Stroll through this boulevard in Melbourne's “Little Italy” for a huge selection of restaurants, cafes, delicatessens and gelati bars.
The part of Lygon Street which attracts most visitors is the stretch between Victoria and Eglin streets, where the suburb of Carlton's Italian community has developed a wonderful mix of eateries.A wonderful choice of gastronomic treats awaits the visitor, including the popular Toto's Pizza, the first pizzeria in Australia. After your meal, enjoy the sweet treat of an Italian gelato ice-cream, or sip an espresso. Coffee culture is very strong in Melbourne, and heated debates often result from discussions over where the best blends can be found.The middle decades of the 20th century saw large scale immigration from Italy to Australia, and on arrival in Melbourne many of them settled in Carlton. Over time, the Italian immigrants began to open restaurants and shops on the suburb's main street, giving it a vibrant, Mediterranean feel. The change to “Little Italy” has been celebrated since 1978 with the Lygon Street Fiesta, an Italian festival which takes place every October.Waiters call to passersby on Lygon Street, telling them of the wonderful food and special prices on offer in their eateries and the area boasts an extraordinary range of Italian restaurants for you to choose from, with a few Indian and Thai establishments too.When you've finished eating, you can further immerse yourself in Italian culture in the Cinema Nova or the historic La Mama Theatre, while a visit to the Museo Italiano gives deeper insights into the stories of Italian people since their arrival in the province of Victoria, as well as into their modern identity. If you’d prefer a walk beforehand, the Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Hall both carry the recommendation of being World Heritage-listed sites, and are only a short stroll away. Shoppers will enjoy browsing the clothing and shoe shops on the street, while you can also wander through local bookshops or check out a gallery.Lygon Street is a short walk from the northern part of Melbourne city centre. Trams also roll by along the street, or you could decide to take a car – but be warned, it can be very difficult to find a space.
