Best Casual Restaurants in Carlton

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BaysideCity CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City South

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkAlphingtonArmadaleAscot ValeAshburton

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

473 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Johnny's Green Room restaurant

1. Johnny's Green Room

4.2

Awesome(97)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carlton

Situated on the rooftop of the iconic King & Godfree building in the heart of Lygon Street’s Little Italy, Johnny’s Green Room is a Tuscan-inspired terrace with dazzling city skyline views and an enthusiastic appreciation for la dolce vita.Conceived by award-winning designer Dion Hall, Johnny’s evokes the good times of an Italian summer with a semi-retractable roof enabling those summertime vibes to be enjoyed year-round. We have acclaimed chef Karen Martini on board as our Culinary Director, her relaxed menu of Italian-style sharing dishes beautifully complemented by Melbourne bar maestro Matt Bax’s delicious program of Italian-accented cocktails and wine and a rolling roster of the finest DJs in the land.Named after the classic Carlton nightspot that in the 70s and 80s attracted the bohemian and the notorious like moths to a neon-lit flame, Johnny’s has been reimagined for a whole new generation of Carlton habitués.

A photo of Leonardo's Pizza Palace restaurant

2. Leonardo's Pizza Palace

4.8

Exceptional(90)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Carlton

Booked 19 times today

We are a neighbourhood-style American-Italian restaurant situated in the leafy backstreets of Carlton. Since 2018, we specialise in offering quality food, friendly service and natural wine.

A photo of D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant

3. D.O.C Osteria Carlton

4.5

Awesome(39)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carlton

Booked 17 times today

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.

4. Bistra

4.9

Exceptional(117)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Australian • Carlton

Booked 18 times today

Bistra is an Australian bistro serving quality food and wine; our fare draws its influence predominantly from British, French and Italian cooking and technique, and yet it is quintessentially Australian. You can expect generous, memorable plates championing seasonal ingredients and an extensive list of wines.

A photo of DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton restaurant

5. DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton

4.5

Awesome(586)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Carlton

Booked 39 times today

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.

6. La Spaghettata

4.2

Awesome(47)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carlton

Booked 2 times today

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.

A photo of Green Man's Arms Bar and Restaurant restaurant

7. Green Man's Arms Bar and Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(22)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • Carlton

Booked 11 times today

Green Man's Arms is a cozy, eco-conscious pub nestled on Lygon Street, Carlton. Specializing in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, this venue champions local, seasonal produce in every dish. Signature items include their crispy eggplant parma and freshly baked flatbreads, making it a hotspot for plant-based food lovers. The drink menu showcases a wide range of locally brewed craft beers, ciders, and natural wines, perfectly complementing the sustainable ethos of the venue.Beyond the food, Green Man’s Arms is a hub for community engagement with regular trivia nights, live music, and events focused on environmental awareness. The warm, laid-back vibe and intimate setting make it the perfect place to relax, share a meal, and enjoy good company. Green Man's Arms offers a unique dining experience that’s as good for the soul as it is for the planet.

A photo of Criniti's - Carlton restaurant

8. Criniti's - Carlton

4.0

Excellent(16)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carlton

Carlton is a vibrant suburb located in the heart of Melbourne, known for its robust cultural heritage and diverse population. Criniti's is the perfect spot for an unforgettable meal, offering the best-woodfired pizzas, ribs, pasta, seafood and more. Our menu fuses traditional Southern Italian cuisine with contemporary Australian dishes to provide an array of mouth-watering flavours. Whether you're searching for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, Criniti's has something to suit everyone. We also offer classic 1mts, 2mts and 3mts pizzas that will tantalize your taste buds. Visit us in Carlton and experience truly delicious Italian food!

9. Lord Lygon

4.4

Awesome(23)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Carlton

Booked 3 times today

Named after the legendary bon vivant, Lord Lygon packs a bucket list of wines with top grapes from Australia and beyond. The space is pretty darn funky too.Award-winning Executive Chef Chris Bonello went to town with the menu. Mix and match small bites for maximum pleasure, or choose the charcuterie pairing. Pull up a chair and settle in.The toughest thing you will have to endure is where to start on the 300+ wine selection.

10. Copperwood

4.7

Exceptional(75)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carlton

Booked 7 times today

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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Melbourne •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great food and service Thanks for a beautiful afternoon
More info
D.O.C Osteria CarltonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carlton
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Was good night out Unfortunately the waiter spilled wine on my trousers.!
More info
DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - CarltonPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Carlton
•
4.5
D
Dan
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Simply one of the best venues in Carlton. Excellent all round
More info
BistraPrice: Expensive• Australian• Carlton
•
4.9
P
Paige
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Absolutely love this spot but was disappointed they had no moscato.
More info
Johnny's Green RoomPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carlton
•
4.2
J
Jacquie
Sydney •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 21, 2025
Great vibes and so cozy in the dining room! Shout out to Grace and Massimo for awesome service and energy!
More info
Leonardo's Pizza PalacePrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Carlton
•
4.8

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