MELBOURNE | The Carlton portion of Lygon Street is an area that’s evolved with Melbourne. From the early 1900s through to the 1940s, it was the heart of Melbourne’s Jewish community. After World War II, the Jewish community moved south of the river, and the area took on more of an Italian character. By the 1960s, Lygon Street’s reputation as Melbourne’s “Little Italy” was deeply established. The city’s first espresso machine was installed here, and it’s where many Melburnians got their first taste of things like spaghetti and pizza.
In the 1990s and into the 2000s, Lygon Street became a victim of its own success. Increased rents, a focus on the tourist market, and the natural reduced concentration of Melbourne’s Italian community in one neighbourhood, meant that Lygon Street was no longer the default option for great Italian food and drink in Melbourne. Long-lasting, quality establishments still existed, but overall it wasn’t what it used to be.
While tourist guides still spruik the Carlton end of Lygon Street as the place that visitors to head to for authentic Italian food in Melbourne, this betrays the reality of things. Since the 2010s, the strip has evolved beyond this, and is a rich, multicultural tapestry of global cuisine and quality spots to have a drink.
The old school Italian spots that have stood the test of time are still there, and still as popular as ever. And yes, there’s still many a tourist trap too. Joining them, are places represented by Melbourne’s newer wave of arrival. There’s Indonesian food, Chinese food, new Italian spots, Indian, trendy bars, and some of Melbourne’s best new wave gelato spots. Lygon Street, Carlton, is no longer the place to visit in Melbourne for great Italian food. It’s now the street to be on if you want to sample the world.
Here is my local’s guide to the best places to eat and drink along Lygon Street, Carlton.
Looking for MORE OF THE INNER NORTH?
Check out my complete guide on Where To Eat & Drink In Brunswick & Brunswick East for my favourite coffee, wine bars, bakeries, and restaurants further up the Lygon Street corridor.
At-A-Glance: Lygon Street Dining Overview
| Category / Vibe | Focus Area | Experience Highlights |
| Coffee, Drinks & Wine Bars | Lygon St (CBD End to Elgin St) | Specialty filter coffee, neighbourhood wine rooms, rooftop views, and classic cocktail lounges |
| Gelato & Sweet Treats | Lygon St Central Corridor | Scratch-made artisanal gelato, Southeast Asian flavours, and chocolate tap drizzles |
| Italian Classics & Pizza | Lygon St Central Corridor | Tokyo-style wood-fired pizza, retro red-sauce trattorias, and espresso bars |
| Indonesian & Asian Flavours | Lygon St & Surrounds | Fiery sambal feasts, modern Asian bistros, bakmie spring noodles, and regional rice bowls |
| Global & Modern Dining | Lygon St Corridor | Vibrant modern Indian street bites, authentic Yemeni dining, and natural wine pairings |
Coffee, Drinks & Wine Bars
Good Measure
A daytime specialty coffee venue that smoothly shifts into a relaxed evening bar, Good Measure brings precision, quality, and low-key vibes to Lygon Street.
- Location: 193 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Outstanding filter coffee, creative signature drinks, vinyl tunes, and evening cocktails.
- The City Lane Tip: The Mont Blanc is a must order: iced filter coffee topped with whipped cream, nutmeg, and orange zest.
Delmonte
Part of the King & Godfree building, Delmonte is an Italian wine room and restaurant from Jamie Valmorbida, with a menu developed by chef Diana Desensi alongside culinary director Karen Martini.
- Location: 293 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Generous, produce-driven Italian classics featuring wood-fired meats supplied by nearby Donati’s, hand-rolled pastas, a deep salumi section, and an extensive Piedmontese-focused wine list.
- The City Lane Tip: If it’s just a snack you’re after, drop in for an aperitivo at the bar with deep-fried suppli and pasta fritte.
Johnny’s Green Room
Perched on the rooftop of Carlton’s iconic King & Godfree building, Johnny’s Green Room offers sweeping rooftop views over Carlton and the Melbourne CBD skyline.
- Location: Rooftop, 293-297 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Italian-accented aperitivo cocktails, craft taps, wood-fired snacks, and panoramic views.
- The City Lane Tip: Head up just before sunset for unbeatable golden hour views over the city.
Carlton Yacht Club
An intimate, unpretentious local bar tucked into Lygon Street, Carlton Yacht Club is known for its classic cocktail menu and relaxed atmosphere.
- Location: 298 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Friendly hospitality, well-crafted classic cocktails, and a dive-ish vibe that’s developed naturally over the years.
Gelato & Sweet Treats
Pidapipó Gelateria
A pioneer of Melbourne’s modern artisanal gelato scene, Pidapipó crafts gelato made from scratch on-site, using traditional Italian techniques and high-quality seasonal ingredients.
- Location: 299 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Creamy gelato, rotating seasonal flavours, and warm Nutella poured straight from the tap.
- The City Lane Tip: Beyond gelato, the seasonal fruit sorbets are a must try.
Beku Gelato
Beku Gelato crafts artisanal small-batch gelato with a distinct Southeast Asian focus, bringing unique flavours like durian, pandan, and Thai milk tea to Lygon Street.
- Location: 171 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Rich, smooth gelato celebrating regional Indonesian and Asian ingredients.
- The City Lane Tip: Try the Es Teler gelato for a creamy, refreshing taste of the classic Indonesian dessert.
GLO Gelato
GLO Gelato brings bold colours, playful flavour combinations, and fresh-churned artisanal gelato to the strip.
- Location: 131 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Excellent gelato, creative twists on classic Italian desserts, and great ice-cream cakes.
- The City Lane Tip: Try one of their gelato sandwiches.
Italian Classics & Pizza
DOC Espresso
Part of the famous DOC family, DOC Espresso is a bustling hub for authentic Italian coffee, handmade pasta, and cured meats right in the heart of Lygon Street.
- Location: 326 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Vibrant atmosphere, high-end Italian produce, and expertly crafted espresso.
- The City Lane Tip: Grab a seat at the bar for a quick espresso and a plate of fresh hand-rolled pasta.
Johnny, Vince & Sam’s Ristorante
Brought to life by the Sooshi Mango comedy trio, Johnny, Vince & Sam’s offers a nostalgic, kitschy throwback to 1970s Italian-Australian home dining. It might seem a bit gimmicky, but it delivers with tasty versions and generous servings of the classics.
- Location: 306-308 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Hearty red-sauce Italian classics, plastic-wrapped armchairs, retro decor, and fun family energy.
- The City Lane Tip: Order the classic chicken parmigiana or slow-cooked meatballs served with crusty bread.
Garfield Pizzeria
Garfield Pizzeria is a vibrant walk-in pizza spot inspired by Italian tradition, Tokyo’s pizza culture, and local Italian-Australian heritage.
- Location: 297 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Light, airy 72-hour fermented bases hand-stretched using Tokyo techniques and baked in a Marana wood-fired oven.
- The City Lane Tip: Try the namesake ‘Garfield’ pizza. It’s a lasagne-inspired creation topped with sausage meatballs, red sauce, and parmesan.
Indonesian & Asian Flavours
Waroeng SS (Spesial Sambal)
A hugely popular destination for authentic Indonesian comfort food, Waroeng SS specialises in customisable banquets anchored by a massive variety of fresh, fiery sambals.
- Location: 304 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Dozens of freshly pounded sambals paired with fried chicken, gourami, duck, and savoury side dishes.
- The City Lane Tip: Mix and match heat levels with multiple sambals to find your favourite pairing.
Kantin
Kantin offers home-style Indonesian classics in a warm, relaxed setting, serving vibrant rice platters, rich curries, and regional comfort food.
- Location: 13 Florence Way, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Generous portions, authentic spices, and affordable, satisfying meals for lunch or dinner.
Martabak Pecenongan 78 & D’Bakmie
Combining two beloved Indonesian street food concepts under one roof, Martabak Pecenongan 78 & D’Bakmie serves thick stuffed pancakes and affordable Indonesian rice and noodle bowls.
- Location: 155 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Decadent sweet and savoury martabak alongside comforting bowls of seasoned bakmie noodles.
- The City Lane Tip: Order a savoury egg martabak to start, and follow with a sweet chocolate-cheese martabak for dessert.
Lagoon Dining
A sleek, modern bistro on Lygon Street, Lagoon Dining blends Chinese culinary foundations with broad Asian influences and modern Australian techniques.
- Location: 263 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Charcoal-grilled skewers, punchy chili oil noodles, thoughtful natural wines, and vibrant energy.
- The City Lane Tip: Don’t miss the rolled rice noodles with XO sauce, lap yuk, and toasted sesame.
Global & Modern Dining
Mandina Kitchen
Opened by Mohammed Alhamed and his wife Aisha, Mandina Kitchen is a welcoming spot introducing Melburnians to authentic, home-style Yemeni cooking.
- Location: 143 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Traditional Yemeni dishes influenced by Middle Eastern, Indian, and Ottoman flavours: featuring mandi and haneeth, slow-cooked goat and lamb served over fragrant spiced basmati rice.
- The City Lane Tip: Bring a group and order plenty to share: try both the goat and lamb mandi, alongside kibdah (spiced lamb liver) and foul gulaba (mashed fava beans with tomato and olive oil) with fresh bread.
Bibi Ji
Bringing vibrant Indian flavours, fun energy, and creative natural wine pairings, Bibi Ji offers a fresh take on modern Indian dining on Lygon Street.
- Location: 183 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Why Go: Punchy street-food snacks, aromatic curries, tandoori grills, and a curated wine list.
- The City Lane Tip: Try the sea urchin shooter if available, followed by their signature butter chicken.
Getting To & Around Carlton
- By Tram: Hop on the Route 1 or 6 tram running straight up Swanston Street and along Lygon Street.
- By Walking / Bike: Carlton sits right on the northern border of the Melbourne CBD. It’s an easy 10–15 minute walk from Melbourne Central or Parliament station.
- Pro Tip: Beyond the main Lygon Street strip, take time to explore parallel streets like Rathdowne St and Elgin St for even more great food and drink, independent boutiques, and local parks.
The Verdict
Lygon Street, Carlton, is a mix of Melbourne’s culinary past and its exciting dining future. From iconic rooftop views at Johnny’s Green Room and creamy gelato at Pidapipó, vibrant sambal Waroeng SS, and modern Asian-Australian dining at Lagoon, Carlton remains one of the city’s most essential food neighbourhoods. There’s still quality Italian food to be found in this part of town, but, beyond the tourist traps, there’s a whole world of quality food and drink from around the world, waiting to be discovered.