Best Restaurants in Carlton

by OpenTable Australia

Updated November 09, 2023

Discover the best neighbourhood gems to dine at for your next visit in Carlton. From classic Italian spots to brunch cafes and fusion eateries, this charming suburb has it all.

Credit: Lagoon Dining

Agostino

4.4

4.4 (297)

$41 to $100

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

A wine bar, store and cellar in the heart of Carlton.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Foods were good but the best part of our evening was is the restaurant manager was very friendly and she recommends all excellent choices including very good wine from Italy. Our entrees are good with the outstanding pasta with Moreton Bay bug as the main course. We certainly will come back in the near future.

Bio by DOC

4.4

4.4 (117)

$41 to $100

Vegetarian / Vegan

Carlton

About the restaurant

A neighbourhood restaurant in Melbourne just North of the city, dedicated to Italian cuisine, focused on a plant-based and gluten free menu'.
We offer traditional Italian food thanks to our experienced head chef, Tommaso Bartoli, born out of Florence, Italy.

Everyday we source our fresh produce from the finest local organic farmers to ensure the highest quality is being delivered to our guests. Our wine list is entirely composed of biodynamic and organic wines, always looking at a story behind the Lebel.

We also host an open cocktail bar which allows guests to have a drink here before their dinner or just enjoy a casual drink and bite.

Top review

Jacqueline

Dined on Jan 5, 2022

Delicious cocktails and food. Great for Coeliacs and vegans!

Bossa Nova Cafe

4.8

4.8 (136)

$40 and under

Brazilian

Carlton

About the restaurant

Looking for an authentic Brazilian restaurant or just tired of poached eggs & avo on toast?

No matter what you are looking for, at Bossa Nova Café we take pride in serving real Brazilian Food that will take you straight to Brazil after your first bite.

From the lovely beats of Bossa Nova to the quirky & colourful decoration, Bossa Nova's experience was inspired by the most diverse aspects of our culture, to bring Melbournians to Brazil and the Brazilian soul to Melbourne.

Stop by to say Olá, don't leave without trying our truly delicious coffee and delight yourself with the best of the Brazilian Cuisine.

We will be happy to have you in our casa.

Top review

Courtney

Dined on Nov 4, 2023

Great music, staff, and food! The decor is also really nice.

Brandon Hotel

4.6

4.6 (253)

$40 and under

Pub

Carlton North

About the restaurant

A hidden secret in the backstreets of Carlton North.

True corner pub, and home away from home, the Brandon's charming front bar remains true to the traditional style of the corner pub, and is where those in the know head for a pint and a meal. Follow through to the dining room where the menu offers innovative takes on old classics and a modern interpretation of pub grub.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Great pub, great service, cold beer and a top meal. Not too much I can add. Enjoyed it very much.

Cafe Cavallino

4.6

4.6 (89)

$40 and under

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

Gino Francese opened his first restaurant in 1971 in Melbourne, Australia. The restaurant was an instant success because of its authentic Italian Pizza, Pasta, Seafood, Steak and friendly service. Cafe Cavallino is owned by Gino Francese. Cafe Cavallino will continue serving the same traditional Italian style cuisine that has been done so by the Francese family for the past 43 years. Cafe Cavallino provides one of the largest alfresco seating areas in Melbourne, to give you the true dining experience and atmosphere of Lygon Street. The Cafe Cavallino mission is to continue serving you with the freshest food within the cleanest environment. Gino Francese has built an excellent reputation for his traditional Italian homestyle cuisine and friendly atmosphere that stands strong today.

Top review

AngelaW

Dined on Nov 16, 2023

The food and service were excellent. Highly recommended and I can’t wait to go back again to try more things on the menu.

Chapati Carlton

4.4

4.4 (10)

$40 and under

Indian

Carlton

About the restaurant

Chapati not only brings Indian culture in limelight but also wakes up Indian in each one of us. At Chapati, we aim to serve people the most authentic Indian cuisine. Our food is uniquely from the true sources of gourmet homes & street stalls across India. Experience unparalleled desi food magic here in Australia. We ensure you will have an intimate and relaxed dining experience with dedicated staff ensuring your time on our premises is memorable.

Top review

rosyPMW

Dined on Apr 8, 2023

Food was excellent, though a little bit expensive. Service was ok - staff are friendly, but not very professional. For example, they had to be told to bring cutlery, water, etc. Nice ambiance and beautiful wall colours/wall decorations.

Copperwood

4.5

4.5 (34)

$41 to $100

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

A carefully selected menu of traditional and popular Authentic Italian Mediterranean dishes presented with flair and energy.
Copperwood’s lively atmosphere creates and attracts a lively crowd of patrons looking for a great menu, excellent decor and friendly service.
The amazing Location of Lygon St is in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, enjoys a fantastic lunchtime and night life that’s got it all. Copperwood has contributed to this since 1956.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

We were greeted by our waiter who was very interactive and attentive. The service and food were excellent. The friendly banter from our waiter added to the overall experience to such an extend that it felt like both a dinner and a show. A great night out for four friends.

Da Guido La Pasta

4.7

4.7 (110)

$41 to $100

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Lygon Street, Da Guido is the perfect spot for long launches with friends and special celebrations with your family.
Be prepared to experience tasty drinks and exceptional food.
To ensure genuine Italian taste and style, the dishes are exclusively prepared by Italian chefs trained in our Venetian restaurant in Italy.
We select our Italian wines only from small artisan winemakers who we personally know and trust.
Tagliatelle, maccheroni, fusilli and spaghetti are just some of the authentic handmade Italian specialities we serve for your palate's pleasure.

Top review

JohnC

Dined on Oct 14, 2023

We have been to Da Guido La Pasta several times. This time I had the Ravioli Wagyu and my wife had the Gnocchi alla Genovese. Both were fantastic! I always have to "force" myself to try and order something different from the last time since whatever I had the last time was awesomely delicious. And, each time, when I choose something new, it also is awesomely delicious. I have never had a meal there that wasn't some of the best Italian food I have ever eaten. Order anything on the menu. You won't go wrong. The staff are very attentive, friendly and helpful without "hovering". We will be back again, and again I will try to order something different than I have had before.

Di Stasio Carlton

4.4

4.4 (247)

$40 and under

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

A lockdown obsession for Rinaldo Di Stasio and Mallory Wall, Di Stasio Pizzeria is poised to open in Carlton in mid-November. The third venue for the high-profile restaurateur couple sits behind the King and Godfree complex on the corner of Lygon and Faraday streets and has glamorous echoes of their Di Stasio Citta pleasure palace in the city. Designed by architect Di Ritter of Hassell, also responsible for Citta, the pizzeria has three separate spaces inside, adorned with Reko Rennie artwork and Shaun Gladwell sculptures, and a courtyard bar centred around a fountain imported from the Roman countryside. Chef Federico Congiu, who has worked with Di Stasio for five years, is making his own jersey milk mozzarella fiore di latte for the pizzas. Congiu has sourced five growers around the Yarra Valley to grow and preserve San Marzano tomatoes for pizza toppings and is having special durum wheat flour milled in Tamworth.

Top review

Joannea

Dined on Jan 1, 2023

Great food in the traditions of all of the De Stasio group. Lovely wait staff and beautiful food.

DOC Espresso

4.1

4.1 (58)

$41 to $100

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.

Top review

MatthewD

Dined on Sep 17, 2023

I just love this place. The staff are lovely and the food is fantastic. I never get tired of eating here.

DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton

4.4

4.4 (452)

$40 and under

Pizzeria

Carlton

About the restaurant

D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.

Top review

Sarah

Dined 4 days ago

Authentic, delicious, hot and fast and great price. Our fave pizza in Melbourne.

Discover more

Experience

Three-course DOC Degustazione Menu ($70)

Experience

Two-course DOC Degustazione menu ($60)

Donnini's

4.6

4.6 (567)

$41 to $100

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

Donnini's is a generational Italian eatery with a sincere focus on handmade pasta, real food, generous hospitality & well sourced wines.

Family owned and operated DONNINI'S relaxed atmosphere and honest approach to traditional cooking provides the perfect environment for family get-togethers, intimate dinners and business lunches alike.

Top review

AlanS

Dined 6 days ago

This was our first visit, following a recommendation from a friend. We were not disappointed. The food was fresh and very tasty. We had a lovely relaxed time and even chatted with the manager about the current in-season produce, before we ordered. The large size meals can easily be shared, leaving space for an entree or desert. Well Worth the trip to Lygon Street.

Flovie Florist Cafe

4.3

4.3 (277)

$40 and under

Australian

Carlton

About the restaurant

Embodying old and new, Flovie incorporates both contemporary design with antique pieces. A large vintage cabinet is used for displaying fresh cut flowers and a German-made piano takes centre stage among hanging floral garlands and dried foliage. In their left corner, a curve wooden stair case leads you to the event and function space upstairs. High ceiling, two large rustic bronze crystal chandeliers and black and white French styling make it a perfect venue for your next private function or corporate event. Before you go my friend take a bouquet with you, for you never know who you may meet as you start your colourful journey. That is the proper way, the Flovie way, flowers and love. See me again, you’re always welcome at Flovie as we’ll always be early.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

Very interesting cafe. We we well out of the dominant demographic but enjoyed the experience.

Good Gnocchi

4.7

4.7 (106)

$41 to $100

Italian

Carlton North

About the restaurant

A very relaxed and delicious bar & bistro in Carlton North. GG's has a selection of light antipasti alongside gnocchi, pasta and comforting mains. Wash it down with a fun cocktail, or browse our delicious and approachable wine list.

Top review

Wesleyburnslovesfoodx

Dined 4 days ago

Good Gnocchi is not just good its great! the special last night should be on the menu always!

Humble Rays

4.3

4.3 (33)

$40 and under

Café

Carlton

About the restaurant

A crowd favourite brunch location in the heart of Melbourne, offering innovative, fun, photogenic and delicious food in an inviting and relaxing space. Chef and co-owner, Sutinee works her magic on an array of Asian-inspired comfort dishes, balancing spice, sweetness, sourness, and saltiness to perfection. Be sure to try the signature Crab Meat Scramble! Sit back, immerse yourself in the calm and relaxing tones of eggshelll blue, mint green and colourful vibrant patterns to enjoy your oat matcha latte. Open daily 8:00am - 4:00pm (kitchen closes at 3:00pm). Awarded 2017 Melbourne Top 20 Brunch Cafes by The Age Good Food Guide and recognised as 2018 Most Popular Cafe by Zomato with the highest number of bookmarks by users.

Top review

JenniferO

Dined on Oct 6, 2023

Everything about Humble Rays was fabulous. The food, the service and the experience were perfect. I was in a group of 5 people, and we all agreed that we will go back. I suggest that you go there hungry as there is nothing humble about the meal portions.

Johnny's Green Room

4.4

4.4 (61)

$41 to $100

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

The original Johnny's was a late-night, good-time Carlton classic. A neon pool hall. It's glowing sign drew musicians, artists, gangsters and students who mingles at all hour. It wasn't always savoury but it was never dull. Our new rooftop incarnation of Johnny's has retained this sense of fun but swapped the notorious pool hall vibe for amazing 360 degree views and the sophisticated ambiance of a rooftop party in Rome. Classic and house cocktails, easy drinking wines & beers and a menu of Italy's greatest hits.

Top review

DianneC

Dined on Dec 27, 2020

What a perfect lunch! Beautiful views, attentive and accommodating staff, outstanding food, great music. Thank you

Kahaani Modern Indian

4.2

4.2 (40)

$40 and under

Indian

Carlton

About the restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant

Top review

Alysha

Dined on Nov 18, 2023

The best Indian food I've ever had! The flavours and presentation of the entire meal was incredible. The cocktails were very creative and beautifully presented, I'd never thought of Indian tapas but each dish was presented with care and detail and the flavours were delightful. This place is a must go, to experience Modern Indian food in Melbourne.

Discover more

Experience

Make my feast

Experience

Bottomless Tapas Food Only

Experience

Everything Bottomless Indian Tapas

King & Godfree

3.9

3.9 (216)

$40 and under

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

Since 1884 the deli has offered Specialty Italian produce to Carlton and beyond. Dine in for lunch or dinner in the deli or on the corner of Faraday and Lygon St. in Carlton al fresco. Traditional yet playful Italian fare prepared by our talented head chef. Salumi sliced straight from the deli, antipasti, salads and daily specials from the rosticceria. With a full wine list of BYO options available from our bottle shop.

Top review

Carrie

Dined on Nov 22, 2023

Great service and great food. Our only issue was pouring the dregs of the bottle of pinot grigio when serving a glass. It really tasted like the dregs -- not sure when it had been opened. Would have better to open a new bottle.

La Spaghettata

4.2

4.2 (40)

$40 and under

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

La Spaghettata is classic Italian dining at its best.
Characterised by its charming history that spans 35 years, it has established itself as one of Melbourne's most beloved Italian restaurants.

We offer Classic Italian dining experience with warm family hospitality in the hart of Lygon Street precinct. Our popular dishes are Pasta, Tiramisu, Lasagne, Bruschettas, Seafood, Spaghetti Marinara.
We welcome all customers with children.

Top review

DallasM

Dined on Sep 2, 2023

We had an excellent family 21st party, the food and service was excellent

Lagoon Dining

4.7

4.7 (443)

$41 to $100

Asian

Carlton

About the restaurant

Lagoon Dining is a restaurant and bar dishing up food that leans heavily on Chinese culinary traditions. It is an expression of food we love to eat and to cook, dished up heartily alongside booze we like to swill - a place for friends and fun.

Top review

JulieC

Dined 4 days ago

Lagoon Dining in Lygon St Carlton is a welcome addition to the streetscape of largely Italian themed restaurants . The food was interesting and the flavours unusual designed around a shared plate experience. The service was excellent and the staff were very friendly helpful and well informed about the food they were serving.

Discover more

Experience

New Year's Eve 2023!

Laurus Melbourne

4.5

4.5 (51)

$41 to $100

Contemporary Asian

Carlton

About the restaurant

A new Melbourne dining destination.

Laurus Melbourne is the embodiment of modern Chinese dining through an Australian lens brought to you by a team with decades of hospitality experience. With a focus on progressive Southern Chinese cuisine, the menu evokes a blending of two cultures, showcasing experimental and bold flavour combinations.

The Laurus experience pays respect to tradition and promotes a harmony with both nostalgia and the new, akin to the ancient Chinese philosophy of ying and yang. This notion of duality is reimagined as complementary rather than in opposition. Laurus is a destination that appeals those seeking a sense of nostalgia and those looking to venture where they have not been before.

Top review

NayanaP

Dined on Aug 12, 2023

Food was good. Staff were really good. Happy with the service.

Marama Wine

4.7

4.7 (31)

$41 to $100

Dining Bar

Carlton North

About the restaurant

Modern Wine Bar with a strong focus on small Australian producers. Serving up delicious wines, classic cocktails made with the good stuff, great beer and food to snack or feast.

Top review

localDiner

Dined on Oct 19, 2023

Lovely food and service, plus a great choice of wine

Mercandante Woodfired Pizzeria

4.2

4.2 (13)

$40 and under

Italian

Carlton

About the restaurant

At Mercadante we are passionate about our food and customer service!
We are always ready to serve with love ❤️

Top review

Local

Dined on Oct 14, 2023

Lively casual pizza & pasta joint that was perfect for our large group. The pizzas are really good - fabulous crispy bases - a definite go to. The staff were also very accommodating, given the size of our group. Recommend.

Milk the Cow - Carlton

4.5

4.5 (450)

$40 and under

European

Carlton

About the restaurant

Milk the Cow Licensed Fromagerie is a late night cheese bar located in St Kilda and Carlton, Melbourne. We have over 180 different cheeses from all around the world in our 6-metre long cheese cabinet, expertly curated and cared for by our team of cheesemongers.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 7 days ago

Exceptional customer service, presentation on cheese and wine. Lovely place to dine. Will definitely return next time in Melbourne. Highly recommend!

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Experience

$10 Menu, Celebrating 10 Years of The Cow!

Experience

$35 Lunch Boards, includes a glass of wine or beer

Experience

$10 Menu, Celebrating 10 Years of The Cow!

Mint & Co Restaurant and Lounge

4.2

4.2 (6)

$40 and under

Middle Eastern

Carlton

About the restaurant

Mint ٤ Co – Restaurant + Lounge is a Middle Eastern Fusion restaurant based in Carlton. Our modern Australian kitchen superbly combines the flavours of the Middle East. We offer an extensive and unique food and drink menu and are open for dinner- 7 days a week.
We are also proud to offer our exclusive Dubai-inspired leisure menu. We have a large indoor restaurant, an open outdoor courtyard area with a retractable roof, a private dining room and we cater for group bookings and functions.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Nov 1, 2021

Beautiful food and amazing service!

Sleepy's cafe and wine bar

5.0

5 (11)

$41 to $100

Chinese (Shanghai)

Carlton North

About the restaurant

Neighbourhood cafe and wine bar with a Chinese influence

Top review

DeborahM

Dined on Oct 22, 2023

Amazing as usual!! Thanks again for the experience

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Experience

Death to Mains!

Taquito

4.7

4.7 (381)

$40 and under

Mexican

Carlton

About the restaurant

Inspired Mexican bar and eatery in Carlton. Hand making every tortilla from scratch. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday - Bookings are essential

Top review

LinaMunoz

Dined on Oct 13, 2023

We went to celebrate my friend's birthday and we had an amazing time :) The food was beautiful, and the staff was lovely. We ordered tacos, elotes, some chips and doughnuts to put some candles on. Highly recommended! Gracias ❤️

The Carlton Wine Room

4.7

4.7 (715)

$41 to $100

European

Carlton

About the restaurant

Carlton Wine Room is a neighbourhood restaurant offering a well-executed, fresh, seasonal food menu, and an ever changing, diverse wine list featuring the best of Italy, Australia and the rest of the World. We offer a bar space, an upstairs restaurant dining room and three unique spaces that are can be booked for private dining perfect for special events.

RESERVATIONS: are for a two hour sitting. We do not accept bookings for drinks and snacks, however we accept walk-ins for this if space permits. A surcharge of up to 1.2% applies to credit card transactions. A surcharge of 10% applies on Sundays and 15% on Public Holidays.

OUTSIDE SEATING: please note this is subject to the weather and we may not be able to move your reservation inside in the case of bad weather.

CANCELLATION: A $50 per person no show fee is charged for failing to attend your reservation. Contact us on 9347 2626 to make changes or cancel your reservation.

Top review

BarryM

Dined 5 days ago

The new Summer Menu has a lot of interesting choices. We went with a selection of starters including the scallop tostadas which were all great. Flathead and wagyu were just beautiful for main course and the wines suggested by Travis were just a perfect match for the food and the service was excellent

Vertue Coffee Roasters CARLTON

4.6

4.6 (9)

$40 and under

Café

Carlton

About the restaurant

Just off Elgin Street, Carlton's greatest hidden gem.
A light and airy, fun atmosphere, the best place for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Bookings are recommended for larger groups, or for peak times, although walk ins are available also.
Kitchen open until 2:30pm everyday, with coffee & drinks until 3pm.

Top review

Silvereyes

Dined on Nov 11, 2023

Vertue for brunch is a total treat! Of course the coffer but amazingly EXCELLENT tea! Food brilliant, best ever Bloody Marys and truly delightful service. Yay!

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Experience

Recovery Breakfast

Aperitivo Bar Ristorante

2.5

2.5 (1)

$40 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Carlton

About the restaurant

Aperitivo specializes in elegant cocktails perfect to pair with small-serve Italian dishes

Little Andorra

4.9

4.9 (22)

$41 to $100

Wine Bar

Carlton North

About the restaurant

'Oh, that place with the vines out the front!'

Little Andorra is that cosy corner on Nicholson Street. It's an intimate dining room & bar, dedicated to serving amazing wines & delicious food to the intrepid bon vivant! Operating Wed-Fri nights, late lunch through to dinner Saturdays, and late lunch meze session 2pm Sundays. Head Chef Mertcan Dogusgen (ex-Attica) originally hails from Izmir, Turkey, from whence he brings his sense of Mediterranean freshness to his menu. The food is precise yet nurturing, the space understated yet elegant, & the wine list is eclectic yet approachable. With a focus on old world wine, we dive into as many dark & forgotten corners of Vitis Vinifera as we can find, then serve it without too much pomp. A leafy little courtyard for warmer days/nights, two small private dining spaces for groups 6-12 for when the weather is less kind.
Bookings for dietary requirements are highly recommended.
Eat. Drink. Virtus Unita Fortior. Welcome to Little Andorra!

Top review

DomR

Dined on Oct 15, 2023

It's a bugger that they won't be around much longer, this is truly a special place. Melbourne will be poorer for it.

Karen’s Diner - Melbourne

3.8

3.8 (904)

$41 to $100

American

Carlton

About the restaurant

Karen's is an interactive diner and an absurdly fun experience. At Karen's you will be greeted and waited upon by rude waiters and forced to play a variety of games.

You can expect good food, good fun and a dining experience like you've never had before. Let us know if it's your birthday, if your name is Karen and for the love of Karen don't ask to speak to the manager....

P.S if your name is actually Karen we will give you a free drink - bring some ID.

Top review

theresaj

Dined on May 28, 2023

Highly recommend for an entertaining meal!! The food is really good - and the drinks were awesome!!!