Best Restaurants near me in Carlton Melbourne, with up-to-date menus and prices

Best Restaurants Near Me In Carlton Melbourne

May 21, 2026
by
5 mins read

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
$35
Gas
$5

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
$24.80

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
$24.80

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
$22.80

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
$26.80

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
$18.80

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
$24.80

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
$14

Hummus, Cacik and Baba Ghanoush served with fresh toasted Turkish bread

Marinated Olives
$9

Cured olives infused with garlic oil, crushed chilli and semi sun-dried tomatoes served with toasted Turkish bread

Middle Eastern Mixed Pickle
$9

A traditional and widely popular cured pickled vegetable mix served with toasted Turkish bread

Ottoman Sucuk
$14

Sautéed spicy beef sausage on toasted Turkish bread served with buffalo mozzarella

Spiced Cauliflower
$14

Lightly fried cauliflower seasoned with Arabian spices

Turkish Style Halloumi
$14

Grilled cheese with Turkish pomegranate molasses

Muscat Fried Okra
$15

Lightly seasoned Okra fried in Omani-spice infused oil until crispy

Grilled Eggplant
$9

Chargrilled eggplant served with crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, fresh dill and our special date sauce

Pink Salt Chicken Wings
$16

Lightly fried chicken wings coated in a secret family spicy marinade and Himalayan pink salt

Main

Dining Menu

Yemeni Lamb Mandhi
$33

Slow cooked saffron spring lamb with aromatic long grain rice, sultanas and nuts served with cool garlic, mint and cucumber yoghurt dip

Cheftali Kebab
$29

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
$28

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+)
$44

Wagyu rump steak served with your choice of chips, mashed potato, salad or vegetables

Dry-Aged Ribeye Steak 300g
$49

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
$19.90

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
$19.90

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
$29

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
$29

Mughlai style butter chicken served with fragrant basmati rice and cool garlic, mint and cucumber yoghurt dip

Arabian Fish
$29.50

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+)
$63

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
$4

Choice of Mint and Co special Date Pepper sauce, Mushroom sauce or Garlic Butter sauce

Butter Chicken Burger
$19.90

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
$17

Seasonal leaves, crumbled goat cheese, candied nuts, raisins, Lebanese cucumber, melody tomatoes, rocket and pomegranate vinaigrette

Arabian Salad
$15

Seasonal greens, cucumber, tomato, bell peppers and mint with a zesty olive oil dressing

Rocket and Strawberry Salad
$16

Rocket, fresh strawberry, candied walnut, cucumber with lemon and lime dressing

Sides

Dining Menu

Thick-Cut Chips
$7

Thick cut potato chips- fried and seasoned

Mediterranean Vegetables
$9
Garlic, Mint and Cucumber Yoghurt Dip
$7

Cool Garlic, Mint and cucumber dip prepared with St David's dairy yoghurt

Arabian Spicy Tomato Dip
$7

Tomatoes, chilli, lime juice and spices

Mashed Potato
$8

Creamy warm mashed potato

Classic Wedges
$11

Golden wedges served with labneh and sweet chilli sauce

Lebanese Garlic Toum Dip
$7

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
$22.50

Lamb mince, marinated overnight & cooked on charcoal

Chicken Reshmi Kebab
$22.50

Chicken mince marinated with traditional spices, cooked on charcoal grill & served with mint

Chicken Malai Boti
$22.50

Boneless Chicken marinated with traditional spices with fresh cream cooked on charcoal grill & served with mint

Chicken Kasturi Boti
$22.50

Boneless chicken cooked on charcoal with onion sauce & freshly ground spices

Chicken Tikka Boti
$22.50

Boneless chicken marinated with traditional spices, cooked on charcoal grill & served with mint

Tikka Boti Platter
$22.50

4 pieces Malai Boti, 4 pieces of Tikka Boti

Ziyka Platter BBQ
$44.50

4 pieces Chicken Kebab, 4 pieces of Malai Boti, 4 pieces of Tikka Boti

Ziyka Supreme Platter
$49.50

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)
$34.90

Goat with bones cooked in onions, tomatoes, yoghurt, herbs & spices in Pakistani style

Mutton Karahi Kali Mirch
$34.90

Goat cooked in secret Ziyka recipe with kali mirch

Mutton Dhaba (With Bones)
$34.90

Goat with bones cooked in special authentic Ziyka sauce in Pakistani style

Goat White Special
$34.90

Goat cooked in white creamy nut sauce with authentic Pakistani spices

Lamb Karahi Boneless
$34.50

Lamb in authentic Pakistani style

Lamb Karahi Kali Mirch (Boneless)
$34.90

Lamb in authentic Pakistani style cooked with Kali Mirch

Lamb Palak
$23.90

Diced lamb cooked with spinach in cashew nut paste, onions and green chilli

Lamb Masala
$23.90

Diced pieces of lamb pan fried with onions, tomatoes & spices

Lamb Korma
$23.90

Diced pieces of lamb cooked with tomatoes, onions, nuts & cream

Lamb Rogan Josh
$23.90

Lamb cooked in yoghurt and cream with special spices

Lamb Achari
$23.90

Delicious boneless lamb stewed in special mixture of spices & pickles

Lamb Madras
$23.90

Lamb cooked in onions & tomato sauce in traditional spices.

Starters

Chicken Chilli (Dry)
$18.50
Chicken Manchurian
$18.50
Chicken 65
$18.50
Paneer Chilli Dry
$17.50
Crispy Prawns
$20
Gol Gappay (6 pieces)
$15
Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice
$30
Gobi Manchurian
$17.50
Gobi 65
$17.50
Paneer 65
$17.50
Chilli Mushroom
$17.50
Samosa Chat (Served with Imli + Mint Raita)
$15
Samosa (2 Serves + Mint Raita)
$8
Dhai Bhalay
$15
Lahori Fish
$20
Chilli Soya Chap
$17.50
Soya Chap 65
$17.50
Kids Meal ( Fries & Nuggets )
$15

Chicken

Chicken Shinwari
$29.50

Chicken cooked in tomatoes, black pepper, green chillies & ginger in authentic Pakistani style

Chicken Karahi Kali Mirch (Boneless)
$29.50

Boneless chicken cooked in Kali Mirch with secret Ziyka karahi recipe

Chicken Karahi Kali Mirch (With Bone)
$29.50

Chicken with bones cooked in kali mirch with secret Ziyka karahi recipe heritage style

Chicken Kebeb Karahi
$29.50
Lahori Chicken Karahi (with Bones)
$29.50
Chicken Bharta
$26

Delicious finger cut chicken, fusion of cabbage, carrots, capsicums cooked in authentic Pakistani Style

Chicken Karahi (Boneless)
$29.50

Diced Chicken cooked in authentic Pakistani Style

Chicken White Karahi
$23.50

Breast Diced Chicken cooked in onion & creamy sauce

Chicken Cheese Handi
$23.50

Breast Diced Chicken cooked in cheese sauce, yoghurt & herbs

Chicken Kasturi Handi
$23.50

Breast Diced Chicken cooked in onion sauce & freshly ground spices

Ziyka Special
$23.50

Thigh diced Chicken cooked in almond puree, yoghurt & spices

Chicken Kebab Masala
$23.50

BBQ Chicken Kebabs cooked on the clay oven & toasted with onions & capsicum

Chicken Tikka Masala
$23.50

BBQ Chicken marinated overnight & cooked in tomatoes & onion based sauce with traditional herbs & capsicums

Chicken Jalfrezi
$23.50

Boneless Chicken cooked with capsicums & onions with manchurian sauces

Chicken Ginger
$23.50

Boneless Chicken marinated with ginger, garlic & cooked in chef special sauce and spices

Chicken Madras
$23.50

Boneless Chicken cooked in onion & tomato sauce in traditional spices

Chicken Palak
$23.50

Boneless Chicken cooked in a light creamy sauce with herbs & spices

Chicken Achari
$23.50

Delicious Boneless Chicken stewed in special mixture of spices & pickles

Chicken Handi
$23.50

Boneless Chicken stewed in onion & tomato based sauce with chef spices

Chicken Korma
$23.50

Boneless Chicken cooked with spices in almond sauce & garnished with roasted cashews

Butter Chicken
$23.50

Chicken cooked in makhani sauce, cashew nuts & fresh cream with spices

VEGGIE

Lahori Paneer
$22.50

Special cottage cheese cooked in authentic lahori sauce in Pakistani style

Paneer Karahi
$21.90

Special cottage cheese cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce flavoured with fresh coriander & chilli

Palak Paneer
$21.90

Indian cottage cheese cube cooked in fresh green spinach with combination of creamy sauce & herbs

Dal Channa
$21.90

This classic channa dal recipe features sweet nutty split chickpeas with a variety of spices & aromatics

Paneer Masala
$21.90

Special cottage cheese cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce with traditional herbs & spices

Shahi Paneer
$21.90

Chunky pieces of cottage cheese cooked in onion, tomatoes & nuts in a rich curry

Mutter Paneer
$21.90

Cooked with peas, special cottage cheese, onion & tomato sauce

Mutter Mushroom
$21.90

Fresh mushroom cooked with peas, roasted spices, onion, tomato & garlic gravy

Malai Kofta
$21.90

A creamy & rich preparation mode of tomatoes & cashew nuts with cottage cheese & dumplings

Veggie Masala
$21.90

Pan-fried mix vegetable cooked with onions, tomatoes, green chillies & Thai chilli sauce

Dal Makhni
$21.90

Black lentils slow-cooked overnight finished with fresh cream & desi butter

Paneer White Karahi
$21.90

Desi White Karahi made with Paneer

Sea Food

Prawn Masala
$25

Peeted prawns cooked with gravy and a touch of spices

Prawn Madras
$25

Peeted prawns cooked in onions & tomato sauce in traditional spices

Prawn Lahori Karahi
$25

Peeted prawns cooked in rich tomato sauce with garlic & mixed spices

Rice Corner

Chicken Biryani
$16.90
Goat Pulao
$22.50
Paneer Biryani
$14.50
Chicken Fried Rice
$14.50
Plain Rice
$7.50
Saffron Rice
$7.50

Bread Corner

Sesame Kulcha
$3.90
Roghni Naan
$3.90
Kalwanji Naan
$3.90
Plain/Garlic/Butter Naan
$3.20
Plain/Garlic/Butter Roti
$2.50

Sides

Garden Salad
$5
Mint Raita
$3

Drinks Corner

Lemon Lime Bitter
$6.50
Sprite/Coke/Fanta
$4.60

Tea Corner

Kadak Chai
$4.50
Kashmiri Chai
$4.50
Cardamom Chai
$4.50

Dessert

Gulab Jamun
$3.50

Ziyka Delicious Breakfast (Broadmeadows)

Nehari Combo
$25

Nehari served with 2 kulchas and glass of lassi or chai

Paya Combo
$25

Paya served with 2 kulchas and glass of lassi or chai

Halwa Puri Combo
$20

Halwa Puri served with 2 puri and glass of lassi or chai

Family Combo
$75

Paya, nihari, Chana, halwa, 4 kulchas 2 puri, jug of lassi or tea

Paya
$20
Channay
$15
Nehari
$20
French Toast (3) with tea
$15

Extras

Aloo Pratha
$6
Plain Paratha
$4
Omelette Egg
$8
Fry Egg
$4
Lassi Jug
$11.50
Chai
$4

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
$21.99

Mushrooms, capsicum, & onions coated with a flavourful marinate, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.

Paneer Tikka
$21.99

Delicate pieces of cottage cheese marinated in yogurt, spices, grilled on charcoal with capsicum & onions served with mint raita.

Chilli Mushroom
$21.99

Delicious, crunchy deep-fried mushrooms sauté with spicy green chillies, onions, crispy capsicum & sauces

Chilli Paneer
$21.99

Delicately diced fried paneer sauté with spicy green chillies, onions, crispy capsicum & sauces

Samosa Chat
$16

Two pieces of samosas topped with hot chickpeas, mint raita and sweet tamarind sauce.

Samosa Serve
$12

Two pieces of samosa served with sweet tamarind sauce & mint raita

Papri Chaat
$16

Potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions topped up with mint yoghurt, sweet tamarind sauce & crispy papri

Gol Gappe
$16

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
$31.99

Barramundi fish with bones marinated overnight with spices, grilled on charcoal served with tamarind sauce.

Chicken Sheesh Tao
$24.99

Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated with traditional spices and tamarind sauce, served with grilled vegetables & mint raita.

Chicken Tikka Boti
$23.99

Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated with traditional pickle spices, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.

Chicken Achari Boti
$23.99

Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated with traditional pickle spices, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.

Chicken Malai Boti
$23.99

Juicy boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in cream & spices, grilled on hot Smokey charcoal, Served with mint raita.

Chicken Cheesy Boti
$23.99

Juicy boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in cream & spices, grilled on charcoal with melted cheese, served with mint raita.

Chicken Sesame Boti
$23.99

Juicy boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in cream, spices, coated sesame seeds, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.

Chicken Kastoori Boti
$23.99

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
$23.99

Juicy mince kebabs marinated with fresh garlic, ginger, onion, herbs & spices cooked on grilled charcoal, served with mint raita.

Chicken Reshmi Kebab
$24.99

Juicy mince kebabs marinated with traditional spices, herbs, cream & cheese grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.

Lamb Seekh Kebab
$24.99

Lamb mince kebabs marinated with fresh garlic, ginger, onion, herbs & spices, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.

KHABBAY'S SPECIAL

Mix Platter
$35

Choose any two (tikka boti/Malai boti/chicken kebab/lamb kebab) served with salad, masala rice, bread & dips

Khabbay’s Special Platter
$46

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
$58

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
$72

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
$24.99

Marinated grilled tikka simmered in a rich, creamy and buttery tomato-based gravy.

Chicken Tikka Palak
$24.99

Marinated grilled tikka cooked in tomatoes, onions, spices and fresh spinach.

Chicken Tikka Masala
$24.99

Marinated grilled tikka simmered in a creamy, tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices.

Chicken Kebab Masala
$24.99

Chicken mince kebabs simmered in a creamy, tomato-based sauce infused in aromatic spices.

Lahori Chicken Karahi
$32.99

Chicken with bones cooked in onions, Tomatoes, Yoghurt, herbs and spices in authentic Pakistani–Style.

Boneless Chicken Karahi
$29.99

Diced boneless chicken thigh pieces cooked in onions, tomatoes, yoghurt, herbs and spices in Authentic Pakistani-Style.

Chicken Handi
$23.99

Boneless chicken thigh marinated in yoghurt, cream & spices, cooked in mixture of onions, & tomatoes.

Chicken Methi Handi
$24.99

Boneless chicken thigh marinated in yoghurt, cream & selective spices, cooked in mixture of onions, tomatoes & fenugreek.

Chicken Ginger
$24.99

Boneless chicken thigh cooked in yogurt and tomatoes along with fresh ginger and spices.

Chicken Jalfrezi
$24.99

Boneless chicken thigh cooked in yoghurt, tomatoes and spices with capsicums and onions.

Chicken Madrasi
$24.99

Boneless chicken thigh sauté with mustard & curry leaves, cooked in yoghurt, tomatoes, spices & coconut cream.

Chicken Achari
$24.99

Boneless chicken thigh cooked in special mixture of spices & pickle along with fresh tomatoes.

Chicken Rajasthani
$24.99

Boneless chicken thigh cooked in tomato-based gravy with kashmiri chillies & spices.

Chicken Makhni
$24.99

Boneless chicken thigh cooked in yogurt, creamy butter sauce, & spices.

Cheesy Handi
$24.99

Boneless chicken thigh cooked in creamy & cheesy sauce along with spices.

Chicken Hara Masala
$24.99

Boneless chicken thigh cooked in onion and creamy sauce, mixture of green herbs & traditional spices.

MUTTON CORNER

Mutton Karahi
$39.99

Goat with bones cooked in fresh tomatoes, yoghurt, herbs and spices in authentic Pakistani–Style.

Lamb Kebab Masala
$25.99

Lamb minced kebabs simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices.

Lamb Palak
$25.99

Diced tender lamb cooked in tomatoes, onions, spices and fresh spinach.

Lamb Korma
$25.99

Diced lamb cooked in rich Almond based gravy with a blend of authentic spices.

Lamb Rogan Josh
$25.99

Diced lamb cooked on slow heat with tomatoes, kashmiri chilli, yogurt and spices.

Lamb Achari
$25.99

Diced lamb cooked in rich tomato sauce with pickle spices, and yogurt.

Lamb Vindaloo
$25.99

Diced tender lamb simmered in a hot and vibrant vindaloo sauce.

SEAFOOD CORNER

Prawn Masala
$29.99

Prawns tossed with onions and capsicums along with tomato based creamy gravy.

Prawn Karahi
$29.99

Prawns cooked in traditional Pakistani style with onions, tomatoes, yogurt and spices topped with fresh ginger and coriander.

Prawn Madras
$29.99

Prawns sauté with mustard & curry leaves, cooked with fresh tomato, yogurt, spices & coconut cream.

VEGGIE CORNER

Paneer Karahi
$23.99

Pieces of cottage cheese along with onions and capsicums cooked in rich tomato and onion sauce topped with fresh ginger and coriander.

Paneer Masala
$21.99

Cheese cooked in smooth cashew sauce, toasted onions, capsicums, finished with touch of cream.

Paneer Makhni
$21.99

Popular punjabi dish made with paneer, tomatoes, cashews, spices, cream and butter.

Shahi Paneer
$21.99

Mughlai paneer cooked in a creamy sauce made with onions, yoghurt and nuts.

Palak Paneer
$21.99

Indian cottage cheese cubes cooked in fresh green spinach & combination of creamy sauce and herbs.

Matar Paneer
$21.99

Peas and cottage cheese cooked in creamy tomatoes, spices and onion sauce.

Matar Mushroom
$21.99

Fresh mushroom and green peas cooked in creamy tomato gravy along with traditional spices.

Daal Mash
$21.99

Sauté yellow lentils delicately cooked in fresh tomatoes and spices topped with fresh ginger & coriander.

Daal Makhni
$21.99

Slow-cooked black lentils and kidney beans in a rich, creamy butter sauce.

Lahori Channe
$21.99

White chickpeas soaked overnight, cooked in traditional spices and topped with fresh coriander.

Veggie Achari
$21.99

Mix of fresh vegetables cooked with fresh tomato and authentic pickle spices.

Veg Masala
$21.99

Mix of fresh vegetables cooked in creamy onion and tomato sauce with traditional spices.

Veg Korma
$21.99

Mix vegs cooked in rich Almond based gravy with a blend of authentic spices.

Malai Kofta
$21.99

Vegetable fried dumpling toasted in rich tomato and creamy sauce.

TRADITIONAL

Beef Nihari
$28
Chicken Haleem
$24

BREAD CORNER

Plain Roti
$3.50
Plain Naan
$3.50
Butter Roti
$4
Butter Naan
$4
Garlic Naan
$4
Kalwanji Naan
$4.50
Sesame Kulcha
$4.50

DIPS AND SALADS

Mint Raita
$3.50
Tamarind Sauce
$3.50
Salad
$10
Onion Salad
$5

RICE

Chicken Tikka Biryani
$19.99
Chicken Biryani
$18.99
Plain Rice
$6

SWEETS

Gajar Halwa
$8
Gulaab Jaman
$8
Kulfi Pistachio
$8
Kulfi Mango
$8

DRINKS

Any Can
$4
Any Holsten Drink
$5
Cardamom Chai
$5
Masala Chai
$5

SIDES

Kids Chips & Nuggets
$15

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
$25

Amaretto, Lemon, Sugar, Egg White

Americano
$25

Campari, Antica Formula, Soda

Barrel Aged Negroni
$25

Gin, Campari, Vermouth

Cosmopolitan
$25

Vodka, Cranberry, Cointreau, Lime

Gin Fizz
$25

Gin, Egg White, Lemon, Sugar, Soda

Italian Margarita
$25

Tequila, Cointreau, Amaretto, Lime

Manhattan
$25

Whisky, Vermouth, Bitters

Old Fashioned
$25

Bourbon, Sugar, Bitters

Paper Plane
$25

Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, Lime

Pisco Sour
$25

Pisco, Lime, Sugar, Egg White

Whisky Sour
$25

Rye Whisky, Lemon, Sugar, Egg White

Mocktails

Peach Bellini
$15

Peach, Lemon, Soda, Lemonade

Wild Strawberry Spritz
$15

Strawberry, Lime, Soda, Lemonade

Apple Mojito
$15

Apple Juice, Mint, Lime, Brown Sugar, Soda

Tropical Sunrise
$15

Pineapple, Orange, Lemon, Grenadine

OYSTERS

Oysters
$6

shucked to order

ANTIPASTI

Carpaccio di pesce crudo
$36

Carpaccio of raw fish

Quaglia arrostita
$36

Roasted gippsland quail, deboned, with mushroom, gorgonzola orzotto & pancetta

Antipasto all’italiana
$38

Chefs selection of cured meats with pickles, cheese and grissini (serves 2-3 people)

Capesante grigliate
$12

Hervey Bay scallops with cauliflower puree and lemon & caper butter

Calamari Fritti
$38

Calamari dusted in rice flour served with rocket and radicchio

FORMAGGI

Your choice of two cheeses served with accompaniments
$24

Berry’s Creek Riverine Blue Gippsland; Pyengana Cheddar Tasmania; L’Artisan Mountain Man Vic; Alta Badia DOP Italy; Parmigiano Reggiano DOP Italy

Additional cheese
$12
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
$49

Kid goat cooked on the bone in white wine with potatoes and peas

Galletto alla griglia
$47

Chargrilled spatchcock with field mushrooms

Bistecca alla brace
$120

600g Gippsland pasture fed rib-eye chargrilled over Mallee root

PRIMI

Agnolotti del plin
$32

Agnolotti filled with roasted rabbit, pork and veal finished in butter and sage

Risotto di Stagione

Risotto of the season

Spaghetti all Vongole
$32

Spaghetti with Goolwa Pipis, Bottarga, chilli and breadcrumbs

Tortelloni di Zucca
$28

Pumpkin Tortelloni with squacquerone cheese, pumpkin seeds and beurre noistette

Fettucine Ragu D’anatra
$32

Homemade Fettucine with Duck Ragu

CONTORNI

Insalata
$14

Handpicked mixed leaf salad with citronette

Bieta e parmigiano
$14

Sauteed silverbeet with parmesan

Patatine
$14

Hand cut chips

DOLCI

Cuore Caldo
$19

Soft centred Chocolate torte with mandarin sorbet

Panna cotta
$19

Vanilla panna cotta with rhubarb and sbrisolona

Sfoglia Di Mela
$19

Puff pastry apple tart with caramel sauce and honey cinnamon mascarpone

Cannolo Scopri
$19

Cannolo with coffee gelato, hazelnut zabaglione and sweetened buffalo ricotta

Semifreddo al Pistacchio
$19

Mascarpone, ricotta, pistacchio crumble and pistacchio salsa

IL PANE

A loaf of bread to take home
$10

(subject to availability)

The Victorian olive oil we serve with our bread
$20

(250ml)

LET US FEED YOUR TABLE

Let Us Feed Your Table
$110

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.