Brico restaurant and wine bar in Carlton North.
14/20

Is it a restaurant or a wine bar? It doesn’t matter when it’s as friendly and fun as this

The people slurping oysters at the counter reckon they’re in a bar,but the bistro chairs,fine cooking and ability to book a table say “restaurant” to me.

  • Dani Valent
Gerald’s Bar in Carlton North is one of the city’s best date spots.
14.5/20

The romantic Carlton North wine bar that’s often imitated,but never beaten

Much-loved Melbourne stalwart Gerald’s Bar is almost impossible to score with numbers and hats,says Besha Rodell. But she gives it her best shot.

  • Besha Rodell
Brico has opened in the charming corner site formerly known as Little Andorra.

Melbourne is swimming in wine bars,but this new Carlton North charmer has something extra

Five friends who met working in some of London’s most influential wine bars have just opened their very own in Melbourne. Say hello to Brico.

  • Emma Breheny
Dark walls and light fixtures made from fencing wire create a masculine aesthetic at La Luna.
14/20

Icon review:Melburnians are obsessed with new restaurants,but 25-year-old La Luna shows we should value consistency,too

In a city enamoured with newness,this Carlton North stayer has a timeless quality that commands respect.

  • Besha Rodell

Malouf’s Zum Zum

Having tested the waters ‘south of the river’,Amal and Geoff Malouf have

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Duck fatteh is cooked in Zum Zum's 10-year-old master stock.

Malouf's Zum Zum

Zum Zum is a bit like a cat that wandered off to live with different owners for a while but is now back.

  • Nina Rousseau
Buckwheat risotto with truffle.
14/20

Neighbourhood restaurant Henry Sugar punches well above its weight

This inventive,friendly and cosy Carlton North local ought to be beloved by a wider swath of the city,as well.

  • Besha Rodell
Bengali bohg (feast) is ladled out by waiters,thali restaurant-style.
Good Food hat15.5/20

Enter Via Laundry becomes enter via laneway

Helly Raichua's evolving Indian degustation offers us a new way of looking at this complex and diverse cuisine.

  • Besha Rodell
Di Marco makes one of Melbourne's best tiramisus.

Giro D'Italia saves you the airfare to Italy

Take a grand tour of Italy without leaving Melbourne.

  • Dani Valent
Japanesque:Miso eggplant and fried egg on toast.

Sibling is the feelgood cafe hero we deserve

Come to Kinfolk's Carlton sibling for the warm fuzzies,stay for the food.

  • Larissa Dubecki