Carlton restaurants extend far beyond cherished Lygon Street—although the historic strip is still home to some of the most restaurants dishing up authentic Italian in all of Melbourne/Naarm.
With that being said, over the years Carlton has grown to become one of the most vibrant culinary hotspots in town, buzzing with secret sake spots, European-leaning wine bars and sleek Japanese restaurants. Here are Urban List’s recommendations on the best restaurants Carlton has to offer in 2024:
Kaprica
50 Grattan Street, Carlton
Image credit: Kaprica | Jana Longhorst
A severely underrated restaurant, Kaprica is the Italian haven that churns out not only some of the best pizza and pasta on the scene, but offers a tender and home-like dining experience. Tucked away off Lygon Street, inside you’ll find tables interspersed with cosy couches and coffee tables, warmly lit with an abundance of lamps and low-hanging lights. Just as you would in Italy, order your wine by the half of full litre jug, and don’t stop until you’ve tried the Mr John Pizza.
Lagoon Dining
263 Lygon Street, Carlton
Image credit: Lagoon Dining | Supplied
Lagoon Dining is an institution in its own right. After taking over the old Lygon Food Store site a few years back, the restaurant has grown to become one of the best restaurants in Carlton (and the city, for that matter). Co-owner and head chef Keat Lee brings a modern interpretation to Chinese culinary traditions in a moody, intimate setting. Expect swanky cocktails, and playful servings of sticky lamb ribs on garlic-buttered white bread.
Leonardo’s Pizza Palace
29 Grattan Street, Carlton
Image credit: Leonardo's Pizza Palace | Supplied
Resurrected after a fire that forced the restaurant to close their doors, Leonardo’s Pizza Palace slaps just as it always has, cementing itself as one of the best restaurants in Carlton. The menu is pretty much the real deal—Italian dishes with a healthy dose of nostalgia. The definite go-to that landed in our best pizza wrap is the pepperoni pizza, but you cannot pass up on the spag bol.
Carlton Wine Room
172 - 174 Faraday Street, Carlton
Reliable, sleek and really know their stuff about wine pairings. If you haven’t yet frequented one of the best restaurants in Carlton, it’s time you make a trip to Carlton Wine Room. A two-level corner establishment, the bistro and bar specialise in wines sourced from around the globe, matching it with fine dining creations like the crispiest duck and pork croquettes with three dollops of prune vinegar.
Brico
555 Nicholson Street, Carlton North
Brico is a newcomer to the scene, and already has climbed to become a top restaurant in Carlton. It leans more towards what you might expect from a wine bar, but the main focus here is the produce-driven menu by head chef Simon Ball-Smith. Guided by local suppliers, the European-style dishes are paired-back to daringly simple. Take the octopus for instance—grilled Coffin Bay baby octopus soaked in lemon and oregano.
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Johnny, Vince and Sam’s
306 - 308 Lygon Street, Carlton
Image credit: Johnny, Vince And Sam's | Supplied
We were a touch skeptical when the news broke that comedy trio Sooshi Mango were opening their own restaurant. But when Johnny, Vince And Sam’s came to be on Lygon Street, we were pleasantly surprised. The restaurant is serving up some of the most heart warming—or as the menu states, “farkena fresh”—Italian dishes, true to the core of Carlton. The standout has to be the orecchiette, a healthy serving of handmade pasta tossed in with broccoli, basil pesto and potato and topped with parmesan. Bellissimo.
Di Stasio
224 Faraday Street, Carlton
Di Stasio is a name that is synonymous with Italian restaurants, and boasts one of the most beautiful outdoor dining space in all of Carlton restaurants. The menu is a tick-what-you-want design to make ordering a breeze, which is a great thing when the options are endless. Di Stasio is a staple in Melbourne, and certainly one of the best Carlton restaurants.
Leonie Upstairs
15 - 17 Lincoln Square South, Carlton
Image credit: Leonie Upstairs | Supplied
Leonie Upstairs calls itself a bar, but the dining experience is top-notch, making itself a strong contender in the best Carlton restaurants game. Hidden above Hareruya Pantry behind a huge steel door posing the question ‘sake…?’, you’ll find this charming Japanese restaurant and sake bar. They roll fresh temaki sushi on the daily, or you can opt for the DIY set for a hands-on experience, and there’s over 50 sakes on offer by the glass.
The Lincoln Hotel
91 Cardigan Street, Carlton
Image credit: Hotel Lincoln | Supplied
Perched on the corner of Queensberry Street and Cardigan Street, The Lincoln Hotel might look like your typical pub from the outside, but once you step in and get your hands on a menu, you’ll quickly realise the elevated approach this place is taking (it’s why we think they’re one of the best pubs in town). Exceptional freshly shucked oysters, XO sauce blue swimmer crabs on rice crackers, and sirloin steak served with a zesty Chimichurri. The 12 taps constantly rotate through craft brews, and the wine list features some of Australia’s most progressive winemakers. Open a sweet, sweet seven days a week.
D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar
295 Drummond Street, Carlton
Not to be mistaken for the espresso bar or the delicatessen also in Carlton (although both are just as banging), D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar is where you can find a pizza list with over 19 classically Neapolitan options, featuring fresh buffalo mozzarella, San Daniele prosciutto and D.O.C deli’s own pork sausage. There’s always people pouring out of the venue, so best book ahead.
Looking for more to eat around Melbourne? We know what’s up:
Leading image credit: Leonardo's Pizza Palace | Supplied
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