Those who have spotted a pair of neon-red hands with pinched fingers in the window of a Rathdowne Street shop may have found their own hands making the same gesture of frustration – when is Joanne's Pizzeria going to open?

After more than three months, they have an answer. Takeaway pizza, whole or by the slice, will be coming out of the kitchen hot from February 22, as owner Milad Marben gears up for a full opening with dine-in and a liquor licence within the month.

He's no stranger to the dough game, having worked in pizzerias since the age of 15 then going on to open his own, Pizza Stazione in Fairfield, at the age of 18 (which he sold after a decade). A stint away from hospitality in 2019 taught him that serving diners was his happy place.

Fast-forward to 2023 and he's soft opening Joanne's this week. Expect New York-meets-Neapolitan pizzas with toppings such as chorizo and potato or salami and spiced honey. Stay tuned for details of the full restaurant.

Open for takeaway Wed-Thu 4pm-late, Fri-Sun noon-late.

639 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North, Instagram @joannespizzeria