Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Carlton North

Price

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Regions

BaysideEastern SuburbsInner CityInner City NorthInner EastInner South

Neighbourhoods

ArmadaleAscot ValeBalwyn NorthBrightonCarltonClifton Hill

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant

1. Cecconi's Flinders Lane

4.8

Exceptional(1205)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 8 times today

Cecconi's Flinders Lane is a "Melbourne institution" that offers an exceptional dining experience with its authentic Contemporary Italian cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne CBD, this sophisticated restaurant has been awarded the prestigious One Hat by The Age Good Food Guide consistently from 2006 to 2023. Diners rave about the "sublime" meals, highlighting dishes like the seafood linguine and veal cotoletta. The restaurant is celebrated for its "impeccable" service and a "wonderful ambience," creating a memorable experience. With a menu that offers real choice and a wine list to match, Cecconi’s stands out as a top destination for Italian fare.

A photo of D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant

2. D.O.C Osteria Carlton

4.5

Awesome(39)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Carlton

Booked 11 times today

D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.

A photo of Teatro Gastronomia restaurant

3. Teatro Gastronomia

4.4

Awesome(1079)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Southbank

Booked 26 times today

Teatro Gastronomia, nestled along the vibrant Southbank Promenade, offers an exquisite Contemporary Italian dining experience that captures the true essence of Italy. Guests rave about the “amazing food and even better service,” consistently highlighting the restaurant’s “delicious” offerings, from traditional wood-fired pizzas to delectable pasta dishes. With its fresh, seasonal produce-driven menu, Teatro manages to keep its offerings both authentic and innovative, providing plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The stunning views of the Yarra River add to the atmosphere, making it a perfect pre-show dining spot. Diners consistently praise it as a “highly recommended” destination for Italian cuisine lovers.

4. Bar Taralli

new

4.6

Exceptional(5)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Melbourne

Booked 8 times today

Lead by renowned Melbourne chef Salvatore Giorgio, Bar Taralli celebrates the rustic flavours and traditions from the South of Italy.Inspired by the regions simple yet bold approach to food, Bar Taralli focuses on bringing out authentic flavours in every dish.Creating a warm and inviting space for patrons to gather, this is Salvatore's love letter to his homeland, a region that deeply shaped his culinary philosophy. Salvatore welcomes you to his new home, a place to share his rich food culture with Melbourne foodies.

5. Luci

4.4

Awesome(215)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 10 times today

Luci offers a delightful journey into the world of Contemporary Italian cuisine, nestled in the heart of Melbourne's historic Equity Chambers Building. This hidden gem is celebrated for its "superb" culinary creations that beautifully blend delicate flavors with light, balanced dishes. Diners rave about the "amazing food," with standout mentions of the chef's selection being "outstanding" and the snapper with mushroom sauce being a particular highlight. The ambience, reminiscent of an old-world charm, provides a "fabulous" and sophisticated backdrop, making it an ideal spot for romantic dinners or intimate gatherings. With attentive service and impeccable presentation, Luci ensures a truly memorable dining experience.

6. Cecconi's Toorak

4.6

Exceptional(161)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Toorak

Booked 15 times today

Cecconi's Toorak offers an exquisite experience of Contemporary Italian cuisine, beautifully blending authentic Italian flavors with Melbourne's modern dining landscape. Nestled in the heart of Toorak, this elegant eatery is a “lovely, tucked away gem,” praised for its warm ambiance and impeccable service. Diners consistently rave about the “fantastic food and wine” and the “world-class oysters,” highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and taste. With its luxurious decor and attentive staff, Cecconi's Toorak stands as a premier destination for those seeking a sophisticated and memorable Italian dining experience. “Highly recommended” for its innovative and flavorful menu, it's a must-visit for discerning palates.

A photo of Geppetto Trattoria restaurant

7. Geppetto Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(122)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • East Melbourne

Booked 3 times today

Geppetto Trattoria, nestled in East Melbourne, is a vibrant beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Since 1981, this family-owned gem has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its authentic home-style Italian cooking. Diners rave about the "delicious home-cooked food" and "superb quality" of dishes like the rich Osso Buco and classic Spaghetti Pescatora. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and attentive service create a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you're savoring a glass of Italian wine or indulging in perfectly cooked seafood, Geppetto Trattoria promises an "authentic, quality dining experience" that you won't soon forget.

8. Funghi E Tartufo

4.4

Awesome(114)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 22 times today

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, Funghi E Tartufo offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. This plant-based restaurant, led by Chef Alessandra D'Angelo, masterfully blends traditional Italian flavors with a modern, earth-friendly twist. The pappardelle with mushroom and truffle sauce is a standout, described by diners as “simply not possible to go wrong.” Guests rave about the “amazing plant-based food” and the impeccable service, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether vegan or not, patrons leave with a “new appreciation for food” and a desire to return for more delightful culinary adventures.

9. Freddy's Pizza

4.6

Exceptional(265)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Windsor

Booked 10 times today

Freddy's Pizza in Windsor is a vibrant hub for Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering diners an authentic taste of Italy with a modern twist. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, Freddy's has received rave reviews for its "out of this world" creations like the Danny Zuko and Margarita. Guests often rave about the impeccable customer service and the inviting, lively atmosphere that makes every visit memorable. One review highlights the mussels and clams in a "delicious sauce" as a must-try, while others praise the fresh chilli oil and Peach Sour cocktail as standout elements. Freddy's is truly a neighborhood gem that guarantees a delightful culinary experience.

10. Osteria 20

4.0

Excellent(91)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hawthorn

Booked 8 times today

Osteria 20 in Hawthorn, Melbourne, is a beacon of authentic Italian flavors, serving some of the finest Pizza Bar cuisine in the area. Guests rave about the “fantastic pizzas” with “quality pizza dough,” making it a must-visit for pizza lovers. The vibrant ambiance and impeccable service add to the charm, as noted by a diner who praised the “exceptional service from our waiter” on a bustling Saturday night. Located conveniently near Glenferrie Railway Station, this stylish dining spot is perfect for both locals and visitors. Experience what one reviewer described as “the best pizza in the area” at Osteria 20!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

JR
JoanneR
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
From start to finish this experience was exceptional. The wine selection was spot on, the appetizers were spectacular in taste, presentation and inspiration. The meal was topped off with a delicious and unique desert. Couldn’t ask for a better first night in Melbourne.
More info
LuciPrice: Expensive• Australian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.4
S
SamVIP
Gold Coast •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The special lunch of pasta and wine for $25 was excellent value and the pasta was delicious. The service was very attentive.
More info
Bar TaralliPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Melbourne
•
4.6
A
Adam
Perth •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing food - daughter said pasta was the best she ever had and she has lived on pasta basically for 18yrs.
More info
Cecconi's Flinders LanePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
C
Cathy
Melbourne •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The space is absolutely stunning as is the Terrace which would be lovely for a lunch. Service was friendly and knowledgable without being intrusive. Amazing food large menu and good specials also a 2 course set menu ideal for lunch. Deserts amazing. Wonderful experience all round.
More info
Cecconi's ToorakPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Toorak
•
4.6
R
Rowena
Victoria •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food was delicious. Service was excellent at every stage, from the greeting to us leaving. Atmosphere is great, but noisy so difficult to chat. But we were there to eat so we chatted later. I would return and would recommend.
More info
Teatro GastronomiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Southbank
•
4.4

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