Carlton is one of Melbourne’s most famous food suburbs, best known for Lygon Street but no longer limited to Italian dining alone. The area now works for hot pot, Middle Eastern fusion, Pakistani and Indian food, charcoal grills, group dinners, late meals and polished Italian restaurants. It is a suburb where students, families, city workers, theatre-goers and visitors can all find something that suits the occasion.
This guide focuses on five Carlton restaurants worth knowing: Panda Hot Pot, Mint & Co, Ziyka Pakistani Indian Restaurant, Khabbay Restaurant and Scopri. Each one gives Carlton a different kind of dining experience, from interactive Sichuan hot pot to regional Italian food and hearty desi cuisine.

1. Panda Hot Pot
Panda Hot Pot is one of Carlton’s biggest dining experiences, both literally and in atmosphere. Located on Victoria Street, it brings Sichuan-style hot pot to a large, theatrical dining room where the meal is designed to be shared, cooked and built at the table. This is not a quiet, quick dinner; it is a restaurant for groups, long meals and people who want food to feel interactive.
The appeal of Panda Hot Pot is the format. Diners choose soup bases, select ingredients and cook everything in bubbling broth at the table. Meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles, tofu, mushrooms and dipping sauces all become part of the experience. It is especially useful for mixed groups because each person can choose the ingredients they like while still sharing the same meal.
Hot pot also suits Carlton’s energy well. The suburb already has a strong late-night and group dining culture, and Panda Hot Pot gives that crowd something generous, warming and social. It is a strong choice in winter, but it also works year-round because the fun is in the shared ritual: ordering, cooking, dipping and eating slowly across the table.
Panda Hot Pot is best for group dinners, birthdays, family meals, cold nights, late dinners and anyone who wants a bold, high-energy Carlton restaurant experience.
Address: 100 Victoria Street, Carlton
Panda Hot Pot Menu
Hot Pot Smallware
Butane Stove
Gas
Two bottles.
Soup Base
One-Flavour Soup Base
One flavour, all in! Go all out with your favourite.
Two-Flavour Soup Base
Two distinct flavours, perfectly paired! Made for sharing.
Three-Flavour Soup Base
Triple the variety, triple the experience!
Sichuan Spicy Soup Base
A traditional Sichuan-style beef tallow broth, slowly simmered with dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and aromatic spices. Rich, bold, and deeply savory, delivering layers of numbing heat and fragrance that define authentic Sichuan hot pot.
Spicy Vegetable Oil Soup Base
A classic Sichuan-style clear oil broth made with premium vegetable oil, dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and fragrant spices. Bright, aromatic, and clean on the palate, it delivers layered heat and gentle numbing spice without the heaviness of beef tallow.
Fish Maw with Chicken
A comforting, slow-simmered broth with a rich, silky texture and gentle savoury depth. Smooth and nourishing, it offers a delicate balance of warmth and natural richness, delivering a refined, soothing flavour that feels wholesome and deeply satisfying.
Tomato Soup Base
A light and comforting tomato-based broth simmered with ripe tomatoes and gentle aromatics. Naturally sweet and mildly tangy, it offers a refreshing, well-balanced flavour that pairs beautifully with meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Pork Bone Soup Base
A slow-simmered pork bone broth cooked for hours to extract deep, natural richness. Smooth, comforting, and savoury, with a clean finish that highlights the true flavour of meats, vegetables, and noodles without overpowering the palate.
Mushroom Soup Base
A light, nourishing mushroom soup base gently simmered with a generous variety of fresh mushrooms. Clean and delicate on the palate, it offers natural umami and subtle earthiness, creating a soothing, well-balanced base that feels comforting yet refreshingly light.
Sichuan Green Peppercorns
A fragrant green peppercorn broth infused with fresh Sichuan peppercorns and gentle aromatics. Light yet flavourful, it delivers a refreshing numbing tingle with bright citrus notes, creating a clean, aromatic base that enhances ingredients without overwhelming their natural flavours.
Guizhou Red Sour Soup Base
A traditional Guizhou-style fermented sour broth made from naturally fermented tomatoes and chilli. Bright, tangy, and deeply aromatic, it delivers a refreshing sourness with gentle heat, creating a lively, appetite-opening base that pairs beautifully with meats and seafood.
Laksa Soup Base
A rich and aromatic laksa broth made with coconut milk, spices, and fragrant herbs. Creamy yet balanced, it delivers gentle heat, subtle sweetness, and layered Southeast Asian flavours, creating a comforting, full-bodied base that pairs beautifully with seafood, meats, and vegetables.
Tom Yum Soup Base
A bright and aromatic broth with a lively balance of tangy sourness and gentle heat. Refreshing and palate-awakening, it delivers layered sharpness and warmth with a clean finish, making it light, invigorating, and deeply satisfying.
Beef Bone Clear Soup
A clear, slow-simmered beef bone broth with a clean, delicate richness. Light yet deeply savory, it delivers gentle warmth and pure beef flavor, enhancing ingredients without overpowering their natural taste. Available exclusively as part of the three-flavour soup base selection.
Signature Dishes
Premium Combination
A generous selection of premium meats and seafood, bringing land and sea together.
Signature Combination
A signature combination featuring our most popular premium meats, rich in flavour and quality.
Pork Ribs with Spicy Sauce
Tender and juicy with bold spicy sauce, delivering deep savoury richness and gentle heat.
Wagyu Chuck Tender
Richly marbled, tender and juicy, with deep beef flavour, balanced chewing and a smooth finish.
Prawn Mash in Bamboo Fungus
Springy shrimp sweetness paired with bamboo fungus aroma and a clean finish.
Prawn Mash
Bouncy and tender, and highlighting pure shrimp flavour with a subtle chilli kick.
Fish Mash with Fish Roe
Bouncy and silky with bursts of roe, delivering a fresh, savoury seafood finish.
Ox Tongue with Rattan Pepper
Silky tender bite with mild numbing spice, fresh citrus notes, and savoury depth.
Homemade Tofu
Silky smooth with a light soybean aroma and clean, gentle finish.
Signature Beef Tripe
Freshly hand-torn premium beef tripe with a crisp, tender bite.
Slow Cooked Premium Tripe
Soft, delicate layers with a gentle chew and clean, savoury finish.
Prime Marinated Beef Slices
Tender and delicately marinated, delivering a rich, clean beef flavour.
Meat
Beef Tendons
Pork Trachea
Beef Trachea
Crab Sticks
Fish Ball
Quail Egg
Duck Blood
Luncheon Meat Slices
Boneless Duck Feet
Cheese Rice Cake
Crispy Sausage
Wagyu Set (Large)
Wagyu Set (Small)
M9+ Striploin
M7+ Striploin
M5+ Chuck Eye Roll
M5+ Bolar Blade
Wagyu Belly Slices
Beef Brisket Fat
Prime Beef Slices
Chicken Slices
Lamb Slices
Beef Chuck Tender Slices
Beef Shin Shank Slices
Wagyu Brisket Slices
Pork Belly Slices
Fried Tofu stuffed with Shrimp
Spiced Chicken Slices
Fish Skin Cuttlefish Dumpling
Pork Coriander Meatballs
Pork Mushroom Meatballs
Spicy Beef Slices
Spicy Beef Stripes
Pork Kidney
Duck Intestines
Presented in a chilled ice ball.
Fried Egg
Fish Cake
Meihao Sausage
Tianwei Sausage
Prime Pork Liver
Duck Gizzard
Pork Intestines
Seafood
Prawn
Scallop
Oyster
Abalone
Baby Cuttlefish
Squid
Snakehead Fish Slices
Basa Fish
Vegetable
Vegetable Platter
Fuzzy Melon
Baby Corn
Pea sprouts
Tong Ho
Gongcai
Bamboo
Tender Seaweed
Seaweed
Chinese Cabbage
Potato
Soybean
Silken Soy Milk Tofu
Fresh Tofu
Frozen Tofu
Chewing Bean Curd
Dried Bean Curd
Fried Bean Curd
Mushroom
Fungus Platter
Flower Mushroom
Shimeji Mushroom
Enoki Mushroom
Shiitake Mushroom
Noodles
Yam Noodles
Wide Potato Noodles
Sweet Potato Noodles
Sweet Potato Vermicelli
Thin Noodles
Rice Vermicelli
Dipping Sauces
Sichuan Chilli Oil Dip
Perfect for Spicy Soup Bases Garlic Paste *2 spoons Green Onion *2 spoons Coriander *2 spoons Minced Chilli *1 spoon Oyster Sauce *1 spoon Sesame Oil *1 bottle
Garlic Sesame Oil Dip
Best Paired with Spicy Sichuan-Style Broths Garlic Paste *3 spoons Sesame Oil *1 bottle
Classic Sesame Paste Dip
Perfect for Clear Broths and Meats Garlic Paste *1 spoon Green Onion *1 spoon Sesame Paste *2 spoons Crushed Peanuts *1 spoon Fermented Tofu Sauce * a dash
Savoury Seafood Dip
Perfect for Seafood and Vegetable Dishes Garlic Paste *1 spoon Oyster Sauce *1 spoon Green Onion *1 spoon Soy Sauce *3 spoons Sesame * a dash Minced Chilli * 1 spoon
Sichuan Chilli Dry Dip
Best for Meats Green Onion *1 spoon Coriander *1 spoon Crushed Peanuts *1 spoon Chilli Powder *2 spoons Fried Peas *1 spoon
Spicy Beef Sauce
Perfect for Meats, Noodles, and Bold Flavours Beef Sauce *2 spoons Chilli Sauce *1 spoon Garlic Paste *2 spoons Green Onion *1 spoon
Snacks
Sausage & Mushroom Braised Rice
Fragrant rice slow-cooked with mushrooms and Chinese sausage.
Fried Pork Slices
Freshly fried, delivering a crisp bite, and aromatic and juicy pork richness.
Fried Sticky Rice Cake
Crispy outside, soft and chewy inside, coated in rich brown sugar.
Braised Pork Ear Slices
Sliced pork ear tossed in a savoury dressing, crunchy, and flavourful.
Braised Beef Tripe
Slowly braised in a rich savory sauce, aromatic and flavourful.
Steamed and Fried Bun
Steamed and fried buns offering soft fluffiness and golden crispness.
Osmanthus Cake
Delicately soft with mild sweetness, finished with a fragrant osmanthus note.
Fried Chicken Feet
Marinated and fried, blistered skin, tender texture, and rich flavour.
Spring Roll (Vegetable)
Light and crisp, filled with fresh vegetables and gentle savoury notes.
Rice
Perfectly steamed rice with soft, fluffy grains and a clean, comforting finish.
Signature Cocktails
Evan's Nightfall
Vibrant citrus-forward cocktail with gentle tartness and a smooth finish.
Swordsman
Balancing citrus brightness, gentle sweetness, and a clean, refreshing finish.
Rose' Cockatiel
Lightly sweet and aromatic, balancing passionfruit richness with fresh citrus bitterness.
Coconut Cloud
Smooth, creamy, and indulgent, blending coconut richness with bright pineapple notes.
Ruby Vodka / Gin Martini
Light, blending watermelon sweetness, and cranberry tartness.
Peach Blossom
Light and refreshing with gentle sweetness, floral notes, and a clean, crisp finish.
Southern Fairy
Light and refreshing with delicate lychee sweetness, gentle citrus, and a clean finish.
Moscow Mule
Clean and crisp with lively lime acidity and a soft ginger warmth.
Yuzumosa
Clean and lively with zesty Yuzu citrus and a softly bitter finish.
Mojito
Crisp and cooling with bright lime, soft sweetness, and fresh mint notes.
Panda Gin & Tonic
Light, clean, and refreshing, lifted by fresh lime and gentle bitterness.
Homemade
Green Grape and Lychee Iced Pudding
Light and refreshing, blending green grape with gentle lychee sweetness.
Green Grape Jasmine Coco
Light and aromatic, blending jasmine floral notes with crisp green grape and coconut.
Pop Lemon Tea with Green Grape
Bright and fizzy, balancing zesty lemon tea with juicy green grape notes.
Pop Lemon Tea with Passionfruit
Light and fizzy, blending zesty lemon tea with tropical passionfruit tartness.
Pop Lemon Tea with Pineapple
Light and fizzy, balancing zesty lemon tea with tropical pineapple notes.
Pop Coconut Milk with Mango
Lightly sparkling with creamy coconut richness and mango sweetness.
Fruity Yakult
Light and refreshing with creamy yogurt tang and bright, fruity sweetness.
Lemon Tea with Green Grape
Crisp and fruity with fresh lemon tea and subtle green grape sweetness.
Watermelon Juice
Light and refreshing, highlighting pure watermelon sweetness and crisp freshness.
Plum Juice
Bright and refreshing with balanced sweet-tart plum flavour and a clean finish.
Mocktails
Lychee Tingle
Fresh and lively, blending lychee sweetness with citrus brightness and a playful tingle.
Homemade Yuzu Lemonade
Crisp and uplifting, balancing tart Yuzu citrus with light sweetness.
Lemon Lime Bitters
Light and zesty, balancing lemon-lime freshness with subtle bittersweet notes.

2. Mint & Co
Mint & Co is a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant and lounge that gives Carlton a different mood from the traditional Lygon Street dining rooms nearby. Located on University Street, it combines restaurant dining, lounge energy, an outdoor courtyard and a Dubai-inspired feel, making it a strong option when the night is about atmosphere as much as food.
The menu direction leans Middle Eastern fusion, with dishes that suit sharing, grazing and longer evenings. This is the kind of place where groups can build a meal around starters, grilled items, breads, dips, drinks and larger plates. It is also useful for diners looking for halal-friendly options in Carlton, especially when they want a more social setting than a simple takeaway shop.
Mint & Co works well for birthday dinners, group catch-ups, late dinners, casual celebrations and nights where the setting matters. The lounge-style identity makes it different from a standard restaurant booking; it can feel more like a place to settle in with friends rather than simply eat and leave.
For Carlton, Mint & Co adds variety. It sits away from the most obvious Italian strip, giving the suburb a Middle Eastern and lounge-driven option that suits groups, events and social dining.
Address: 62 University Street, Carlton
Mint & Co Menu
Entree
Dining Menu
Mezze Dips
Hummus, Cacik and Baba Ghanoush served with fresh toasted Turkish bread
Marinated Olives
Cured olives infused with garlic oil, crushed chilli and semi sun-dried tomatoes served with toasted Turkish bread
Middle Eastern Mixed Pickle
A traditional and widely popular cured pickled vegetable mix served with toasted Turkish bread
Ottoman Sucuk
Sautéed spicy beef sausage on toasted Turkish bread served with buffalo mozzarella
Spiced Cauliflower
Lightly fried cauliflower seasoned with Arabian spices
Turkish Style Halloumi
Grilled cheese with Turkish pomegranate molasses
Muscat Fried Okra
Lightly seasoned Okra fried in Omani-spice infused oil until crispy
Grilled Eggplant
Chargrilled eggplant served with crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, fresh dill and our special date sauce
Pink Salt Chicken Wings
Lightly fried chicken wings coated in a secret family spicy marinade and Himalayan pink salt
Main
Dining Menu
Yemeni Lamb Mandhi
Slow cooked saffron spring lamb with aromatic long grain rice, sultanas and nuts served with cool garlic, mint and cucumber yoghurt dip
Cheftali Kebab
Traditional Cypriot spiced lamb kebab mince sausage served with a zesty salad, cool garlic, mint and cucumber yoghurt dip and toasted pita bread
Baba's Lamb Chops
Chargrilled lamb chops lovingly marinated in a family secret spice mix served on a bed of rice or mashed potato with garlic, mint and cucumber yoghurt dip
Wagyu Rump Steak 500g (Marble Score 7+)
Wagyu rump steak served with your choice of chips, mashed potato, salad or vegetables
Dry-Aged Ribeye Steak 300g
Premium 4 week dry aged ribeye steak marinated in a secret basting- served with your choice of chips, mashed potato, salad or vegetables
Mint & Co Signature Beef Burger
Ground premium angus beef, cheese, pickles, onion, tomato and mint aioli- served with your choice of chips, mashed potato or vegetables
Soft Shell Crab Burger
Crumbed softshell crab served on a brioche bun with red slaw, fennel, coriander and mint aioli- served with your choice of chips, mash potatoes or vegetables
Slow Cooked Asado Beef Ribs
8-hour slow roasted premium short rib rack with smoked Himalayan pink salt and wild oregano. Served with your choice of chips, mashed potato, salad or vegetables
Butter Chicken
Mughlai style butter chicken served with fragrant basmati rice and cool garlic, mint and cucumber yoghurt dip
Arabian Fish
Fresh poached fish in a tangy tahini sauce with garlic and chilli served on a bed of rice with sultanas and nuts
Wagyu Ribeye Steak 300g (Marble Score 7+)
Wagyu ribeye steak served with your choice of chips, mashed potato, salad or vegetables. Cattle are pasture fed until 18 months of age, then grainfed for 400+ days to create a delicious and consistent Wagyu product
Accompanying Sauces for Steaks
Choice of Mint and Co special Date Pepper sauce, Mushroom sauce or Garlic Butter sauce
Butter Chicken Burger
Grilled chicken fillet cooked in our special butter chicken sauce with lettuce, tomato and mint aioli- served with your choice of chips, mashed potato or vegetables
Gourmet Salad
Dining Menu
Mint & Co Signature Salad
Seasonal leaves, crumbled goat cheese, candied nuts, raisins, Lebanese cucumber, melody tomatoes, rocket and pomegranate vinaigrette
Arabian Salad
Seasonal greens, cucumber, tomato, bell peppers and mint with a zesty olive oil dressing
Rocket and Strawberry Salad
Rocket, fresh strawberry, candied walnut, cucumber with lemon and lime dressing
Sides
Dining Menu
Thick-Cut Chips
Thick cut potato chips- fried and seasoned
Mediterranean Vegetables
Garlic, Mint and Cucumber Yoghurt Dip
Cool Garlic, Mint and cucumber dip prepared with St David's dairy yoghurt
Arabian Spicy Tomato Dip
Tomatoes, chilli, lime juice and spices
Mashed Potato
Creamy warm mashed potato
Classic Wedges
Golden wedges served with labneh and sweet chilli sauce
Lebanese Garlic Toum Dip
Crushed garlic dip with salt, olive oil and lemon juice

3. Ziyka Pakistani Indian Restaurant
Ziyka Pakistani Indian Restaurant brings generous desi dining to Lygon Street. In a suburb famous for Italian food, Ziyka gives Carlton something different: Pakistani and Indian flavours, halal-friendly dishes, late dining and a menu built around spice, grills, curries, rice and bread.
The best way to approach Ziyka is with a group. Pakistani and Indian restaurants often shine when the table orders across the menu: barbecue dishes, curries, biryani, naan, vegetarian plates and something rich to share. That style of eating suits Carlton well because the suburb is often used for family dinners, student meals, group catch-ups and late-night food.
Ziyka is especially useful when you want a filling dinner with strong flavour. It is not about minimalist plates or quiet fine dining; it is about warmth, spice, generosity and comfort. For diners who want halal options or desi food close to the city, it is one of Carlton’s most practical choices.
Ziyka is best for Pakistani and Indian food, family meals, halal-friendly dining, group dinners, late meals and anyone who wants something hearty on Lygon Street.
Address: 234–236 Lygon Street, Carlton
Ziyka Pakistani Indian Restaurant Menu
BBQ CHOICE
Lamb Kabab
Lamb mince, marinated overnight & cooked on charcoal
Chicken Reshmi Kebab
Chicken mince marinated with traditional spices, cooked on charcoal grill & served with mint
Chicken Malai Boti
Boneless Chicken marinated with traditional spices with fresh cream cooked on charcoal grill & served with mint
Chicken Kasturi Boti
Boneless chicken cooked on charcoal with onion sauce & freshly ground spices
Chicken Tikka Boti
Boneless chicken marinated with traditional spices, cooked on charcoal grill & served with mint
Tikka Boti Platter
4 pieces Malai Boti, 4 pieces of Tikka Boti
Ziyka Platter BBQ
4 pieces Chicken Kebab, 4 pieces of Malai Boti, 4 pieces of Tikka Boti
Ziyka Supreme Platter
2 pieces Chicken Kebab, 2 pieces Lamb Kebab, 4 pieces of Malai Boti, 4 pieces of Tikka Boti, 4 pieces of Kasturi Boti
MUTTON CHOICE
Mutton Karahi (With Bones)
Goat with bones cooked in onions, tomatoes, yoghurt, herbs & spices in Pakistani style
Mutton Karahi Kali Mirch
Goat cooked in secret Ziyka recipe with kali mirch
Mutton Dhaba (With Bones)
Goat with bones cooked in special authentic Ziyka sauce in Pakistani style
Goat White Special
Goat cooked in white creamy nut sauce with authentic Pakistani spices
Lamb Karahi Boneless
Lamb in authentic Pakistani style
Lamb Karahi Kali Mirch (Boneless)
Lamb in authentic Pakistani style cooked with Kali Mirch
Lamb Palak
Diced lamb cooked with spinach in cashew nut paste, onions and green chilli
Lamb Masala
Diced pieces of lamb pan fried with onions, tomatoes & spices
Lamb Korma
Diced pieces of lamb cooked with tomatoes, onions, nuts & cream
Lamb Rogan Josh
Lamb cooked in yoghurt and cream with special spices
Lamb Achari
Delicious boneless lamb stewed in special mixture of spices & pickles
Lamb Madras
Lamb cooked in onions & tomato sauce in traditional spices.
Starters
Chicken Chilli (Dry)
Chicken Manchurian
Chicken 65
Paneer Chilli Dry
Crispy Prawns
Gol Gappay (6 pieces)
Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice
Gobi Manchurian
Gobi 65
Paneer 65
Chilli Mushroom
Samosa Chat (Served with Imli + Mint Raita)
Samosa (2 Serves + Mint Raita)
Dhai Bhalay
Lahori Fish
Chilli Soya Chap
Soya Chap 65
Kids Meal ( Fries & Nuggets )
Chicken
Chicken Shinwari
Chicken cooked in tomatoes, black pepper, green chillies & ginger in authentic Pakistani style
Chicken Karahi Kali Mirch (Boneless)
Boneless chicken cooked in Kali Mirch with secret Ziyka karahi recipe
Chicken Karahi Kali Mirch (With Bone)
Chicken with bones cooked in kali mirch with secret Ziyka karahi recipe heritage style
Chicken Kebeb Karahi
Lahori Chicken Karahi (with Bones)
Chicken Bharta
Delicious finger cut chicken, fusion of cabbage, carrots, capsicums cooked in authentic Pakistani Style
Chicken Karahi (Boneless)
Diced Chicken cooked in authentic Pakistani Style
Chicken White Karahi
Breast Diced Chicken cooked in onion & creamy sauce
Chicken Cheese Handi
Breast Diced Chicken cooked in cheese sauce, yoghurt & herbs
Chicken Kasturi Handi
Breast Diced Chicken cooked in onion sauce & freshly ground spices
Ziyka Special
Thigh diced Chicken cooked in almond puree, yoghurt & spices
Chicken Kebab Masala
BBQ Chicken Kebabs cooked on the clay oven & toasted with onions & capsicum
Chicken Tikka Masala
BBQ Chicken marinated overnight & cooked in tomatoes & onion based sauce with traditional herbs & capsicums
Chicken Jalfrezi
Boneless Chicken cooked with capsicums & onions with manchurian sauces
Chicken Ginger
Boneless Chicken marinated with ginger, garlic & cooked in chef special sauce and spices
Chicken Madras
Boneless Chicken cooked in onion & tomato sauce in traditional spices
Chicken Palak
Boneless Chicken cooked in a light creamy sauce with herbs & spices
Chicken Achari
Delicious Boneless Chicken stewed in special mixture of spices & pickles
Chicken Handi
Boneless Chicken stewed in onion & tomato based sauce with chef spices
Chicken Korma
Boneless Chicken cooked with spices in almond sauce & garnished with roasted cashews
Butter Chicken
Chicken cooked in makhani sauce, cashew nuts & fresh cream with spices
VEGGIE
Lahori Paneer
Special cottage cheese cooked in authentic lahori sauce in Pakistani style
Paneer Karahi
Special cottage cheese cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce flavoured with fresh coriander & chilli
Palak Paneer
Indian cottage cheese cube cooked in fresh green spinach with combination of creamy sauce & herbs
Dal Channa
This classic channa dal recipe features sweet nutty split chickpeas with a variety of spices & aromatics
Paneer Masala
Special cottage cheese cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce with traditional herbs & spices
Shahi Paneer
Chunky pieces of cottage cheese cooked in onion, tomatoes & nuts in a rich curry
Mutter Paneer
Cooked with peas, special cottage cheese, onion & tomato sauce
Mutter Mushroom
Fresh mushroom cooked with peas, roasted spices, onion, tomato & garlic gravy
Malai Kofta
A creamy & rich preparation mode of tomatoes & cashew nuts with cottage cheese & dumplings
Veggie Masala
Pan-fried mix vegetable cooked with onions, tomatoes, green chillies & Thai chilli sauce
Dal Makhni
Black lentils slow-cooked overnight finished with fresh cream & desi butter
Paneer White Karahi
Desi White Karahi made with Paneer
Sea Food
Prawn Masala
Peeted prawns cooked with gravy and a touch of spices
Prawn Madras
Peeted prawns cooked in onions & tomato sauce in traditional spices
Prawn Lahori Karahi
Peeted prawns cooked in rich tomato sauce with garlic & mixed spices
Rice Corner
Chicken Biryani
Goat Pulao
Paneer Biryani
Chicken Fried Rice
Plain Rice
Saffron Rice
Bread Corner
Sesame Kulcha
Roghni Naan
Kalwanji Naan
Plain/Garlic/Butter Naan
Plain/Garlic/Butter Roti
Sides
Garden Salad
Mint Raita
Drinks Corner
Lemon Lime Bitter
Sprite/Coke/Fanta
Tea Corner
Kadak Chai
Kashmiri Chai
Cardamom Chai
Dessert
Gulab Jamun
Ziyka Delicious Breakfast (Broadmeadows)
Nehari Combo
Nehari served with 2 kulchas and glass of lassi or chai
Paya Combo
Paya served with 2 kulchas and glass of lassi or chai
Halwa Puri Combo
Halwa Puri served with 2 puri and glass of lassi or chai
Family Combo
Paya, nihari, Chana, halwa, 4 kulchas 2 puri, jug of lassi or tea
Paya
Channay
Nehari
French Toast (3) with tea
Extras
Aloo Pratha
Plain Paratha
Omelette Egg
Fry Egg
Lassi Jug
Chai

4. Khabbay Restaurant
Khabbay Restaurant is another strong Carlton option for Pakistani and Indian food, with a focus on hearty dishes, charcoal barbecue and group-friendly dining. Located on Lygon Street, it gives diners a casual, flavour-heavy alternative to the suburb’s Italian restaurants and works especially well for people who want a generous meal without making the setting too formal.
The food direction is built around comfort and spice. Charcoal barbecue, curries, rice dishes, breads, grilled meats and vegetarian options all make sense here. It is the kind of restaurant where the table should share, because ordering several dishes gives you a better sense of the range and lets everyone balance rich, spicy, grilled and saucy flavours.
Khabbay is particularly useful for families and groups because the menu style is broad and filling. It works for dinner with friends, casual celebrations, takeaway, late meals and anyone who wants a strong halal-friendly option in Carlton.
For diners comparing Ziyka and Khabbay, the good news is that both give Carlton a strong desi dining presence. Khabbay is a great pick when the group wants barbecue platters, curries and a relaxed Lygon Street meal built around big flavour.
Address: 140–146 Lygon Street, Carlton
Khabbay Restaurant Menu
VEG ENTRÉE
Mushroom Tikka
Mushrooms, capsicum, & onions coated with a flavourful marinate, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
Paneer Tikka
Delicate pieces of cottage cheese marinated in yogurt, spices, grilled on charcoal with capsicum & onions served with mint raita.
Chilli Mushroom
Delicious, crunchy deep-fried mushrooms sauté with spicy green chillies, onions, crispy capsicum & sauces
Chilli Paneer
Delicately diced fried paneer sauté with spicy green chillies, onions, crispy capsicum & sauces
Samosa Chat
Two pieces of samosas topped with hot chickpeas, mint raita and sweet tamarind sauce.
Samosa Serve
Two pieces of samosa served with sweet tamarind sauce & mint raita
Papri Chaat
Potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions topped up with mint yoghurt, sweet tamarind sauce & crispy papri
Gol Gappe
Gol Gappe filled with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, topped up with mint yoghurt, sweet and tamarind sauce along with green chilli sauce
BBQ CHOICE
Grilled Charcoal Fish
Barramundi fish with bones marinated overnight with spices, grilled on charcoal served with tamarind sauce.
Chicken Sheesh Tao
Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated with traditional spices and tamarind sauce, served with grilled vegetables & mint raita.
Chicken Tikka Boti
Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated with traditional pickle spices, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
Chicken Achari Boti
Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated with traditional pickle spices, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
Chicken Malai Boti
Juicy boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in cream & spices, grilled on hot Smokey charcoal, Served with mint raita.
Chicken Cheesy Boti
Juicy boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in cream & spices, grilled on charcoal with melted cheese, served with mint raita.
Chicken Sesame Boti
Juicy boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in cream, spices, coated sesame seeds, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
Chicken Kastoori Boti
Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in a creamy blend of spices, grilled to perfection with a bold black pepper crunch, served with mint raita.
Chicken Seekh Kebab
Juicy mince kebabs marinated with fresh garlic, ginger, onion, herbs & spices cooked on grilled charcoal, served with mint raita.
Chicken Reshmi Kebab
Juicy mince kebabs marinated with traditional spices, herbs, cream & cheese grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
Lamb Seekh Kebab
Lamb mince kebabs marinated with fresh garlic, ginger, onion, herbs & spices, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
KHABBAY'S SPECIAL
Mix Platter
Choose any two (tikka boti/Malai boti/chicken kebab/lamb kebab) served with salad, masala rice, bread & dips
Khabbay’s Special Platter
1 skewer of chicken tikka boti, 1 skewer of malai boti, 2 chicken kebabs, 2 lamb kebabs served with mint raita
Khabbay’s Super Platter
1 skewer of chicken tikka boti, 1 skewer of malai boti, 1 skewer of cheesy boti, 2 chicken kebabs, 2 lamb kebabs served with mint raita
Khabbay’s Supreme Platter
1 skewer of chicken tikka boti, 1 skewer of malai boti, 1 skewer of achari boti, 1 skewer of cheesy boti, 4 chicken kebabs, 2 lamb kebabs served with mint raita
CHICKEN CORNER
Butter Chicken
Marinated grilled tikka simmered in a rich, creamy and buttery tomato-based gravy.
Chicken Tikka Palak
Marinated grilled tikka cooked in tomatoes, onions, spices and fresh spinach.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Marinated grilled tikka simmered in a creamy, tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices.
Chicken Kebab Masala
Chicken mince kebabs simmered in a creamy, tomato-based sauce infused in aromatic spices.
Lahori Chicken Karahi
Chicken with bones cooked in onions, Tomatoes, Yoghurt, herbs and spices in authentic Pakistani–Style.
Boneless Chicken Karahi
Diced boneless chicken thigh pieces cooked in onions, tomatoes, yoghurt, herbs and spices in Authentic Pakistani-Style.
Chicken Handi
Boneless chicken thigh marinated in yoghurt, cream & spices, cooked in mixture of onions, & tomatoes.
Chicken Methi Handi
Boneless chicken thigh marinated in yoghurt, cream & selective spices, cooked in mixture of onions, tomatoes & fenugreek.
Chicken Ginger
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in yogurt and tomatoes along with fresh ginger and spices.
Chicken Jalfrezi
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in yoghurt, tomatoes and spices with capsicums and onions.
Chicken Madrasi
Boneless chicken thigh sauté with mustard & curry leaves, cooked in yoghurt, tomatoes, spices & coconut cream.
Chicken Achari
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in special mixture of spices & pickle along with fresh tomatoes.
Chicken Rajasthani
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in tomato-based gravy with kashmiri chillies & spices.
Chicken Makhni
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in yogurt, creamy butter sauce, & spices.
Cheesy Handi
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in creamy & cheesy sauce along with spices.
Chicken Hara Masala
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in onion and creamy sauce, mixture of green herbs & traditional spices.
MUTTON CORNER
Mutton Karahi
Goat with bones cooked in fresh tomatoes, yoghurt, herbs and spices in authentic Pakistani–Style.
Lamb Kebab Masala
Lamb minced kebabs simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices.
Lamb Palak
Diced tender lamb cooked in tomatoes, onions, spices and fresh spinach.
Lamb Korma
Diced lamb cooked in rich Almond based gravy with a blend of authentic spices.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Diced lamb cooked on slow heat with tomatoes, kashmiri chilli, yogurt and spices.
Lamb Achari
Diced lamb cooked in rich tomato sauce with pickle spices, and yogurt.
Lamb Vindaloo
Diced tender lamb simmered in a hot and vibrant vindaloo sauce.
SEAFOOD CORNER
Prawn Masala
Prawns tossed with onions and capsicums along with tomato based creamy gravy.
Prawn Karahi
Prawns cooked in traditional Pakistani style with onions, tomatoes, yogurt and spices topped with fresh ginger and coriander.
Prawn Madras
Prawns sauté with mustard & curry leaves, cooked with fresh tomato, yogurt, spices & coconut cream.
VEGGIE CORNER
Paneer Karahi
Pieces of cottage cheese along with onions and capsicums cooked in rich tomato and onion sauce topped with fresh ginger and coriander.
Paneer Masala
Cheese cooked in smooth cashew sauce, toasted onions, capsicums, finished with touch of cream.
Paneer Makhni
Popular punjabi dish made with paneer, tomatoes, cashews, spices, cream and butter.
Shahi Paneer
Mughlai paneer cooked in a creamy sauce made with onions, yoghurt and nuts.
Palak Paneer
Indian cottage cheese cubes cooked in fresh green spinach & combination of creamy sauce and herbs.
Matar Paneer
Peas and cottage cheese cooked in creamy tomatoes, spices and onion sauce.
Matar Mushroom
Fresh mushroom and green peas cooked in creamy tomato gravy along with traditional spices.
Daal Mash
Sauté yellow lentils delicately cooked in fresh tomatoes and spices topped with fresh ginger & coriander.
Daal Makhni
Slow-cooked black lentils and kidney beans in a rich, creamy butter sauce.
Lahori Channe
White chickpeas soaked overnight, cooked in traditional spices and topped with fresh coriander.
Veggie Achari
Mix of fresh vegetables cooked with fresh tomato and authentic pickle spices.
Veg Masala
Mix of fresh vegetables cooked in creamy onion and tomato sauce with traditional spices.
Veg Korma
Mix vegs cooked in rich Almond based gravy with a blend of authentic spices.
Malai Kofta
Vegetable fried dumpling toasted in rich tomato and creamy sauce.
TRADITIONAL
Beef Nihari
Chicken Haleem
BREAD CORNER
Plain Roti
Plain Naan
Butter Roti
Butter Naan
Garlic Naan
Kalwanji Naan
Sesame Kulcha
DIPS AND SALADS
Mint Raita
Tamarind Sauce
Salad
Onion Salad
RICE
Chicken Tikka Biryani
Chicken Biryani
Plain Rice
SWEETS
Gajar Halwa
Gulaab Jaman
Kulfi Pistachio
Kulfi Mango
DRINKS
Any Can
Any Holsten Drink
Cardamom Chai
Masala Chai
SIDES
Kids Chips & Nuggets

5. Scopri
Scopri is the most classically Carlton restaurant on this list, but it is not a generic Lygon Street pasta stop. Located on Nicholson Street, it is a polished Italian restaurant with a strong neighbourhood reputation, a more intimate dining room and a focus on regional Italian cooking.
This is the restaurant to choose when you want Italian food with a little more occasion. Scopri suits diners looking for handmade pasta, carefully cooked meat and seafood, Italian wine, seasonal produce and a meal that feels considered rather than rushed. It is a strong choice for people who want the Carlton Italian experience, but in a calmer, more refined setting than the busiest parts of Lygon Street.
Scopri works well for date nights, birthdays, anniversaries, business dinners, long lunches and small group meals. It is also useful when you want Italian food that feels personal and quietly confident rather than loud or tourist-driven.
For Carlton, Scopri shows why the suburb’s Italian identity still matters. Even as the area becomes more diverse, a restaurant like Scopri keeps the tradition alive in a way that feels grown-up, regional and carefully executed.
Address: 191 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Menu: View the Scopri menu on Happy Menu
Scopri Menu
Cocktails
Amaretto Sour
Amaretto, Lemon, Sugar, Egg White
Americano
Campari, Antica Formula, Soda
Barrel Aged Negroni
Gin, Campari, Vermouth
Cosmopolitan
Vodka, Cranberry, Cointreau, Lime
Gin Fizz
Gin, Egg White, Lemon, Sugar, Soda
Italian Margarita
Tequila, Cointreau, Amaretto, Lime
Manhattan
Whisky, Vermouth, Bitters
Old Fashioned
Bourbon, Sugar, Bitters
Paper Plane
Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, Lime
Pisco Sour
Pisco, Lime, Sugar, Egg White
Whisky Sour
Rye Whisky, Lemon, Sugar, Egg White
Mocktails
Peach Bellini
Peach, Lemon, Soda, Lemonade
Wild Strawberry Spritz
Strawberry, Lime, Soda, Lemonade
Apple Mojito
Apple Juice, Mint, Lime, Brown Sugar, Soda
Tropical Sunrise
Pineapple, Orange, Lemon, Grenadine
OYSTERS
Oysters
shucked to order
ANTIPASTI
Carpaccio di pesce crudo
Carpaccio of raw fish
Quaglia arrostita
Roasted gippsland quail, deboned, with mushroom, gorgonzola orzotto & pancetta
Antipasto all’italiana
Chefs selection of cured meats with pickles, cheese and grissini (serves 2-3 people)
Capesante grigliate
Hervey Bay scallops with cauliflower puree and lemon & caper butter
Calamari Fritti
Calamari dusted in rice flour served with rocket and radicchio
FORMAGGI
Your choice of two cheeses served with accompaniments
Berry’s Creek Riverine Blue Gippsland; Pyengana Cheddar Tasmania; L’Artisan Mountain Man Vic; Alta Badia DOP Italy; Parmigiano Reggiano DOP Italy
Additional cheese
Berry’s Creek Riverine Blue Gippsland
Pyengana Cheddar Tasmania
L’Artisan Mountain Man Vic
Alta Badia DOP Italy
Parmigiano Reggiano DOP Italy
SECONDI
Pesce del Giorno
Butterflied King George Whiting with Sicilian crumb and salmoriglio
Capretto rustico
Kid goat cooked on the bone in white wine with potatoes and peas
Galletto alla griglia
Chargrilled spatchcock with field mushrooms
Bistecca alla brace
600g Gippsland pasture fed rib-eye chargrilled over Mallee root
PRIMI
Agnolotti del plin
Agnolotti filled with roasted rabbit, pork and veal finished in butter and sage
Risotto di Stagione
Risotto of the season
Spaghetti all Vongole
Spaghetti with Goolwa Pipis, Bottarga, chilli and breadcrumbs
Tortelloni di Zucca
Pumpkin Tortelloni with squacquerone cheese, pumpkin seeds and beurre noistette
Fettucine Ragu D’anatra
Homemade Fettucine with Duck Ragu
CONTORNI
Insalata
Handpicked mixed leaf salad with citronette
Bieta e parmigiano
Sauteed silverbeet with parmesan
Patatine
Hand cut chips
DOLCI
Cuore Caldo
Soft centred Chocolate torte with mandarin sorbet
Panna cotta
Vanilla panna cotta with rhubarb and sbrisolona
Sfoglia Di Mela
Puff pastry apple tart with caramel sauce and honey cinnamon mascarpone
Cannolo Scopri
Cannolo with coffee gelato, hazelnut zabaglione and sweetened buffalo ricotta
Semifreddo al Pistacchio
Mascarpone, ricotta, pistacchio crumble and pistacchio salsa
IL PANE
A loaf of bread to take home
(subject to availability)
The Victorian olive oil we serve with our bread
(250ml)
LET US FEED YOUR TABLE
Let Us Feed Your Table
We’ll serve up a selection of our favourite Italian regional dishes for you. Please inform us of any dietary requirements $110 PP (Beef surcharge $40pp)
Final word
The best restaurants in Carlton Melbourne cover far more than one kind of meal. Panda Hot Pot is the interactive Sichuan hot pot destination for groups and birthdays. Mint & Co is the Middle Eastern-inspired lounge for social dinners and celebrations. Ziyka Pakistani Indian Restaurant is the Lygon Street pick for halal-friendly Pakistani and Indian food. Khabbay Restaurant is the charcoal barbecue and curry option for generous group meals. Scopri is the refined Italian restaurant for pasta, wine and special occasions.
Together, they show why Carlton remains one of Melbourne’s most useful food suburbs: historic, central, diverse and strong for everything from casual late dinners to polished restaurant nights.