? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
