Melbourne's Own Little Italy
 Ciao Carlton is home to Melbourne's Italian community with 'Lygon' Street being the essence of capturing the authentic Italian feeling. Historically, thousands of Italian immigrants who came to Melbourne after WWII settled in Carlton and made it their home with Lygon Street being the focal point of the local community.
Carlton is a residential, commercial and educational area adjoining the northern boundary of central Melbourne at Victoria Street. Its other boundaries are Elizabeth Street/Royal Parade, Cemetery Road/Princes Street and Nicholson Street. The area north of Cemetery Road/Princes Street is Carlton North.
North of Grattan Street there is the University, the Royal Women's Hospital and a blend of commercial and residential premises. The University has spread beyond its reservation, consuming numerous residential and commercial properties.
Lygon Street, the hub of Carlton, is the most highly developed example of the multicultural evolution in Melbourne's inner suburbs. A lively street, no matter, day or night, is always filled with people dinning, sipping cappuccinos, shopping and generally soaking up the wonderful atmosphere.
 Carlton has over 90 restaurants, so if you enjoy authentic Italian gourmet cuisine, take a wander down the street and see charming waiters on the side walks, eagerly enticing you into one of the many restaurants serving up steaming bowls of delicious pastas and provincial Italian dishes. Ensure to leave enough room for dessert so you can enjoy an authentic 'gelato' ice cream.
If you happen to be in the area around November then don't miss the Lygon Street Festival, a 3-day food feast and fun street party. The festa has been a longstanding tradition since 1978.
Getting There
- Tram No 1 or 22 north from Swanston St
- Bus No 200, 201, 203 or 207 from Melbourne Central Shopping Centre
- Takes about 15 minutes
Highlights
- Lygon St Festival
- Cinema Nova
- Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens
- Melbourne University & RMIT
- IMAX Theatre
- Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens
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Order your favourite drink and take in the sweeping views from the open air deck while enjoying a selection of tasty tapas. The lounges are a perfect place to relax with friends and on Friday & Saturday nights)
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