Step into Pizzeria Officina, a unique dining experience nestled in the heart of Canberra. This pizzeria, located next to Bar Outro on Lonsdale Street, exudes a deliberate rough-around-the-edges charm with its converted garage setting and automotive-themed decor. The owners, also behind Terra and Recess, have opted for a low-key approach, avoiding long-term investments in equipment and fancy fit-outs due to an upcoming redevelopment.
On a scorching Saturday, the kitchen staff braved the heat, and we enjoyed a refreshing beer from the fridge. The menu offers a classic and custom pizza selection, with the Surf n' Turf standing out. This pizza features prawns, nduja salami, and stracciatella cheese on a vodka tomato sauce base, delivering a delightful combination of flavors. The Big Mac pizza, while intriguing, might not live up to expectations, with the 'mac sauce' potentially needing a different application for better results.
The real star of the show is the addition of dipping sauces for your pizza crusts, like the garlic mayo, which adds a delightful twist to the dining experience. The side salad, though healthy, could have benefited from a bit more ripening or woodfiring. The overall atmosphere is fun and self-referential, but the price tag may leave a sting, especially for those with high expectations.
Pizzeria Officina is open from 5 to 9 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and from 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. They also offer lunch from 12 noon to 2.30 pm on weekends. For more information and to follow their culinary adventures, visit their Instagram page or website. But here's where it gets controversial... Should the 'mac sauce' be applied on top of the shredded lettuce for better presentation? And this is the part most people miss... The use of vodka in pasta sauces is not just for flavor, but also for amplifying the flavors through volatile molecules. So, the next time you're there, don't forget to ask for a side of garlic mayo!
