Carlton is famously known as Melbourne’s Little Italy, shaped by generations of families who opened much-loved restaurants that have been around for decades (and for that, we are very grateful). Nowadays, you can find those iconic venues sitting next to a new wave of coffee shops, wine bars and boutiques.
Local Guides are brought to you by your friendly concierge, Worktones. We’ve got the plug on the best restaurants, cafes, bars and other gems in the neighbourhood by those who know a thing or two about serving up good times in the area.
Tucked away on Elgin Street, you will find Bistra, a restaurant that takes inspiration from Italian, French, and British cooking techniques while staying Australian at its core. They have found the sweet spot between fine dining and a classic bistro experience; whether you are craving chicken liver pate or a cheeseburger with a side of fries, they have got you covered.
Located only 15 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Carlton is full of leafy streets, charming architecture, a variety of eats, shops and sights to explore. In a suburb that has so much to offer, it can be tricky to know where to begin, which is why we asked our friends at Bistra what are the spots they keep coming back to again and again.
The Bistra team helping us put together this Carlton guide:
- Celina - Front-of-house supervisor.
- JP & Simone- Chefs.
- Joe, Henry & Alexei - Owners.
What's your go-to when you knock off?
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Celina: Bar Carnation for a late-night steak and hand-cut chips. Paired with a delicious glass of Nebbiolo.
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JP & Simone: Home, everyone back to Simone's place!
- Joe, Henry & Alexei: Bar Bellamy for their always exceptional cocktails.
Where are you eating on a day/night off?
- Celina: Lagoon Dining. A consistent flavour bomb.
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JP & Simone: Donnini's on Lygon Street for unfussy, delicious Italian.
- Joe, Henry & Alexei: Daytime we're heading to Florian for an omelette, nighttime Bar Carnation for a steak and martini.
It's staff party time... where would you take the whole team?
- Celina: Bar Bellamy because it's always a good time.
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JP & Simone: Abla's classic Lebanese restaurant is wholesome, satisfying and a great BYO option.
- Joe, Henry & Alexei: We're starting at Carlton Wine Room and then continuing on to Scopri.
You have a 15 minute lunch break... where are you grabbing a quick bite?
- Celina: Hector's Deli.
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JP & Simone: Sunhands!
- Joe, Henry & Alexei: Sunhands for a sandwich, Market Lane for a coffee.
Gotta kill time... where are you going window shopping?
- Celina: Readings and After Hours.
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JP & Simone: Anywhere there's a cookbook.
- Joe, Henry & Alexei: Garfield for a slice, then Pidapipo for gelati. Window shopping, sort of.
