Hidden gems to visit in Carlton

Take time out in Carlton to explore these hidden cafes, epic attractions and under the radar restaurants.

Scoop up handmade gelato

Getting a gelato on Lygon Street is a quintessential Carlton experience. Relive it with a scoop from the street's newest gelateria. The owners of the ever-popular Universal Restaurant have expanded their expertise with the opening of GLO Gelato. Located right next door, the neon-lit ice cream shop will be hard to miss. Head inside and sample flavours like crunchy pistachio, pandan and dark chocolate sorbetto.

Visit a stand-up coffee bar

Coffee specialists Standing Room have opened a new location in Melbourne. The Carlton fitout stays true to the original open-plan concept. A long bar lines the front wall with movable stands to place your cup. There's even a self-serve station with batch brew and cold brew on tap. For a special treat, get the aesthetic cherry soda topped with lemon cream.

Try Sri Lankan food with a twist

Ever tried a biryani burrito or chicken curry lasagne? Find these and more flavour-packed bites at Lankan Tucker. The Sri Lankan inspired spot is tucked inside College Square, right off Lygon Street. Grab a table for brunch and dig into street food staples like kotthu roti or gluten-free curries. The cafe doubles as a grocer too, so you can take home delicious ready-made meals like butter chicken pie.

Sit in at a tiny dumpling spot

A new contender for best dumplings in Melbourne has found its home in Carlton. The quaint restaurant, Aunty's Dumplings, serves up classic fillings like pork, prawn and chives. Order your dumplings steamed, pan-fried or half and half. Then take a seat at the counter and watch the aunties wrap and fold each by hand.

Attend arthouse film screenings

With sixteen theatres and a licensed terrace bar, Carlton's iconic Cinema Nova is no secret to movie fans. But if you want real cinephile cred, snap up tickets to one of Nova's filmmaker screenings. Get an early look at the latest independent releases, like the Melbourne made doco Pellegrini's: A Melbourne Legacy. Then meet the talent behind the flicks.

Find Japanese snacks and cocktails

Lincoln Square is also home to two must-try Japanese spots. On street level is the pint-sized cafe Hareruya Pantry. Here you'll find grab n' go snacks like delicate bento boxes and gelato wrapped in mochi. Next, head upstairs to Atsu. This new restaurant is the perfect place for your next date night. Say cheers with a refreshing lemon highball and fill up on deep-fried skewers.

Invest in quality coffee gear

If you're serious about coffee and want to perfect a home brew, take a trip to Coffee Machine Technologies. This one-stop shop stocks luxe, high-quality gear for espresso enthusiasts. Speak with the experts to help pick the right machine for you, or go with an iconic Bialetti. There's even an in-house barista to brew you a fresh cup while you browse. Visit before December to see a special free exhibition inside.

Go for a Brazilian brunch

Brazilian comfort food is what you'll find at Bossa Nova. From the quirky and colourful decor to specialty coffee, it's a must-visit in Carlton. Try the juicy steak sandwich with Brazilian vinaigrette and homemade cream cheese. Finish off lunch with a sweet treat like caramel churros or a dulce de leche mocha to go.

Sip Italian wine by the park

Pause your stroll through Lincoln Square with a pit stop at Bar Holiday. Find the casual and unassuming wine bar tucked away behind the park. Dine al fresco with a table in the sunshine. Then share a plate of pork and fennel ragu, anchovy toast and olives. Then stay till late on weekends and treat yourself to delicious Italian cocktails.

Score $4 lunches

Feeds for less than a fiver are pretty hard to come by. The exception? Cheap eats gem Heart of Carlton. The husband-wife duo behind this beloved spot serve big bowls of pasta, curry and more for just a few gold coins each. At lunchtime you'll find a huge a stack of baguettes for $4 a pop. The vibe inside is priceless too with regular live music and cosy seating.

Seek out Carlton's cutest cake shop

This cafe is hiding in plain site on Swanston Street, but chances are you've never tried its dreamy cakes. Her Cafe is a little hole-in-the-wall dishing up fluffy Asian-inspired cakes. As cute and colourful as they are delicious, try airy sponges and roll cakes in flavours like lychee rose and black sesame. And don't leave without ordering the matcha Basque cheesecake.

Try home-cooked Nigerian food

Adonai Foods is one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets. Hidden at the end of a no-through road, it's Melbourne's only dedicated Nigerian restaurant. Try fried plantains, pepper soup and puff-puff doughnuts. Plus more traditional and lovingly homemade Nigerian dishes.

Discover a secret rooftop oasis

Hiding behind Carlton's Jimmy Watson's is the quirky rooftop bar Wolf's Lair. European curios decorate the walls of the snug downstairs bar. Upstairs at tree level, the rooftop is abundant with greenery. No wonder it's known as Carlton's Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Order a glass of red and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic Lygon Street institution.

Snack in a discreet laneway bar

Venture down a laneway behind Elgin Street car park to find Snack Monster. As the name suggests, this tiny bar offers a filling selection of nibbles. Drop in to try the ever-changing menu. Perhaps duck liver and pancetta pate or meatballs with a garlic and basil sugo. For something sweet, indulge in a rich dark chocolate mousse.

Find the best Japanese set meals

Never tried teishoku? Make a beeline to Torissong and right that wrong ASAP. A curated selection of rice, soup and your choice of main and side dishes is neatly served on a wooden tray. Think crispy katsu prawns and salmon sashimi. The menu rotates daily with specials like chargrilled unagi (eel) and mixed mushroom tempura.

Discover a movie set in Melbourne's university district

Did you know that an iconic action movie was partly shot at the University of Melbourne? The scene was filmed on campus near the South Lawn in a gothic underground car park. Keep an eye out for this architectural icon when you next flick on the Aussie cult classic Mad Max.

Catch indie performances in a legendary theatre

Established in 1967, La Mama is the bedrock of Melbourne's contemporary theatre scene. Generations of actors, writers, producers and production crews have honed their craft here. The original theatre was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 2018. Now shows are held across two Carlton venues, La Mama HQ and the Courthouse. Get tickets and discover emerging talent at upcoming performances in 2026.

Take the kids to an adventure playground

With rope bridges, play towers, slides and swings, Melbourne's oldest playground is a favourite among kids. Visit Lincoln Square and let them loose to climb and conquer the timber towers. The kids will have a ball playing under the shade of the park's beautiful 150-year-old Moreton Bay fig trees.

Shop for one-of-a-kind toys and gifts

Established on Lygon Street over 50 years ago, this iconic store has a treasure trove of fun and unique toys. Wonder at the playthings lining the Poppyshop walls and find gifts for the little ones. Although, we won't blame you if you want to collect cute Smiski figures all for yourself. The huge collection of vintage toys is bound to awaken your inner child. Find more gifts for kids with our Christmas guide.

Pick up a second-hand instrument

Local musos know Carlton icon Music Swop Shop is the go-to for buying and selling second-hand gear. Browse the newest arrivals and trade in that keyboard for a sweet '80s synth. Or pluck out a tune on a new-to-you banjo.