The Code: The new pizzeria in Collingwood

Nestled among the ultra-modern apartment complex haven in Collingwood is The Code, a new pizzeria that has piqued the community’s interest. A secret gem, a best-kept secret in the neighbourhood, if you will, is a place where you can select from 15 pizzas, enjoy a Prosecco or Negroni, and share a decadent and authentic tiramisu.

Ready to crack the code? Look for an Art Deco brick building on the corner of Cambridge and Langridge Streets. The master of The Code is Alessio Albano. Alessio hails from Puglia, a picturesque town in the “heel” of Italy, which is where he cultivated his unpretentious, accessible, welcoming and inviting style of cooking, otherwise known as “la Cucina Povera”. Transforming humble ingredients into something sumptuous and delicious is Alessio’s craft. His culinary journey begins in Lecce, Italy to take a Head Chef role at Carlton Espresso and DOC Carlton, then Abbotsford institution Rita’s. Alessio’s ethos of old-school and authentic Italian dining experiences flows through The Code. Alessio is attentive and friendly, the type of hospitality you would expect to see in an Italian piazza. 

Let’s start with the menu. To start, opt for the burrata, which is served with house-made rustic bread and olive oil. Pizzas – don’t look past the Tartufata, containing mozzarella, mixed mushrooms Parmesan, prosciutto di parma and drizzled truffle oil, or the Patatina, mozzarella, potatoes, Italian pork sausage, parmesan cheese, rosemary and black pepper. I highly recommend the tiramisu. The dessert is delicious and very close to the nonna’s real deal; the portion size is generous so it’s perfect for two people to share. The drinks list features certified Italian artisan beers and Italian-only vino options, so scan your eye over the Sangiovese options. 

‘In Italy, the experience matters as much as the food, for us – it’s so important you leave happy and full and hopefully surprised and delighted. I want to make sure we do more than just put a pizza on the table,’ says Alessio. 

The Code is open Wednesday to Sunday. 

The Code
37 Langridge Street, Collingwood, 3066
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 4 pm to 10 pm
thecodepizzabar.com.au