Best Restaurants in Carlton
Looking for the best restaurants in Carlton? We've gathered 26 standout spots in this corner of Melbourne, each ranked by our independent Spot Score so the strongest picks rise to the top. Carlton has its own character, and the restaurants here reflect it — from neighbourhood favourites locals keep to themselves to places worth a special trip across town. Use the filters to narrow by price, rating, what's open right now and the features that matter to you, then open the map to plan your visit around what else is nearby. We re-check details regularly, so opening hours and information stay current.
Melbourne's dining scene spans cuisines from across the world alongside modern Australian cooking that leans on local produce and seafood. Whether you're after a special-occasion table or a relaxed neighbourhood dinner, the list below is ranked so the consistently excellent rises to the top.
26 spots in Carlton
Al Dente Enoteca Restaurant
Restaurants in Carlton, Melbourne.
Johnny, Vince and Sam’s Ristorante
$$Restaurants in Carlton, Melbourne.
Henry Sugar
$$Area-sourced dishes, cocktails & natural wines featured in a mellow space with outdoor seating.
Da Guido La Pasta
$$Restaurants in Carlton, Melbourne.
Kahaani
Restaurants in Carlton, Melbourne.
Carlton Wine Room
$$$Inventive tasting menus and a thoughtful wine list, at a chic restaurant in a 19th-century building.
Piccolo Mondo
$$Homestyle Italian cuisine in a polished setting with bare-brick walls, courtyard tables & a balcony.
Capitano Carlton
$$Pizza, pasta & other Italian favourites are served in this relaxed eatery that has a bar.
Universal Restaurant
$Classic Italian dishes & handmade pasta served in a space with modern decor.
Green Man's Arms Bar and Restaurant
$$Chill gastropub dishing up seasonal vegetarian share plates & mains, plus area-sourced beer & wine.
Brunetti Classico Carlton
$$Italian cafe known for sweets, serving pizza & housemade pasta in a modern space.
Torissong
$$Informal Japanese eatery serving yakitori, sashimi, karaage & rice bowls, plus sake & imported beer.
Il Gambero - Italian Restaurant in Carlton
$$Thin-crust pizza, plus pasta and mains, in a sleek venue with exposed-brick walls and outdoor seats.
La Spaghettata Restaurant
$$Enduring, down-to-earth venue with exposed-brick and vintage art, serving pizza, pasta and wine.
Tiamo
$$Pizza, pasta and brunch offered in a bustling, homey setting with covered outdoor tables.
La Cabra Mexican Carlton
$$Restaurants in Carlton, Melbourne.
Stuzzichino Restaurant & Bar
Easygoing cafe/bar with counter stools and streetside tables, cooking Italian dishes and brekkie.
Jimmy Watson's
$$European dishes & wine in a charming, old-school spot with an open kitchen, courtyard & rooftop bar.
More in Carlton
Restaurants in other Melbourne suburbs
Restaurants in Carlton — FAQs
What are the best restaurants in Carlton?+
The restaurants in Carlton listed here are ranked by our Spot Score — our independent editorial rating out of 100, combining reputation, popularity, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear first.
How many restaurants are there in Carlton?+
We currently feature 26 restaurants in Carlton, and we add and re-check venues regularly so the list stays current.
How do I get to Carlton in Melbourne?+
Carlton is one of Melbourne's neighbourhoods — open any venue's page for its exact location, nearby public-transport stops and a map. See our Getting Around guide for tickets and fares.
Do I need to book a restaurant in Melbourne?+
For popular and higher-end restaurants, booking ahead is wise — especially Friday and Saturday nights. Many casual spots take walk-ins. Check the venue's own page or website for the latest, as we don't take bookings on your behalf.