King & Godfree Deli

In 2015 the heritage-listed King & Godfree building on the corner of Carlton’s Lygon and Faraday streets began a dramatic renovation. It was always a hub of Italian deli goods, coffee, food and groceries – and well know for being a pioneer of bringing Italian food and goods to Australians – but when it reopened in December 2018 it expanded and became home to three different businesses: King & Godfree Espresso Bar, Johnny’s Green Room, a rooftop bar; and this deli and grocer, which is an expanded and overhauled version of what this landmark Carlton corner site was always about: being a microcosm of an Italian market.

The space feels timeless rather than on trend. Maintaining the heritage of the building formed a large part of the design brief. The King & Godfree crest, removed during renovation, has been rebuilt by a terrazzo maker.

At this grocer you’ll find artisan cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy in London; roast meats and salumi; take-home meals; and shelves upon shelves of dried pasta, house-made pasta sauces, Burd Eggs, Campari jam, panettone, nougat, and Piedmontese chocolate wafers. And coffee, stacked tins of Sirena tuna, salads to go, specialty dried goods, veggies and roasted meats.