Carlton is known as Melbourne’s authentic Italian heart, where the aroma of fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza drifts through tree-lined streets.

This vibrant suburb serves up some of the best Italian food you’ll find outside of Italy itself, with family-run trattorias sitting alongside modern establishments that honor tradition while embracing local taste.

From cozy corner restaurants perfect for a romantic date night to bustling venues ideal for family gatherings, Carlton’s Italian dining scene caters to every occasion and budget.

The city’s rich Italian heritage shines through in every dish, whether you’re craving a classic carbonara or keen to try something more adventurous.

Here are the eight best Italian restaurants in Carlton that represent the very best of what Carlton has to offer.

Each venue brings its own unique character and specialties to the table, ensuring your Italian food journey through this iconic Melbourne neighborhood will be nothing short of memorable.

Best Italian Restaurants in Carlton

1. Al Dente Enoteca Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.8

Located at 161 Nicholson Street, Al Dente Enoteca Restaurant stands out as one of Carlton’s best Italian restaurants. The restaurant has two separate dining areas that create different experiences for diners.

The main dining room, called Enoteca, offers an elegant atmosphere, while the second space, Sapori, captures the authentic feel of an Italian trattoria with its crimson red walls and shelves lined with premium Australian and imported Italian ingredients.

What makes Al Dente Enoteca restaurant special is its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional Italian cooking methods.

Their handmade pasta, authentic sauces, and carefully crafted lasagne will offer you authentic Italian flavors. You can even buy these items to take home, bringing restaurant-quality meals to their own dining tables.

We suggest you must order the Spaghetti alle Vongole as it’s exceptional in taste. Also, their Fettuccine Ruvide is very good.

The combination of first-class Italian cuisine, a lovely atmosphere, and genuinely friendly staff creates an outstanding Italian dining experience that will keep you returning to this amazing Italian restaurant in Carlton.

2. Scopri Italian Food and Wine

Google Rating: 4.8

Moving to 191 Nicholson Street, Scopri Italian Food and Wine delivers an exceptional Italian dining experience that justifies its premium pricing.

This Italian restaurant in Carlton excels in every aspect, from the beautiful ambiance to the outstanding food quality and professional service. While the prices reflect the high-end nature of the establishment, diners consistently find the value matches the cost.

Their Spaghetti all Vongole combines fresh Goolwa Pipis with bottarga, chili, and breadcrumbs for a perfect balance of flavors.

Also, the beef carpaccio and agnolotti represent some of the finest examples of these classic dishes available in Carlton.

For dessert, you recommend you to order the Sfoglia Di Mela which is a puff pastry apple tart with caramel sauce and honey cinnamon mascarpone. The intimate setting and attentive service create perfect conditions for special occasions. Due to its popularity, securing a reservation requires advance planning, especially for dinner.

3. Da Guido La Pasta

Google Rating: 4.6

Located at 130 Lygon Street, Da Guido La Pasta is another popular Italian restaurant in Carlton that is known for its authentic Italian food.

The restaurant successfully balances warmth and sophistication, making it suitable for both casual meals and special celebrations. This versatility, combined with exceptional food quality, has made Da Guido La Pasta a favorite among Carlton diners.

The restaurant’s expertise shines through its signature Rigatoni alla Carbonara, which has become its most celebrated dish. However, their other pastas, including gnocchi alla genovese, linguine al nero di seppia, and fagottini tartufo e spinaci are also amazing.

Beyond pasta, the menu offers excellent seafood options like the Barramundi fish fillet served with garden leaves, raspberry vinaigrette, seeds, and pine nuts.

The tortino cioccolato will provide an unforgettable finish to your meal. Also, their curated wines and signature cocktails complement the food perfectly, creating a complete Italian dining experience.

Also Read: Best Italian Restaurants in Wollongong

4. Capitano

Google Rating: 4.5

Capitano at 421 Rathdowne Street one of the top-rated Italian restaurants in Carlton that has built its reputation on outstanding pizzas and pastas served in a welcoming environment.

The restaurant operates with a modern touch, using QR codes instead of traditional menus, which brings convenience to the ordering process.

The dining experience begins with delightful starters including sopressa salami, garlic butter bread, pickled zucchini, and beetroot with ricotta that work together beautifully.

Moreover, their pan pizzas represent the heart of their menu, with standout options including “The Sicilian,” “Roni Square,” “Tomato Pie,” and “Antony.”

The “Barbie Dazzler” deserves special mention for its unique combination of chili, tomato, cheese, and honey that creates a surprisingly amazing flavor profile.

Combined with attentive, friendly, and professional service, plus traditional desserts like tiramisu, Capitano provides a complete Italian dining experience that earns strong recommendations from satisfied diners.

5. Johnny, Vince and Sam’s Ristorante

Google Rating: 4.6

Located at 306-308 Lygon St, Johnny, Vince and Sam’s Ristorante delivers authentic Italian cuisine with incredible flavors and generous portions.

This Italian restaurant in Carlton keeps things simple yet delicious, focusing on traditional recipes that truly satisfy. Start your meal with their garlic focaccia, which sets the perfect tone for what’s to come.

Their spaghetti meatballs stand out as a must-try dish, featuring a rich sauce paired with tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs.

Another great thing on their menu is the Johnny’s Margherita pizza which is popular among locals for its amazing taste and authentic preparation.

Also, the atmosphere transports you to a beautiful house on the busy streets of Rome, creating an immersive Italian experience.

However, keep in mind that the music can be quite loud, making it less suitable for intimate conversations or romantic dates.

Despite this, the exceptional food quality and authentic atmosphere make this restaurant a worthwhile destination for Italian food lovers.

6. Piccolo Mondo

Google Rating: 4.4

Moving to 240 Lygon St, Piccolo Mondo has been serving the community since 1980 as a simple yet perfect spot for Italian dining.

This long-standing Italian restaurant has built its reputation on consistent quality and authentic flavors over more than four decades.

Their seafood dishes are particularly impressive, starting with fresh local scallops pan-fried in garlic, butter, sage, and lemon sauce, served elegantly in shells.

Also, the fresh local black mussels tossed in olive oil, garlic, spring onion, white wine with Napoli and pesto sauce provide another excellent appetizer option.

For the main course, try their spaghetti with King George Whiting fillets, featuring olive oil, garlic, fresh tomato, parsley, and a touch of chili.

The linguine prawns are also absolutely amazing and represent a must-order dish for seafood lovers.

While the restaurant is quite small and somewhat cramped, this actually creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere that many diners appreciate. The attentive service adds to the overall positive dining experience.

Also Read: Best Italian Restaurants in Adelaide

7. La Spaghettata Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.1

Located at 238 Lygon St, La Spaghettata Restaurant represents classic Italian dining at its finest.

With a charming history spanning over 40 years, this family-founded and operated Italian food place has earned its place among Carlton’s best Italian restaurants.

The restaurant proudly serves not only Carlton residents but customers from all around inner Melbourne.

Positioned just a stone’s throw from Melbourne’s CBD in the heart of Lygon Street’s Italian district, La Spaghettata offers convenient access for a perfect evening out.

Begin your meal with their exceptional beef meatballs, which showcase the kitchen’s attention to traditional preparation methods.

The restaurant features an extensive pasta selection, including calabrese pasta, napoli pasta, carbonara pasta, and lasagna, ensuring something for every taste preference.

Complete your Italian dining experience with their amazing Tiramisu, which provides the perfect sweet ending.

The excellent ambiance truly gives diners the feeling of being in Little Italy, making every visit memorable.

8. Tiamo

Google Rating: 4.3

Located at 303 Lygon St, Tiamo has been serving traditional, home-style Italian meals in the heart of Carlton for over 40 years.

This authentic Italian restaurant in Carlton has truly stood the test of time, maintaining its reputation for genuine Italian food and warm hospitality throughout the decades.

The restaurant buzzes with energy and excitement, though be prepared for crowds – there’s usually a queue of eager diners waiting to get in.

Booking in advance is a must if you want to avoid disappointment and lengthy waits. The friendly atmosphere and consistently fresh, high-quality food justify the popularity and occasional wait times.

Their pizza deserves special recognition as truly the best, with the Margherita and Al Funghi varieties leading the menu.

Also, their pasta menu has everything from Napoli, Bologna, Gnocchi, and Marinara pasta, all prepared with authentic techniques and fresh ingredients.

For dessert, order their chocolate mousse or Tiramisu to conclude your meal perfectly.