Ok so I APOLOGISE for the crappy iPhone/Flash/dark photo… this dish does not look the most amazing even in real life but I can attest to its deliciousness! 

We were recommended to try Carlton Espresso by a semi-serious melbourne foodie friend as he had eaten there for his birthday recently and was very happy! We walked all the way up Lygon street from the city trying our hardest to resist all the charming maitre’d and tempting restaurants, persevering when we finally found Carlton Espresso (not exactly clearly marked) on the corner with University street. 

We had two experiences eating here: My lovely dining partner and general food appreciator went the safe, trial dish of standard pasta with tomato sauce to gauge the quality, while I, dazzled by the exotic end of the menu, tried the Squid Ink Pasta, with Leek and Potato and Calamari Sauce. 

I’ve never had pasta of the squid ink variety, and while having a slight taste of the sea, there was not a huge diffence. But the pasta was clearly hand made, fresh and as a result was incredibly filing and delicious. The accompaniment of a strange, thick french-tasting sauce, which stuck like glue to and between the stands of black pasta, was new. I would normally say that I really love pasta that slithers all over the plate, wet from sauce. But this dish was not a disappointment for not fulfilling that clause. It was just spectacularly filling!

I also tried one of the funky citrus + rhubarb soft drinks they had on offer. I’m a massive fan of rhubarb anything and this drink was the perfect way to finish a day of running around the city, when I knew anything stronger I would have left me snoozing in my seat. 

I really love Lygon street. The theatre, the fairy lights in the trees, the authenticity. This evening chowing on pasta sitting alongside windows full of imported cheeses the size of me, topped off all the things I love about Melbourne, with the best: Yummy foods!

Contact:

03 9347 8482

326 Lygon St
Carlton
VIC