Just off Lygon Street and across from the Carlton Wine Room is the D.O.C. Pizza and Mozzarella Bar. People speculate what the initials D.O.C. stands for firstly. Sadly nothing easy to remember like "Department of Corrections" but instead is an abbreviation for Denominazione di origine controllata ("Controlled designation of origin") which is a quality assurance label for Italian food products, especially wines and various cheeses. An apt way to infer that the restaurant serves great produce. When I was at the Prahran Market earlier in the week, I sourced some Australian scamorsa unsmoked mozzarella since the proper Italian buffalo mozzarella was sold out at the delicatessen. This left my being longing for some of what I couldn't have which is one of the reasons why I ended up at the D.O.C. Pizza and Mozzarella Bar. They technically have a "Mozzarella Bar" section on their menu where you can purchase each of the aforementioned cheeses and match it with pesto, sardines, air cured beef, lightly smoked proscuitto, cured meats or what we opted for - San Daniele Prosciutto from Italy. It was great to match the cheese from the water buffalo's milk and when washed down with a Peroni, it was even better. More than a dozen pizzas and a calzone are available to order from the "Pizza Bar" and the same high quality produce is used. We ordered the Pizza Speck - with smoked prosciutto, fontina, wild mushrooms and thyme ($22.50) where you have the option of substituting the cheese on the pizza with buffalo mozzarella for an additional $5.50. The introduction of the fontina (cow's milk Italian cheese) was excellent and there was a strong smell of thyme. The thin-based pizza essentially was crispy and if it was possible, every time I wanted a pizza, I would turn up here. You have the option of dining outside on the street, which is protected by a tree. The brick building holds the air conditioning in well but not the noise. I found it can get quite loud but this is not a fine-dining option by any means, so it really doesn't matter. There is a row of seating near the fireplace that lines the wall toward the bathroom that you probably would want to avoid as you will receive an endless flow of traffic skirting past you as the happy patrons traverse the aisle to relieve themselves. Service was relatively non-existent however I noticed that if you possess an Italian accent you will be entitled to a chat and some additional enthusiasm. Once we were asked if we wanted anything else and the server posed the question and never stopped walking. I ordered a Nutella calzonocino with vanilla bean ice cream ($10.90) and an additional beer whilst the server was doing something at another table. The place wasn't packed so I thought it was bizarre that he couldn't stop for a few seconds and attend to us. Did I mention that the Nutella in the calzone was just so good that I feel guilty typing this instead of languishing at the gym and sweating it out? The opportunity cost certainly was worth it. read more

Heard lots of good stuff about the food here so was looking forward to trying the pizzas. The staff had the authentic Italian feel, accents and service. Liked the menu - plenty to choose. Had the selection of cured meats which were fantastic and loved the buffalo mozzarella. Absolute fave was the mushroom pizza with truffle oil! Awesome flavours! read more

Proper Italian ingredients (DOC = Denominazione di Origine Controllata, Italy's answer to the EU's "Protected Designation of Origin" laws), buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes (It's concerning how many Italian restaurants and delis have never even heard of this staple ingredient), etc. Dishes here range from rustic to elegant, but the variety appears intentional and appropriate. The wine cocktails... remind me of Brioni casual wear in all it's bright gaudy glory. You want to think they must be counterfeit, but they are just way too sickly sweet, brightly and confusingly flavored to not be absolutely authentic. That said, they do feel like a bit of a cultural adventure, if not something I'd actively seek out to enjoy. The starters are perfect, they almost feel like your on tour at the producer. A particular ingredient is served with minimal handling and perhaps a few accompaniments to highlight characteristics worth highlighting. This respect for and faith in the quality of ingredients is not as common as it should be, but DOC nails it. Pizzas are no different from the starters, everything simple and respectful of the ingredients. You will find no muddled flavors here, every topping serves a specific purpose. This lends itself to the primary criticism about price. People used to their "Meaty, Meaty, Meat Lovers Max Supreme Forte" will be angry at being served less than the 2kg of random meats they expect and will complain about price. I found that the amounts of meat, lemons, or whatever were near perfect. Flavors of the crust, base, and cheese are complimented and present in every bite. Once again, highlighted, not dominated by toppings. The desserts, while very nice, I feel they were a departure from the rest of the offerings. I'm not sure this is a bad thing, however. The light and modern take on the tiramisu, might be the ideal accompaniment to a post dinner coffee. without making you feel stodgy after the meat and cheese heavy mains. (They should totally add a dark chocolate mousse with a peppery olive oil and finishing salt.) On standard eating out nights, you will wait in line to be seated, for quite awhile, so be prepared, and you will wait further as you food is prepared. I think, in reality the wait for food is reasonable, just so many places focus on speed and turnover, which skews perspective. The staff seem to receive a bit of criticism. I don't remember being impacted much one way or the other. Questions I had were answered, my awful attempts at Italian pronunciations were politely tolerated, and food was served as it was ready. DOC isn't going to blow you away with glitz and glam, hence so many reviews about "it's not that great," so don't expect that. DOC will serve you top quality Italian ingredients expertly handled and for that, they are currently my favorite pizza place in Melbourne. read more

This was the perfect place after a long day. The pizza was one of the freshest I have tried in a long time. I had the spicy pepperoni was over the top. Generous pizza sizes with a great variety. The atmosphere was very inviting and the staff was very quick. The food was great and the drinks were just as refreshing. This is the place to go after a long day and you don't want to be disappointed. If we had stayed longer I would have gone back for another visit. Well worth the trip!!! read more

The waiters are intimidating and very arrogant when they spoke but still have good customer service. We asked for recommendations but the waiter said everything was "good" and the pizzas we had were just mediocre. Bad experience overall read more

Food is great, simple and authentic. Table service is great, fast and fits the atmosphere. However, the door staff were very curt, bordering on arrogant. We were asked to wait 30 min for a table and we were not allowed to go for a drink elsewhere as we would loose our spot. If a restaurant is not going to have a booking system, then at the least have a walk in queue and notification (SMS or call etc) system in place. read more

It's actually difficult to get good pizza on Lygon Street (and even harder to get it delivered). D.O.C. doesn't feel touristy, and doesn't have touts trying to get you to impulse-buy their restaurant. The staff appear to have actually been to, or just come from, Italy. The food and atmosphere are simple and authentic, which is commendable so close to Lygon Street. read more

We ordered the seafood pizza, fig/prosciutto pizza, rucula and radicchio salads. Pizzas were amazing and the salads were large / delicious. friendly and accommodating staff made it a fun night for all. motto graci DOC..motto bene. .. read more

Loved it! Waiters were great, good fun and really make your night fun without getting in in your face too much. Food was fantastic!!!

Small, crowded, not very comfortable. Pizza is expensive and mostly just cheese. Wouldn't recommend, won't go again.

One of the best pizzas I've had in Melbourne. Authentic Napoleon style and very friendly staff. Delicioso!

I must say very hit and miss - both service and standard of pizza. Sometimes staff are very friendly and accommodating, making you feel welcome. Other times you feel as though you are a nuisance. Pizza is sometimes very overcooked and ingredients are sparse, other times the pizza is good. It isn't a cheap eat, I look for value in both service and food standard when spending good money on a pizza. read more

Average food but unique (doesn't allow adjustments to your order). Food came pretty quick which was good. However we asked for some water and they opened a bottle of mineral water $7. Overall the customer service was top notch. Slightly expensive but hey its pretty much Lygon. read more

Despite being Little Italy, Lygon St and the surrounds have very little good Italian food. Mostly it's very average. DOC is a rare exception - the pizzas here are outstanding, as good as I've had in Italy. Authentic crispy bases with well-chosen, high-quality but simple toppings. read more

I dined at DOC on a couple of occasions in its early days.. It was the new epidemic in Melbourne.. Obviously chose the wrong times to go as it was so always so packed but I had no choice as it was for birthday dinners.. I found it just too busy!! I mean, the place was completely jamming.. The waiters couldn't even get around the tables and chairs to deliver food.. Unlucky for us we attended on hot summer nights.. anyone that frequents Lygon street would understand that hot summer nights are not the night to attempt dining in Carlton.. If not for anything else but the very limited parking.. I know I'm going against the majority of recommendations for this place, my friends absolutely love it!! I'm only about halfway there, the pizzas are good but I can't see what all the extra hype is about.. What can I say that I loved about DOC ~ Probably the fresh prosciutto cut from the bone and the authenticity of the thin bases!! But I didn't like that we couldn't book a table, waiting for a table when hungry just doesn't mix for me.. Nonetheless these guys have expanded so they are obviously doing it right.. read more

Real let down due to the service. One of the waiters was very displeased and became confrontational toward one of our friends at the table when he asked the waiter for water to be brought to us. Before I could pull him up on it he was out of our sights and another waiter brought the water. I decided not to further spoil our night and carried on. ( The table next to us looked like they were on a date and the same waiter kept making them uncomfortable with his sleazy approach towards the girl). The pizza was great, but to be honest there are many other places around that have managed to match and even better these guys when it comes to quality pizza. What's more is that the atmosphere and service at the other places totally defeat DOC hands down. Ferdinand in Westgarth, in my opinion, make better pizza, have a great atmosphere and most importantly amazing service that make you feel welcomed. read more

Fantastic crust and ingredients to go with. My favorite is the DOC pie itself, with really excellent mozzarella. Loud, small, and usually packed, but well worth it. read more

Compared to the other places near DOC, there is nothing special about it. Same espresso, same food, but the other places have better service. read more