58

What Is Carlton Melbourne Famous For?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Did you know, though, that its past is rife with seedy saloons where some of America's greatest famous comedians got their start and illicit gambling?

    FAQs About Carlton Melbourne

    Carlton is known nationwide for its Little Italy precinct centred on Lygon Street, for its preponderance of 19th-century Victorian architecture and its garden squares, including the Carlton Gardens, the latter being the location of the Royal Exhibition Building, one of Australia's few artificial sites with World Heritage.

    Carlton is probably one of the Best Inner-City Suburbs in Melbourne! Lots of Designer Brand Shops, Cafes, Restaurants & Cinemas! & is also within walking distance from the Victoria Markets, Melbourne University IMAX, & the Shopping Malls at the Melbourne CBD.

    The two squares provided a distinctly English tone for the new suburb. Carlton, thought to have been named after the residence of the Prince of Wales, was relatively elevated and attracted several notable homes.

    Carlton has a high violent crime rate and a high property crime rate for Melbourne.

    You get the best of both worlds when living in Carlton. With the World's Most Liveable City within walking distance, you have easy access to Melbourne's world-class restaurants, bars, museums, shopping and entertainment.

    Greater Carlton, Melbourne

    59

    Carlton is a northern suburb of Melbourne, Australia, between Victoria Street and Nicholson Street.

    Lygon Street, bordered by trees, is the heart of Carlton's commercial district. This area is the traditional centre of Melbourne's Italian population and is well-known for its many cafés and restaurants, which feature outdoor seating.

    The Trades Hall (built in 1859) and the Carlton Postal Service (opened in 1883) on Elgin Street, and the Carlton Courthouse (opened in 1883) on Drummond Street are all examples of the town's distinctive Victorian architecture (1889). Additionally, Carlton is home to a diverse range of terrace houses. Finally, you'll find a fine assortment on Drummond Street, a broad promenade lined with trees.

    Carlton is home to several public squares designed in the European tradition, with fountains, memorials, and shady plazas lined with mature trees. Piazza Italia is a huge open space area paved with Italian porphyry stone that can be seen at the north end of Argyle Square gardens on Lygon Street.

    Located at the intersection of Victoria Parade & Nicholson Street, the expansive Carlton Gardens cover an area of 16 acres and feature picturesque lakes, bright flower beds, and shady walkways. The gardens are home to the National Gallery Building. In 2004, it was added to the World Heritage list. Trade shows, meetings, and concerts have all been held in what was formerly Australia's first government building after the Federation in 1901. The Melbourne Museum is the biggest museum complex in the Southern Hemisphere, and it is conveniently positioned just next to the Royal Exhibition Building.

    Rathdowne Village, the business heart of Carlton North, is located along Rathdowne Street, tucked away behind the trees between Princes and Park streets. At the northern end of Nicholson Street is yet another major shopping district. The Melbourne Public Cemetery, which opened in 1853, takes up a sizable chunk of Carlton North, while Princes Park is home to numerous sports facilities.

    Carlton's Famous For?

    Because of Lygon Street, Carlton is among Melbourne's most well-known neighbourhoods. While there's a lot to see in this dense area, don't miss Little Italy on Lygon Street for some of Melbourne's greatest authentic Italian cuisine. The Carlton Gardens, National Gallery Building, and Melbourne Museum are all famous landmarks in Carlton.

    Why Do Locals Love It?

    Readings' C.E.O. and longtime Carlton patron, Mark Rubbo, was kind enough to speak with us. With its broad tree-lined streets and rich Jewish, Italian, and artistic history, Carlton is a great place to hang out, he says. On a nice day, the nature strip becomes a picnic spot for couples, the Carlton Baths become a playground for children, and the many gelaterias attract teenagers.

    How do I go to Carlton?

    Getting to Carlton is a breeze. Located just north of the eastern core of the city, this neighbourhood has several sights that can be reached on foot from either the CBD or Parliament Station. In addition, both Carlton Gardens and the upper Fitzroy/Carlton border may be reached via tram on the 96, while the Italian neighbourhood of Lygon Street can be reached through the 1 and 6.

    Where Can I Find It?

    Eating and drinking establishments on Brunswick Street, nightlife on Smith Street, and breathtaking art on Rose Street can all be found in the Fitzroy and Collingwood neighbourhoods to the east. The University of Melbourne's Parkville campus is located to the west of the city and features several historic buildings 150 years old and interesting museums.

    Cool Carlton Facts You Might Not Know.

    The following are some interesting tidbits regarding Carlton that you might share with your friends.

    Borsari's corner, a large neon sign at the intersection of Lygon and Grattan street, was named for Olympic cycling winner Nino Borsari, who was in Australia when World War II broke out. Borsari also couldn't return to Italy because of the war with the Allies. Therefore they established Borsari Cycles there in 1941.

    The upstairs of many Lygon Street eateries, notably the iconic L'Alba café, were used for illicit, high-stakes card games. Underbelly (2008) starred Vince Colosimo as one such "colourful character," Alphonse Gangitano, known as the "Black Prince of Lygon Street."

    Australians had celebrated diversity since 1978 when the Lygon Avenue Festa was first held.

    A trio of kangaroos and a gryphon with three toes may be seen atop the enormous Neo-Gothic edifice on Drummond Street, just south of Lygon Court.

    Jane Turner, Gina Riley, & Magda Szubanski got their start at Carlton's La Mama theatre, and the Scared Weird Tiny Guys opened their Comedy Club (now the location of Cinema Nova) in 1990. Hence, the city has a rich history of comedy.

    During the 1970s, Carlton was a symbol of the counterculture. The alternative arts scene at the Pram Factory was spearheaded by comedians, actors, and bands like the Skyhooks (where the current Lygon Court stands). Playwright Barry Dickins recalled paying $6 per week in 1970 to rent half of a Canning Street terrace house.

    In the 1850s, Carlton saw its first wave of immigrants who had come to try their luck on the goldfields. Instead, the region south of Drummond Street developed rapidly into a shantytown where disease flourished due to poor living conditions and lack of infrastructure.

    Carlton North Primary School, now a regular elementary school, served as the Carlton Able to receive for the Insane in the mid-1860s.

    In the 1950s, Italian migrants opened some of Melbourne's earliest Italian restaurants in Carlton boarding homes, serving home-style dishes initially to their friends and then to the expanding Italian community.

    Before the Second World War, Lygon Street was the heart of Melbourne's Jewish community. After the war, it became known as Little Italy.

    Australians were taken aback when olive oil began appearing in Italian grocery stores; previously, it had only been used for medicinal purposes.

    Lygon Street boasts Australia's first automatic coffee installation. Agostini Monica was an early adopter who, along with his companions Sergio Coperchini Vic Panettieri, founded a coffee firm they called Mocopan (a portmanteau of their last names).

    Toto's was Melbourne's first pizzeria, launched in 1961 by Salvatore Della Bruna, who also claimed credit for creating the "Aussie" pizza (with pineapple!). The Quarry Hotel has moved in since its sad demise.

    Another Carlton institution, Lygon Food Store, gained notoriety for its enormous provolone, which required the assistance of three men to wheel inside the store once the front window was removed.

    Tourist Attractions in Carlton

    Coffee Drinking Virtue

    Before you brave a dark alley where you might get mugged, you haven't seen the real Melbourne. The Coffee Drink with Virtue is no different. Vertue is tucked down behind the trash cans at a servo (gas station for our international readers). On the weekends, the place is packed, and you may expect to wait at least half an hour. Butterbing provides them with their delectable brownie cookie inventory; the caramel brownie type is especially tasty and may be eaten as a meal. Their meatball sub with jalapenos is fantastic for spicy food fans, and the coffee is top-notch.

    Both a Heart Attack and a Grapevine

    A drink before dinner? Heart Attack and Vine are your best bet. You can find it on Lygon Street, one of the newest cool spots. The process is straightforward, and the service personnel are warm and helpful. Cicchetti, Italy's version of tapas, is available if you're hungry. The bartenders know what they're doing, the coffee is excellent, and the wine list is extensive. The bakery is open daily at 7 a.m., just in time to get a tasty pastry and a Wide Open Roads coffee on the way to work.

    D.O.C.

    You will freak out over this place if you're a pizza fanatic. Although D.O.C. Espresso or D.O.C. Deli may be found on Lygon Street, the main D.O.C. location is on Drummond Street, just a few doors down. All of them are owned the Tony Nicolini, and then in typical Melbourne style, they don't take reservations, so there may be a bit of a wait for a table. Even if it is a while, it will be time well spent. The pizzas are ready quickly once you're inside. All employees are native Italian speakers, adding to the establishment's genuine atmosphere. Of course, one must try the San Clemente pizza and pair it with a glass of Chianti.

    Gallery of Steps

    Steps Gallery, located just off Lygon Street, is a tiny gallery exhibiting Victorian artists since 1992 and is owned and operated by Meat Production Employees' Superannuation Fund. Typically, a member of the artists will be working the front desk so that you may have a one-on-one conversation with them about their work. Until August 12, 2015, you can catch the current group show. His abstract photographs of vandalised urban spaces, which he has shared with artists like Matthew Schiavello, are remarkable. The corrosion on the iron trash cans makes it look like you're studying graffiti with a microscope. If you're looking for a place to get some work done and use the building's free Wi-Fi, stop by the Art Cafe.

    Cow Milk

    You've come to the right place if you need a cheese-centric appetiser to enjoy before the movie or after dinner. The 2012 opening of Milk, the Cow in St. Kilda was so successful that the owners decided to expand to the northern suburbs. Pre-paired "flights" of cheese and alcohol are offered on the menu, taking your taste buds on an adventure. Pick a premade cheeseboard to share, or put together your own. Glühwein, or mulled wine, is provided free of charge in the winter by the helpful staff to combat the cold. They have cheese you can take home, so it's perfect if you need to pick up some for a dinner party.

    Imperial and Royal Show Building

    In the heart of the beautiful Carlton Gardens stands the Royal Exhibition Building. Since its installation in 1880, it has represented the prosperity of the state of Victoria following the gold rush. It was the tallest structure in Australia when it was constructed in 1888 and was designed by the British architect Joseph Reed. After a lengthy application process, it was finally designated a World Heritage Site in July 2004. It serves as a temporary exhibition space, fairground, and examination centre for students at Melbourne University. Its entrance to a Royal Exhibition Building is framed by two parallel rows of trees, creating a striking visual balance that will surely be a hit with Instagrammers no matter the time of year.

    Pidapipo

    60

    No matter how hot or cold it is, the queue at Pidapipo, a popular gelateria, never seems to go down. Lisa Valmorbida attended an actual "gelato school" in Italy. The decor here is quite reminiscent of the 1960s and 1950s. The interior is colourful and energetic, with many different flavours to try. The salted caramel and the hot Nutella sauce that comes straight from the tap make for a delicious end to any meal. A lot of time and care went into producing the gelato. On Lygon Street, this establishment will quickly rise to prominence.

    Vincent The Dog

    Located on Drummond Street, Vincent the Dog is a cosy café serving as an excellent hangover remedy. There's enough speciality coffee to float a boat, and you may choose from various revitalising drinks, including orange, lychee, and lime. The baristas are experts on their brews, and the café is a fascinating people-watching spot. In the culinary world, the Chinese doughnut is a unique variation of the traditional Western delicacy, with cheese, pork, and a poached egg atop the doughnut. Once you're under the weather, treat yourself to an affogato made with Ferrero Rocher gelato.

    Places to Eat

    It would be unfair to Carlton if we didn't begin with the Italian language. It doesn't matter what time of day you visit Tiamo (303 Lygon St.) since it has been serving authentic Italian coffee and food for over 40 years and is always bustling with customers. Mark claims to have been a regular at the restaurant since the year 1972.

    On Rathdowne, even further north, you'll find Capitano, a trendy Italian eatery that you absolutely must dine at (421 Rathdowne St). Capitano's cheesy, carb-laden grandma pie in the Detroit tradition is unlike anything else in Melbourne. Sipping on slightly strange drinks (such as the P.B. & Ramen Old Fashioned) is a delightful way to spend the afternoon.

    However, Carlton is more than just an Italian restaurant. Kazuki's (121 Lygon St.), a relatively new but deservingly popular Japanese restaurant, was recently honoured with a Time Out Food Award. The trendy Japanese and French fusion restaurant relocated here in 2018 from Daylesford.

    One more long-running business, Shakahari Vegetarian Restaurant, may be found on Faraday, not far from Lygon (201 Faraday St). Vegans and vegetarians will enjoy the restaurant's extensive menu, which has been on the menu since 1972. In particular, the world-famous satay deserves your attention.

    Another Carlton mainstay is Abla's (at 109 Elgin St). This family-run establishment, founded in the 1970s by Lebanese immigrant Abla Amad, is still strong. This chicken and rice is a staple, but regulars recommend saving food for the baklava.

    Sushi Ten, located at 178 Rathdowne St., is a great place to eat lunch or supper if you're craving traditional Japanese fare. The cuisine is delicious, but the public knows to bring cash because the owners don't usually open on time.

    At 350 Drummond Street, Taquito is a hip Mexican taqueria with a full bar. Tortillas are prepared fresh daily, guacamole is top-notch, and the bar stocks an impressive array of unusual tequilas and mezcals.

    Where To Drink

    Johnny's Green Room is a great place to soak up some rays on a sunny day. This little rooftop pub serves cocktails, pizza, and fantastic sounds, and it's located above King and Godfree, but you can only get there through an alley.

    The Lincoln in Carlton, Ontario, was voted 2017's Best Pub by our readers (91 Cardigan St). There are many different Australian wines to try. However, the atmosphere is more like that of a casual restaurant.

    The vegetarian tavern Green Man's Arms is located on the crossroads of Lygon & Elgin (418 Lygon St). This Pub has a wide variety of regional brews and wines, making it perfect for a relaxing drink after work or a traditional Sunday roast with friends.

    If you're searching for a more refined setting for a date, Carlton Wines Room has wines for each taste and exquisite meals to complement them. For help deciding, enquire about the staff's top picks.

    Old Clyde Hotel is a modest Carlton staple, proving that often the simplest solutions are the most effective. University students, elderly guys watching football, and parents looking to grab a quick bite to eat with their children are regulars at the local watering hole.

    Locations of Coffee Shops

    60

    The claim that it's tough to find subpar coffee in Carlton is not exaggerated. Even though you can get a decent cup of joe at just about every trendy cafe or Italian eatery, here are a few of the best.

    The porchetta roll at Heartattack & Vine (329 Lygon St), a trendy Italian café loved by locals for its excellent speciality coffee and superb food.

    The Ima Project Café is a Japan brunch place located at 169 Elgin St. You can stop in for a quick flat white or matcha cookie on the way to work, or take your time and enjoy a traditional Japanese meal and one of the various green teas.

    Coffee at Brunetti may not be why people visit, but who can deny that it tastes better when paired with a freshly baked éclair or cannoli?

    If you need coffee expertise, look no further than Vertue Coffee (8 Raffa Pl). It's a little hard to find because it is next to a gas station and on a corner, but if you follow the aroma of the roasting coffee, you won't be disappointed.

    Near the Kathleen, Symes Librarian is a coffee shop called Wild Timor Espresso (251 Faraday St). Enjoy your cup of coffee knowing that Wild Timor Coffee is helping to support farmers in Timor-Leste, where it is cultivated in the highlands of Aileu. In addition, thereWi-Fi hotspots are available at the library's front lobby tables.

    Places to Shop Around

    Carlton isn't only a great spot to have a bite to eat; you can also stock up on authentic Italian groceries to cook at home.

    Donati's Fine Meats is a good example (402 Lygon St). Leo Donati has been a butcher near Carlton since the 1960s; he and his son now own a successful Italian-style butcher shop frequented by both residents and nearby eateries.

    Despite extensive renovations, King & Godfree retains all the character of when it initially opened as a grocery store in 1884. You can now get all the Italian food and wine at the deli and espresso bar that has opened up next to the supermarket.

    Pidapipó (299 Lygon St) is also located on the same block. If you have the patience to stand in line (and there is usually a queue), nothing matches 'Pipo's gelato deals on a hot day.

    Baker D. Chirico, a bakeshop, is conveniently located nearby (178 Faraday St). Indulge in some great pastries or sourdough, but be aware that this is another popular Carlton spot that may need you to wait in line. A quick tip: pick up a coffee from Market Lane, right next door, to help the time pass more quickly.

    Visit the bookstores Reading (309 Lygon St) or Readings Kids (316 Lygon St) if you need a good read or a quiet place to escape. Mark says that although they have been there since 1969, they have kept up with the times by hosting frequent events and renovating the space. And, if I may brag a little, we have a fine bookstore here."

    For music lovers, there is the Music Deselect Shop at 145-147 Elgin St. The store is well worth a visit if only to peruse the selection of used guitars and other instruments.

    The French Lettuce is a small pastry business on the border between Carlton and Fitzroy, a long walk from Lygon Street (237 Nicholson St). It would be best if you didn't go wrong with a baked cheesecake or a vanilla slice, which the staff will proudly inform you was voted finest in Melbourne.

    Conclusion

    Located between Victoria Street and Nicholson Street, Carlton is one of Melbourne, Australia's northern suburbs. Its Victorian buildings and terraced streets have made it famous since 1859. (1889). There are various public squares with fountains, memorials, and tree-lined plazas, all created in the European style. Towards the north end of Argyle Square gardens, on Lygon Street, is a massive open space area known as Piazza Italia, paved with Italian porphyry stone. Carlton is home to many well-known attractions, including the Carlton Gardens, the National Gallery Building, and the Melbourne Museum.

    Rathdowne Street, between Princes and Park streets, is where you'll find Rathdowne Village hidden among the trees. Much of Carlton North is occupied by the Melbourne Public Cemetery, which first opened to the public in 1853, while Princes Park is home to a wide variety of sporting facilities.

    Longtime Carlton supporter Mark Rubbo thinks the area's wide tree-lined avenues and varied artistic, Jewish, and Italian heritage make it a terrific spot to hang out. Easy walking distances from the Central Business District and Parliament Station make exploring Carlton a snap. Fitzroy and Collingwood, two neighbourhoods to the east, are home to several restaurants and bars along Brunswick Street, a lively bar scene along Smith Street, and stunning works of art along Rose Street. Towards western Melbourne, on the Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne, you can find several fascinating museums and historic structures dating back more than 150 years. Olympic cycling champion Nino Borsari lived in Australia when World War II broke out. Therefore the intersection of Lygon and Grattan streets was given the name "Borsari's corner" in his honour with a massive neon sign.

    When the Lygon Avenue Festa was first staged in 1978, it was upstairs of one of Lygon Street's most famous cafes, L'Alba. Carlton was the starting point for the careers of Jane Turner, Gina Riley, and Magda Szubanski. In the 1970s, comedians, performers, and bands helped make Carlton a symbol of the counterculture with their innovative performances. Unfortunately, due to terrible living conditions and a lack of infrastructure, the area south of Drummond Street quickly became a shantytown in the 1850s. Some of Melbourne's first Italian restaurants were established in the 1950s by Italian immigrants in Carlton boarding houses, where they served traditional foods to their newfound friends and neighbours. Before and throughout WWII, Lygon Street was the hub of Melbourne's Jewish community; after the war, it was rebranded as Little Italy. The first Australian automatic coffee machine was installed on Lygon Street, and Salvatore Della Bruna, founder of Toto's Pizza in Melbourne, claimed to have invented the "Aussie" pizza (with pineapple!) in 1961.

    Since its unfortunate end, the Quarry Hotel has taken up residence there, and Lygon Food Store became famous for the giant provolone that, once the front window was removed, took the assistance of three men to wheel into the store.

    Some of Carlton's biggest draws are the Coffee Drink with Virtue, Vertue, and Butterbing. Vertue can be hidden behind several trash cans (gas stations for our international readers) at a servo. On the weekends, you may anticipate waiting at least half an hour due to the high volume of customers. They have an abundance of delicious brownie cookies, thanks to Butterbing.

    Melbourne's newest hip locations include Heart Attack, Vine, and D.O.C. Deli. Cicchetti, Italy's equivalent of tapas, is served at Heart Attack and Vine every day at 7 a.m. The bartenders are pros, the coffee is top-notch, and the wine list is enormous. Try the San Clemente pizza and wash it down with a glass of Chianti if you're a pizza connoisseur. Meat Production Employees' Superannuation Fund runs the modest Gallery of Steps Gallery off Lygon Street, where it has been displaying the works of Victorian artists since 1992.

    The current group exhibition is on view through August 12, 2015. After that, you may get some work done and connect to the building's free Wi-Fi at the Art Cafe. Due to the overwhelming success of Milk, the Cow since its 2012 debut in St. Kilda, its proprietors have opened a second location in Melbourne's northern suburbs. On the menu, you'll find "flights" of cheese and booze that have been expertly combined with stimulating your taste buds. The friendly staff will provide complimentary glühwein (mulled wine) in the colder months.

    Melbourne University students use the World Heritage-listed Imperial and Royal Show Building as a temporary exhibition space, fairground, and examination centre. In addition to Vincent The Dog, the famed gelateria Pidapipo offers its customers a wide variety of tasty treats. Capitano is a hip Italian restaurant known for its cheesy, carb-laden granny pie, while the cosy café Vincent the Dog is a great place to go to recover from a night of heavy drinking. The fashionable Kazuki's combines Japanese and French cuisine, while the long-standing Shakahari Vegetarian Restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian options. Sushi Ten, at 178 Rathdowne St., is a well-known Japanese restaurant, while Abla's, at 176 Rathdowne St., is a family-run business started by a Lebanese immigrant in the 1970s.

    In addition to traditional Mexican fare, the trendy Taquito offers a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. There are great drinks, pizza, and tunes at Johnny's Green Room, a rooftop bar. Our readers have spoken and chosen The Lincoln in Carlton, Ontario, as the Best Pub of 2017. Vegetarians, wine, and beer lovers will like the Green Man's Arms selection. The Carlton Wines Room offers a wide selection of wines and gourmet cuisine.

    University students, retirees watching football, and parents in a hurry all frequent the Old Clyde Hotel in Carlton. Many of Carlton's coffee shops serve delicious gourmet fare. Heartattack & Vine is a hip Italian cafe famous for its porchetta roll. Brunetti isn't the main draw, but no one can argue that it doesn't improve when combined with a warm éclair or cannoli. Coffee of the Utmost Virtue (8 Raffa Pl).

    Free-Range Timor Coffee (251 Faraday St). On the same block as Pidapipó (299 Lygon St.), you'll find Pidapipó. Donati's Fine Meats (402) Lygon St. is a thriving butcher business that serves the local community and adjacent restaurants with authentic Italian meats. When King & Godfree first opened in 1884, it was a grocery store, and that's the vibe that's remained constant through the years. Wireless Internet access can be found at the library's main lobby tables.

    You can find the bakery Baker D. Chirico (178 Faraday St) in the neighbourhood. Have some delicious pastries or sourdough, but remember that this is another popular Carlton spot that may require you to wait in line. If you're looking for a good book or a peaceful place to escape, Reading or Readings Kids are great options. The Music Deselect Shop, located at 145-147 Elgin St., is a great place to find used guitars and other instruments. It's quite a hike from Lygon Street to the French Lettuce, a tiny pastry shop on the border between Carlton and Fitzroy (237 Nicholson St). A baked cheesecake or a slice of vanilla cake would be safe bets.

    Content Summary

    • The commercial district of Carlton can be found along tree-lined Lygon Street.
    • This neighbourhood is home to a sizable Italian community and is renowned for its outdoor dining options and trendy cafes.
    • Examples of the town's characteristic Victorian architecture include the Trades Hall (constructed in 1859) and the Carlton Postal Service (opened in 1883) on Elgin Street, and the Carlton Courthouse (opened in 1883) on Drummond Street (1889).
    • Carlton also features a wide variety of terraced housing options.
    • Carlton has several public squares built in the European style, complete with fountains, memorials, and tree-lined plazas.
    • Towards the north end of Argyle Square gardens, on Lygon Street, is a massive open space area known as Piazza Italia, paved with Italian porphyry stone.
    • The 16-acre Carlton Gardens can be found at the crossroads of Victoria Parade and Nicholson Street, and they are home to beautiful lakes, colourful flower beds, and tree-lined walks.
    • The National Gallery of Art is in a beautiful building on the grounds.
    • It was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2004.
    • What was formerly Australia's first government building following the Federation in 1901 has since played host to trade exhibitions, seminars, and concerts.
    • Located just next to the Royal Exhibition Building, the Melbourne Museum is the largest museum complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
    • Carlton North's main shopping district, Rathdowne Village, can be found along Rathdowne Street, hidden between Princes and Park streets among the trees.
    • Another large shopping area may be found at the top of Nicholson Street.
    • Much of Carlton North is occupied by the Melbourne Public Cemetery, which first opened to the public in 1853, while Princes Park is home to a wide variety of sporting facilities.
    • Due in large part to Lygon Street, Carlton is one of Melbourne's most well-known areas.
    • Don't miss Little Italy on Lygon Street for some of Melbourne's best authentic Italian food, even though there's a lot to see in this crowded location.
    • Couples picnic at the nature strip, families enjoy Carlton Baths, and teens flock to the many gelaterias when the weather is nice.
    • Easygoing travel to Carlton is guaranteed.
    • This area, just north of the city's heart to the east, is home to several attractions easily accessible on foot from either the Central Business District or Parliament Station.
    • The 96 tram also stops near Carlton Gardens and the upper Fitzroy/Carlton border, while the 1 and 6 serve the Italian neighbourhood of Lygon Street.
    • Fitzroy and Collingwood, two neighbourhoods to the east, are home to several restaurants and bars along Brunswick Street, a lively bar scene along Smith Street, and stunning works of art along Rose Street.
    • Towards western Melbourne, on the Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne, you can find several fascinating museums and historic structures dating back more than 150 years.
    • Here are some fun facts about Carlton that you can impress your pals with.
    • Olympic cycling champion Nino Borsari lived in Australia when World War II broke out. Therefore the intersection of Lygon and Grattan streets was given the name "Borsari's corner" in his honour with a massive neon sign.
    • Borsari, like many others, was prevented from going home to Italy because of the war with the Allies.
    • That's why, in 1941, they set up shop and became known as Borsari Cycles.
    • Numerous Lygon Street establishments, most notably the legendary L'Alba café, had underground high-stakes card activities in their upper areas.
    • Vince Colosimo portrayed one such "colourful character" in Underbelly (2008), Alphonse Gangitano, also known as the "Black Prince of Lygon Street."
    • Lygon Avenue Festa, Australia's original multicultural celebration, began in 1978.
    • Carlton represented the counterculture of the 1970s.
    • Comedians, actresses, and bands like the Skyhooks were at the forefront of the Pram Factory's alternative arts scene (where the current Lygon Court stands).
    • Barry Dickins, a playwright, remembered renting a half-duplex on Canning Street for $6 a week back in 1970.
    • Attempting their luck on the goldfields brought the first significant influx of immigrants to Carlton in the 1850s.
    • Instead, the area south of Drummond Street quickly became a shantytown, with substandard housing and little infrastructure to prevent the spread of illness.
    • Although it is currently a conventional elementary school, Carlton North Primary once housed the Carlton Able to receive for the Insane.
    • Some of Melbourne's first Italian restaurants were established in the 1950s by Italian immigrants in Carlton boarding houses, where they served traditional foods to their newfound friends and neighbours.
    • In the years before World War II, Lygon Street served as the nerve centre of Melbourne's Jewish community.
    • A new identity, "Little Italy", emerged in this area after World War II.
    • Olive oil had previously only been used for medicinal purposes in Australia. Therefore, its sudden appearance in Italian grocery stores surprised the locals.
    • The first Australian automatic coffee machine was installed on Lygon Street.
    • In the early 1900s, Agostini Monica and his friends Sergio Coperchini and Vic Panettieri established a coffee company called Mocopan (a portmanteau of their last names).
    • In 1961, Salvatore Della Bruna opened Toto's, Melbourne's first pizzeria. He also claimed credit for inventing the "Aussie" pizza (with pineapple!).
    • Since its unfortunate demise, the Quarry Hotel has occupied the space.
    • Lygon Food Business, another Carlton mainstay, became famous for its massive provolone that, once the front window was gone, took the assistance of three men to wheel into the store.
    • Places of Interest for Visitors to Carlton The Goodness of Coffee You haven't experienced true Melbourne until you're willing to walk down a dangerous alley.
    • Coffee with virtue is no exception.
    • The two finest choices are Heart Attack and Vine.
    • Among the newest hip areas, you'll find it on Lygon Street.
    • The procedure is simple, and the service staff is friendly and accommodating.
    • Coffee is top-notch, there's a wide selection of wines, and the bartenders know what they're doing.
    • At 7 a.m. each day, you can stop by the bakery and grab a delicious pastry and a cup of Wide Open Roads coffee on your way to the office.
    • D.O.C. Pizza lovers will go crazy for this joint.
    • In addition to D.O.C. Espresso and D.O.C. Deli, which can be located on Lygon Street, the main D.O.C. site can be found just a few doors down Drummond Street.
    • Tony Nicolini independently owns each, and in typical Melbourne fashion, reservations are not accepted.
    • Once you step inside, you won't have to wait long for your pizza.
    • Everyone working there is a native Italian speaker, which contributes to the authentic vibe of the place.
    • You can't visit San Clemente without ordering a slice of pizza and a glass of Chianti.
    • Founded in 1992 and run by the Meat Production Employees' Superannuation Fund, the Steps Gallery is a small gallery just off Lygon Street that has featured the works of Victorian artists ever since.
    • Often, one of the artists will be stationed at the front desk so that you can speak with them about their work.
    • The current group exhibition is on view through August 12, 2015.
    • His collaborations with artists such as Matthew Schiavello have resulted in stunning abstract pictures of vandalised urban spaces.
    • Corrosion on the iron trash cans makes the graffiti appear magnified as if viewed through a microscope.
    • The Art Cafe is a good spot to get some work done and take advantage of the building's free Wi-Fi if you need a quiet place to concentrate.
    • If you're looking for a cheese-based appetiser to enjoy while watching a movie or eating dessert, you've found the correct location.
    • Due to the overwhelming success of Milk, the Cow since its 2012 debut in St. Kilda, its proprietors have opened a second location in Melbourne's northern suburbs.
    • On the menu, you'll find "flights" of cheese and booze that have been expertly combined with stimulating your taste buds.
    • Choose between a readymade cheeseboard or making your own to pass around.
    • In the winter, the kind staff warms you up with complimentary Glühwein (mulled wine).
    • If you need to pick up some cheese for a dinner party, you can do so here.
    • The Royal Exhibition Building is a landmark in the middle of the tranquil Carlton Gardens.
    • It was installed in 1880 and has stood as a symbol of Victoria's economic growth since the gold rush.
    • As of its 1888 completion, this British architect Joseph Reed's creation stood as Australia's tallest building.
    • Melbourne University students use it as a temporary exhibition area, fairground, and exam centre.
    • Its entry to a Royal Exhibition Building is framed by two rows of trees, making for a picture-perfect scene popular with Instagrammers all year round.
    • The line at the popular gelateria Pidapipo never seems to shrink, no matter how high the temperature outside.
    • Lisa Valmorbida studied in a real Italian "gelato school."
    • Retro lovers of the '50s and '60s will appreciate the vibe of this place.
    • Inside, you'll find a vibrant palette and a buzzing atmosphere, plus an abundance of tasty options.
    • The gelato was painstakingly made with much love and attention to detail.
    • It won't be long until this bar becomes a landmark on Lygon Street.
    • If you are suffering from a hangover, head to Vincent the Dog, a cosy café on Drummond Street.
    • You can choose from several refreshing beverages, such as orange, lychee, and lime juices, and there is enough speciality coffee to float a canoe.
    • Cafes are great places to people-watch because the baristas are usually very knowledgeable about the drinks they serve.
    • The Chinese doughnut is a delicious twist on the classic Western treat, topped with pork, cheese, and a poached egg.
    • If you feel under the weather, make yourself an affogato with some Ferrero Rocher gelato.
    • Not starting with Italian would be unjust to Carlton.
    • Tiamo (303 Lygon St.) is usually a busy spot, no matter the time of day because it has provided real Italian coffee and cuisine for over 40 years.
    • Mark claims he has been eating at the establishment continuously since 1972.
    • Further north on Rathdowne is the hip Italian restaurant Capitano (421 Rathdowne St).
    • Unlike any other pie in Melbourne, Capitano's is a cheesy, carb-laden grandma pie in the Detroit style.
    • An enjoyable afternoon activity is sipping on unusual cocktails like the P.B. & Ramen Old Fashioned.
    • But Carlton is much more than an Italian eatery.
    • It's no surprise that Kazuki's (121 Lygon St.) on Melbourne's trendy Eat Street, Lygon, is the recipient of a Time Out Food Award.
    • The fashionable Japanese-French fusion eatery moved here in 2018 from Daylesford.
    • Shakahari Vegetarian Restaurant, also long-standing, may be located on Faraday, not too far from Lygon (201 Faraday St).
    • Its comprehensive cuisine, which caters to vegans and vegetarians, has been around since 1972.
    • The world-famous satay especially warrants your attention.
    • Abla's is another Carlton institution (at 109 Elgin St).
    • Taquito is a trendy Mexican taqueria at 350 Drummond Street.
    • If you are looking for a spot to relax and enjoy the sun? Look no further than Johnny's Green Room.
    • As chosen by our readers in 2017, The Lincoln in Carlton, Ontario, takes the title of Best Pub 2017. (91 Cardigan St).
    • Australia is home to a wide variety of wine styles.
    • However, it has the vibe of a more relaxed eatery.
    • The vegetarian Pub Green Man's Arms is at the intersection of Lygon and Elgin (418 Lygon St).
    • If you're looking for a place to unwind with friends over a Sunday roast or a drink after work, this Pub has you covered with a large selection of local beers and wines.
    • The Old Clyde Hotel in Carlton is a great example of how the simplest ideas can be the most effective.
    • A typical night at the neighbourhood bar would have a crowd of college kids, some older adults watching football, and some parents looking for a fast bite to eat with their kids.
    • One can hardly exaggerate the notion that finding poor-quality coffee in Carlton is next to impossible.
    • Although you can get a good cup of coffee in most hip cafes or Italian restaurants, we've compiled a list of some of our favourites.
    • Heartattack & Vine (329 Lygon St) is a hip Italian café known for its exceptional speciality coffee and superb food, especially its porchetta roll.
    • Japan-themed brunch may be found at Ima Project Café, which can be found at 169 Elgin St. Then, on your way to work, grab a matcha cookie or a flat white, or settle in for a traditional Japanese dinner paired with your choice of green tea.
    • Vertue Coffee is your one-stop shop for all things coffee-related (8 Raffa Pl).
    • A petrol station and a busy intersection make it a bit challenging to locate, but you won't be let down if you can follow the scent of freshly roasted coffee.
    • Wild Timor Espresso is a coffee establishment conveniently close to the Kathleen Symes Library (251 Faraday St).
    • Wild Timor Coffee is grown in the mountains of Aileu in Timor-Leste, so when you drink it, you can do so with the knowledge that you're supporting local farmers.
    • Aside from that, there are Wi-Fi hotspots at the tables in the library's main lobby.
    • In addition to delicious food, you can buy all the ingredients you need to make homemade Italian cuisine at Carlton's grocery store.
    • Leo Donati has been a butcher in the Carlton area since the 1960s, and he and his son now run a thriving business selling meat to locals and restaurants.
    • A grocery store since its 1884 opening, King & Godfree has undergone considerable renovations yet has managed to keep its original charm.
    • The deli and espresso shop next to the grocery now stocks all the Italian cuisine and wine you could ever want.
    • On the same block as Pidapipó (299 Lygon St.), you'll find Pidapipó.
    • Nothing like 'Pipo's gelato deals on a hot day, but you'll have to wait in line (and there usually is).
    • You can find the bakery Baker D. Chirico (178 Faraday St) in the neighbourhood.
    • Have some delicious pastries or sourdough, but remember that this is another popular Carlton spot that may require you to wait in line.
    • To spend the time more quickly, I recommend grabbing a cup of coffee from Market Lane, conveniently located directly next door.
    • If you're looking for a place to relax and unwind, stop by Reading (309 Lygon St) or Readings Kids (316 Lygon St).
    • Mark boasts that even though they've been in business since 1969, they've stayed current by throwing events frequently and remodelling the space.
    • It's quite a hike from Lygon Street to the French Lettuce, a tiny pastry shop on the border between Carlton and Fitzroy (237 Nicholson St).
    • You can't go wrong with a baked cheesecake or a vanilla slice, which the staff will gladly tell you has been voted best in Melbourne.

     

    Scroll to Top