Overview

Whether it’s a finely brewed espresso, wafer-thin pizzas or a homely fondue, Carlton takes its food seriously. It’s not surprising when you consider the neighbourhood was the epicentre of post-war Italian migration to Victoria, who brought their love for quality food and great conversation with them. Here are some of the best places in Carlton to enjoy la dolce vita, Melbourne-style. 

1. Leonardo’s Pizza Palace

It’s Italian without the red and white-checked table cloth, fake vine leaves or waiters in white shirts. Enter Leonardo’s den-like atmosphere to find DJs playing tunes under neon lights and waitstaff zipping about with armfuls of crostini, pizza, and pasta. The window shutters never open, so it’s all too easy to while away the hours over slices of piping hot pizza.


2. Carlton Wine Room

Melbourne has no shortage of stylish wine bars, and Carlton Wine Room is a firm favourite among them. With its striking 19th-century facade and elegant, light-filled interior, this sophisticated space is the perfect place to catch up with friends over a few glasses of wine. The tailored wine list features more than 100 excellent tipples, perfectly complemented by a classic-meets-contemporary bistro menu. 


3. Johnny's Green Room

Rooftop bar Johnny’s Green Room is the proverbial crown atop the revamped King and Godfree complex. Find the elevator tucked down the side of the building and be rewarded with spritzes, a snackable Italian menu, and some of the best city views north of the river. Johnny’s is also a good place for a winter aperitivo thanks to the open fireplaces scattered about the venue.


4. Capitano 

Trendy wine bar meets cosy Italian restaurant at Capitano Carlton, a Melbourne favourite from the Bar Liberty team and a must-visit for lovers of pizza and pasta. It's not hard to see why this popular eatery secured a spot in the Good Food Guide's best-of-2022 round-up. Book ahead to secure a table and tuck into mouthwatering grandma square pizzas, vodka sauce pasta, crisp salads, and made-to-order tiramisu. 


5. Epocha

Housed in a double-storey terrace looking out over Carlton Gardens, Epocha serves up European fare ranging from stuffed zucchini flowers to duck fat potatoes, and tiramisu. After dinner, head upstairs to Hannah’s Bar for gin cocktails, backgammon and even a serve of crunchy pig’s ear scratchings if you’re still feeling peckish.

6. Johnny, Vince & Sam's

Be transported to Nonna's house at this eclectic Italian restaurant from beloved comedy trio Sooshi Mango. Johnny, Vince & Sam's is the perfect blend of daggy meets delish, with garish floral carpets and an unpretentious old-school Italian menu from an award-winning chef. Highlights include spaghetti and homemade meatballs, eggplant parmigiana, tagliatelle with clams and parmesan crusted cotolette.


7. Humble Rays

The pastel-hued and greenery-filled interior is just as sweet as Humble Rays Asian-inspired comfort menu. Start your day with an Axil coffee or try something a little different like pineapple honey cold brew or an orange espresso, then explore a menu that features crabmeat scrambles, salmon okonomiyaki and a show-stopping French toast with fairy floss.


8. Heartattack and Vine

Heartattack and Vine is a modern version of the bacari – those homely wine-filled taverns strewn across Venice. The café and wine bar serves a European breakfast and lunch menu during the day, but it really shines in the afternoon thanks to the ever-changing cicchetti menu (the Venetian equivalent of Spanish tapas) that can be paired with international and Australian wines.


9. Green Man's Arms

It’s a pub, but not as you know it. The menu, designed by Israeli-born chef David Raziel, is entirely vegetarian and vegan, and showcases Israeli staples like tabbouleh, falafel, and hummus. While the food explores new horizons, the Green Man's Arms is anything but pretentious thanks to its retro décor and cosy fireplace.


10. Henry Sugar 

Finger lime, kangaroo skewers, lilly pilly and wattleseed are all staples on the menu at Henry Sugar, a neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant specialising in modern Australian flavours. While the food is refined, the vibe is laidback and casual, making it the perfect spot for a catch up with friends or a romantic dinner for two. In summer, grab a seat on the terrace or retreat to the fireplace during the cooler months.


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