The Best Restaurants on Lygon Street
Lygon is one of Melbourne’s best-known streets, but it cops a lot of unfair flack. It’s true that the Italian restaurant precinct – which roughly occupies the blocks between Carlton’s Queensberry and Elgin streets – has its fair share of tourist traps, but there are plenty of great Italian restaurants (like DOC) hidden among the chequered tablecloths.
The street’s northern end, in Brunswick East, is much less famous but is today home to some of the city’s most exciting contemporary restaurants, including Old Palm Liquor and Etta. So Lygon is something of a dining powerhouse, regardless of which particular stretch we’re talking about.
Words by Nick Connellan
Updated on 2 October 2023
Carlton
Brunswick East
Carlton
Bar
Carlton Wine Room
The latest incarnation of Carlton Wine Room is also its best. Chef John Paul Twomey is one of the most exciting in Melbourne, and his inventive tweaking of classic European dishes make this restaurant well worth a visit.
Restaurant
Lagoon Dining
Take a seat at the black granite bar for hot and sour shredded potato, charcoal-roasted char siu and cured pork belly with rolled rice noodles in XO.
Restaurant
Kazuki's
In 2018, this Euro-Japanese fine diner moved from its home in Daylesford to Carlton. We're glad it's made the move to the city. The dishes here, delivered thoughtfully across several multi-course options, are a compelling argument for fusion done the right way.
Bar
Leonardo’s Pizza Palace
This place throws together classic Italian-American and Italian-Australian dishes, high quality ingredients, loud music, killer drinks and bizarre pizza toppings (like the Chinese bolognaise). It all works. Really well. And it's a lot of fun.
Restaurant
DOC
A busy, tightly packed pizzeria, like something straight out of the boot-shaped country.
Cafe
DOC Espresso
A great option for all-day dining, sitting alfresco is one of the best vantage points for taking in Lygon Street's atmosphere.
Restaurant
Tiamo Coffee
There's just something about this 40-year-old institution that keeps you coming back. This is the perfect venue for anything from a quick espresso at the bar to a long multi-course meal.
Restaurant
Tiamo 2
The other side of the Tiamo coin is slightly more pizza focused, but still has a full menu of pan-Italian favourites.
Bar
Jimmy Watson’s
One of Melbourne's oldest wine bars is also one of its best – the food menu here is a crowdpleaser, too.
Restaurant
Di Stasio Pizzeria
When veteran restaurateur Rinaldo Di Stasio started serving pizza for the first time, people duly took notice. Come for classic Margheritas and luxurious lobster pies in a colourful, artwork-filled space.
Restaurant
Heartattack and Vine
This one isn't great for groups – seating is tight and Heartattack is always packed. If it's just the two of you, though, there are few better places on Lygon Street for casual dining. Whether that's for sandwiches like the much-loved porchetta roll during the day, or for cichetti (Venetian-style tapas) in the evenings.
Bar
The Green Man’s Arms
One of the few places on Lygon offering great non-Italian food, this Israeli-influenced pub is all vegetarian or vegan.
Restaurant
Kahaani
Kahaani, which means “story” in Hindi, showcases deep cuts from India’s diverse regional cuisines. Try the refined reshmi kebab, or the family-recipe goat curry that predates Partition.
Brunswick East
Restaurant
Old Palm Liquor
The sibling of Neighbourhood Wine is cool and comfortable. Take a seat at the bar, or in front of an open fire, and enjoy the rotating share plates and easy-drinking wines.
Restaurant
Etta
This neighbourhood restaurant keeps going from strength to strength. Its latest incarnation, guided by the steady hands of owner Hannah Green and head chef Lorcán Kan, is one of Melbourne's essential dining experiences.
Restaurant
Figlia
Left-of-centre pizzas are the draw at this big, industrial-chic room from the Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria crew. Post up at the central bar for snacks and natural wines, or share bistecca and nebbiolo at a bistro-style table.
Restaurant
Yakamoz
Expect woodfired pide, Moroccan chicken, and candied pumpkin with tahini at this father-son operation. Don’t feel like going out? The kitchen also runs a delivery-only kebab store.
Restaurant
Kura
Tucked beneath an apartment block, an ex-Kisume and Nobu chef perfects the Japanese art of robatayaki using a charcoal-powered parrilla grill. Take a seat at the bar overlooking the small but efficient kitchen for yakitori served every way and a diverse selection of sake by the glass.
Bar
Waxflower
Blending elements of Melbourne cafe, European wine bar and Tokyo-style “listening bar”, this buzzing spot hosts vinyl-only DJs five nights a week, with no cover charges. It’s one of the best places in town to hear recorded music.
Restaurant
Bar Idda
If you forget to book at this cosy neighbourhood restaurant, grab a seat at the bar, order a spritz and picture yourself in the streets of Palermo as you wait for a table. You’re in for home-style Sicilian fare, nostalgic Italian desserts and a welcoming vibe.
Restaurant
Bird
A red neon arrow beckons you inside for a choose-your-own-chicken adventure. Just decide what cut, heat and sauce you want – then add on silky mash with 48-hour gravy and some wads of garlic-butter brioche.
Restaurant
Teta Mona
Twin brothers Antoine and Bechara Taouk serve up Lebanese soul food, just like their grandma did at home.
Restaurant
Kumo Izakaya & Sake Bar
There are over 80 sakes at this slick Japanese bar and eatery, which is housed in a former bank. Unlike many izakaya – which can get quite dark – Kumo's space is light, open and airy.
Restaurant
Mama Manoush
Family favourites from a Lebanese home cook.
Restaurant
400 Gradi Brunswick East
A Naples inspired Italian restaurant with some of the best pizza in town.
Restaurant
Thaila Thai
A hyperactive restaurant that serves mammoth-sized, affordable Thai food.
Restaurant
Compass Pizza
This casual Italian joint has a fit-out reminiscent of the all-you-can-eat pizza joints of the ’90s. While it's not a classic buffet, the pizzas are worth your pennies – from classic capricciosa to a burrata-laden pie.
