Hatted Chef Shakes up Carlton at new Sega Pizza Chiusa in a Laundromat
Looking for an exciting new Italian experience in Melbourne? In the heart of Carlton on Elgin Street, a unique culinary venture has emerged, blending the charm of a laundromat with the sophistication of high-quality Italian cuisine. SEGA Pizza Chiusa, led by hatted chef Andrea Vignali, is redefining urban dining with its innovative approach to pressed pizzas, toasties, desserts (matcha and donut heaven) and an array of delectable offerings. This is a destination where quality ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and a vibrant atmosphere converge to create something truly special. From breakfast to dinner, coffee breaks to dessert indulgences, SEGA Pizza Chiusa is capturing the attention of Melbourne’s food scene with its bold flavors and creative setting.
At the core of SEGA Pizza Chiusa’s appeal is its commitment to excellence. Chef Andrea Vignali, already celebrated for his work at Al Dente Enoteca, one of Melbourne’s finest Italian restaurants, brings his culinary expertise to this unassuming laundromat setting. The concept is simple yet brilliantly executed: pressed pizzas and toasties crafted with precision, using only the finest ingredients. The custom pizza bases, baked to a specific recipe for Andrea by a skilled pizza baker, are a standout feature. They provide the perfect foundation for the vibrant toppings, striking a balance between crispy and chewy that elevates every bite. Unlike some of the heavily loaded sandwiches found elsewhere in the city, these creations are thoughtfully composed, allowing each ingredient to shine without overwhelming the palate.
The menu at SEGA Pizza Chiusa is concise but packed with flavour. Diners can choose to enjoy their favorite flavours as either a pressed pizza or a toastie, offering versatility that caters to different cravings. The Scazzato, a fiery combination of spicy salame, fior di latte, smoked provolone, rocket, onion cream, and Andrea’s signature chilli paste, is a crowd favorite. Its spicy, smoky, and creamy profile delivers a bold yet harmonious taste that lingers long after the last bite. For cheese lovers, the Casaro Cazzaro toastie is a decadent delight, featuring a rich blend of provolone, brie, mozzarella, and stracciatella. Optional additions like mushrooms or truffle elevate it further, making it a luxurious treat. Another standout is the Tua Sorella, a pressed pizza or toastie loaded with mozzarella, mortadella, and stracciatella, delivering a messy but irresistible experience that’s perfect for sharing, though you might not want to.
Beyond the savoury offerings, SEGA Pizza Chiusa excels in its dessert and coffee selections. The Matcha Tiramisu is a creative twist on the classic Italian dessert, offering a refreshing and indulgent way to end a meal. For those with a sweet tooth, tarts from Tarts Anon and donuts imported directly from Italy provide additional temptation. The coffee, sourced from St Ali, is another highlight, ensuring that even a quick caffeine stop is a moment of quality. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee while waiting for your laundry or settling in for a full meal, the experience feels curated and intentional, a testament to Andrea’s dedication to his craft.
What sets SEGA Pizza Chiusa apart is its ability to transform a mundane space into a hub of culinary creativity. The laundromat setting adds a layer of urban charm, where patrons can sip St Ali coffee, savour a pressed pizza, or enjoy a toastie while their clothes spin in the background. It’s a perfect encapsulation of modern city living, blending practicality with pleasure. The food, despite the casual environment, is anything but ordinary. Each dish reflects Andrea’s skill and passion, with ingredients sourced for quality and flavors designed to impress. The bread, baked fresh at Al Dente Enoteca, is a particular point of pride, adding authenticity and depth to the menu.
SEGA Pizza Chiusa is already earning praise for its exceptional offerings. The pressed pizzas are surprisingly filling, making them a great option for taking home to share with family or friends. I rate this destination highly after an impressive visit. The response from those who’ve tried it is overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the perfect balance of flavors and the care put into every detail. This is a testament to Andrea Vignali’s ability to innovate while staying true to his Italian roots. Whether you’re a foodie seeking the next great meal or simply passing through with a load of laundry, SEGA Pizza Chiusa delivers an experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious. With its blend of hatted-chef expertise, quality ingredients, and a one-of-a-kind setting, this laundromat-turned-eatery is quickly becoming a must-visit destination in Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene.