Pizzeria Officina churns out the dough

A new pizzeria, Pizzeria Officina, opened in Braddon late last year, operating next door to Bar Outro on Lonsdale Street. The establishment distinguishes itself with a deliberately unpolished aesthetic, embracing a converted garage space decorated with automotive-themed items like tires and car posters, evoking an old-school mechanics shop.

A Temporary Space with a Unique Approach

The owners, who also operate Terra and Recess, have adopted a low-key approach to Pizzeria Officina due to the building being slated for future redevelopment. This means limited investment in long-term equipment and elaborate renovations. On a recent visit, a fully operational tap beer system was not yet available, with patrons opting for canned beverages instead.

Menu Highlights and Experimentation

The menu is divided into classic and custom pizza options. The “Surf n’ Turf” pizza, featuring prawns, nduja salami and stracciatella cheese on a vodka tomato sauce base, proved to be a standout. A more experimental offering, the “Big Mac” pizza – topped with seasoned beef mince, pickles, burger cheese, ‘mac sauce,’ and shredded iceberg lettuce – received a more mixed reception.

Did You Know? The owners of Pizzeria Officina also own the restaurants Terra and Recess.

The “Surf n’ Turf” pizza was praised for its balanced flavors, with the prawns evenly distributed and the vodka tomato sauce enhancing the overall taste. The use of vodka in the sauce is intended to amplify the tomato flavor, leveraging the properties of volatile molecules. The combination of cool stracciatella and spicy nduja created a contrasting and satisfying experience.

Dipping sauces, specifically garlic mayo, were available for the pizza crusts, enhancing the overall dining experience. A side salad featuring endive, woodfired peach, parmesan, and a tarragon vinaigrette was also offered, though the peach’s ripeness and level of woodfiring were noted as areas for potential improvement.

Expert Insight: The deliberate choice to operate a temporary, low-investment establishment in a space slated for redevelopment represents a calculated risk. It allows the owners to test a concept and build a following without significant capital outlay, but also introduces uncertainty regarding the long-term viability of the location.

The restaurant’s aesthetic extends to its tableware, utilizing plastic plates and cutlery, though glass cups were provided. The overall atmosphere is described as fun and kitsch, but the price point – exceeding $30 for a pizza – raises expectations regarding quality and value.

Operational Synergies and Future Prospects

Pizzeria Officina complements the nearby Bar Outro, with a shared drinks menu and the ability to order pizzas directly from the bar. This creates a synergistic relationship between the two establishments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pizzeria Officina located?

Pizzeria Officina is located at 4/9 Lonsdale St, Braddon.

What are the operating hours?

The pizzeria is open from 5 to 9 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and from 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. They are also open for lunch from 12 noon to 2.30 pm on weekends.

Where can I find more information about Pizzeria Officina?

You can follow Pizzeria Officina on Instagram.

Given the temporary nature of the location, what other innovative concepts might emerge in the Braddon area as redevelopment progresses?