Garfield Pizzeria

Those tracking Carlton’s pizza renaissance point straight to this Lygon Street staple. Walk right in, grab a table al fresco under the heaters, and brace for a masterclass in fermentation. Fast, casual, fiercely good. The dough is the star—a spectacularly light, pillowy cornicione boasting a leopard-spotted char and brilliant chew, framing a thin base that holds its structure flawlessly. Forget the standard pre-cut wheel. They drop the pie whole at your table alongside a pair of scissors. DIY shearing. Pure tactile joy. The menu flexes serious culinary range. A stunning cacio e pepe iteration arrives crowned with crisp potato chips, while the Gamberetti pairs fresh prawns with a wildly rich, balanced crema. Whatever you do, do not skip the starter—a piping-hot, doughy focaccia slathered in an intensely savory anchovy butter that demands respect. It commands a slightly premium price point for the footprint, but the undeniable artisan quality, rapid-fire service, and zero Sunday surcharges make it an absolute triumph.