Navigating Carlton

Deciding where to eat in Carlton can be a little overwhelming. Being a local & proud Carltonian, I've done the hard-work for you to narrow down my favourite spots to eat for you to enjoy!

Buon apetito!

Coffee:
Heart Attack & Vine Bar:
329 Lygon St, Carlton
My weekend spot for a caffeine hit using wide open road coffee beans. Relaxed vibe and consistently great coffee.
My top menu pick: Heart Attack & Vine is an all day/night eatery, so besides coffee, I'd also recommend stopping by for a bite to eat from their daily [small but delicious] rotating menu. The porchetta rolls are my fave #piggy

Breakfast:
Le Miel et Le Lune:
330 Cardigan St, Carlton
Duke's coffee, creative Korean inspired menu (ex-proud mary head chef), organic bread by Zeallybay, meat & poultry from local butchery institution Donati's, bacon by Johnathan's in Collgwood + accommodates gluten intolerance's and vegetarian options...Need I say more?
My top menu pick: I love the pork belly potato hash comprised of potato hash, sliced pork belly, enoki, shimeji, mushroom, capsicum a poached egg with creamy sesame sauce. The baked goods are delightful too!

The Vertue of the Coffee Drink:
8 Raffa Place, Carlton
Architecturally designed specialty coffee roastery, retailer and cafe, Vertue boasts a beautiful space with a unique and memorable menu. A true hidden gem - Great spot to brunch.
My top menu pick: The chia pudding - divine!

Vincent The Dog:
348 Drummond St, Carlton
Vincent the Dog is a small yet refined Carlton eatery offering great coffee and a great spot for breakfast with Melbourne classic's from smashed avo to waffles and bagels (hell yes).
My top menu pick: Being a true Melbournian, I can't go past the smashed avocado on toast with radish and cherry tomato. And of course I add chirizo & haloumi. #guilty

Lunch/Dinner:
Gemma Simply Italian:
183 Elgin St, Carlton
Gemma Simply Italian is my local in the truest form. I quite literally go here once a week if not more. To the point people genuinely think I have stakes in the restaurant. Gemma Simply Italian sings simple, authentic, tasty italian that will leave you feeling exceptionally nostalgic about your last trip to Italy. Great spot if looking for gluten free too.
My top menu pick: I can genuinely say I have almost tried everything on the menu and it has all been delightful, but my go to orders are the Crudo San Danielle prosciutto pizza, carbonara spaghetti, 4 formaggi gnocchi & the con melanzane calzoni.

Tiamo:
303 Lygon St, Carlton
An absolute institution on Lygon St, Tiamo 1 & 2 do not need an introduction. Top quality italian, reasonable prices, warm and authentic. Great street front seating as well as large interior to accommodate larger bookings.
My top menu pick I love the penne ragu (SO good) and if I am feeling like something light the grilled calamari salad is belissimo. Oh and I can never go past the nutella pizza because I have no self control.

Town Mouse:
312 Drummond St, Carlton
Winner of 2015 young chef of the year (George Tomlin) and awarded one hat at The 2015 Age Good Food Guide amongst other well deserved accolades Town Mouse is an unassumingly refined and sleek restaurant on Drummond St, Carlton.
It's dark, it's vibey and immaculately styled, it is no wonder it has received so much recognition as one of Melbourne's top eateries.
My top menu pick: I'd recommend going in a small group to be able to try a few dishes on the menu. I love the goats cheese profiteroles to start, the slow roasted red cabbage (trust me...beyond) and the lime posset for dessert. #Thankmelater

DOC Espresso:
326 Lygon St, Carlton //
DOC Pizza:
295 Drummond St, Carlton
The original and the best, DOC Espresso is located in the heart of Lygon St serving some of the italian favourites. It's always busy (but in a good way) which creates a vibrant aura. There are plenty of options from breakfast - dinner.
DOC Pizza is located on the corner of Faraday and Drummond Streets and is home to the majority of Melbourne's favourite pizza's.
My top menu pick: From DOC Espresso I love the proscuitto piadina or the farro salad if I'm after something light. If I'm a little more hungry I always opt for the lasagna...the best on the street!
At DOC Pizza I love the Pizza Speck, Pizza Salsiccia and the classic, Pizza Margherita.

credit: @doc_gastronomia

Abla's:
109 Elgin St, Carlton
A lebanese institution, Abla's has been open since 1979. Modest and warm, Abla's encapsulates traditional homestyle lebanese food. It is no wonder the owner and head-cook Abla Amad has been affectionately known as the "the queen of lebanese cooking".
My top menu pick : I love the mixed dips to start, ladies fingers (filo pastry cigars filled with minced lamb, pine nuts, and spices), falafels, salata (lettuce salad) and last but certainly not least, the in house made baklava... sensational!

Snacks/Dessert:
*WARNING: The following options are a lactose intolerant individual's nightmare*
Pidapipo:
299 Lygon St, Carlton
BEST GELATO IN MELBOURNE. #Enoughsaid
My top menu pick: I always always always get hazelnut & coconut topped with hot nutella sauce in a cone. If it was socially acceptable to put my mouth underneath the free flowing nutella fountain I would. #sorrynotsorry

La Latteria:
104 Elgin St, Carlton
La Latteria is Melbourne's first cheese producing cheese-monger.
My top menu pick: Ricotta filled cannoli. Made fresh... as in you literally have to ask for it as they're not out on display. #Lifechanging

Milk The Cow:
323 Lygon St, Carlton
With a selection of 150 different artisan cheeses crafted by expert cheese mongers, Milk The Cow is my favourite spot for a weekend afternoon catch up with friends for cheese and wine.
My top menu pick: If you haven't been to Milk The Cow before I'd recommend a flight [4 matching wines (or beer or cider) with cheese)] otherwise the cheese boards are always great and I love the mac and cheese! Soo good!!

Have I missed one of your Carlton favourites? Let me know in the comments section below or tag me on instagram:
// @emptyplateblog #Emptyplateblog