121 CARDIGAN ST. CARLTON

Life, parkside.
A new calibre of modern design in the cultural heart of Carlton.


Iconic Location

Nestled within one of Melbourne’s most iconic neighbourhoods, Argyle Square’s location offers a vibrant and convenient way of life within minutes of the CBD. Discover Carlton’s richly layered cultural tapestry, an ever-evolving hub of world-class dining, sophisticated retail, leading amenity and historic public gardens. Still firmly connected to its rich Italian heritage, this thriving inner-city oasis strikes the perfect balance between old and new.

Dining

Innovative, diverse and steeped in Italian heritage, Carlton’s vibrant hospitality scene is arguably Melbourne’s best. Explore flavours from all corners of the globe among lively atmosphere, warm service and sophisticated design.

CARLTON WINE ROOM

Tucked within a striking heritage building on Faraday Street, this beloved establishment is a pillar of Carlton’s dining landscape. Designed to share, the menu is replete with simple, seasonal dishes that work beautifully with wine, served within a comfortable yet decidedly slick interior.

Lagoon dining

Paying homage to traditional Chinese culinary techniques, Lagoon Dining is already a Melbourne favourite despite being one of Carlton’s newest restaurants. The generous ‘Feed Me’ option features a medley of well-executed dishes including charcoal roasted char siu, oysters with hot sauce and soy milk pudding.

KING AND GODFREE

A Melbourne icon with a 150 year old lineage, King and Godfree is woven into the very fabric of Carlton. A self-proclaimed ‘multitasker’, the spirited food and wine precinct encompasses the original continental deli along with a rooftop bar, Italian restaurant, gelateria, cellar and beyond.

JOHNNY’S GREEN ROOM

A lively rooftop bar overlooking lush canopies and city vistas, Johnny’s Green Room is the crowning glory of the King and Godfree dining precinct. Sit back and relax with their signature Negroni as you bask in the vibrant atmosphere, with a soundtrack spun by beloved community radio station, Hope Street.

Retail

While it may be most famous for its eateries, Lygon Street is equally blessed in the retail department. Browse through luxury boutiques for the perfect garment, catch an art-house film at Cinema Nova or peruse literary classics at Readings, Melbourne’s most iconic bookstore.

NOVA CINEMA

Screening a discerning selection of art-house and commercial films along with international film festivals, Cinema Nova is dedicated to preserving the magic of a night at the movies. A stylish terrace cocktail bar awaits you for a post-movie debrief, or head downstairs for coffee and cake at Brunetti.

HUSK

Husk is a trove of artisans objects and beautiful wares; a curation of fine scents, apparel, homewares, art and jewellery. Housing pieces from the world’s most celebrated designer brands along with the creative director’s eponymous label, Kirrily Johnson, this sophisticated store is nothing short of a sensory feast.

READINGS

Established in 1969, Readings Carlton is officially the ‘Best Book Shop in the World’ as crowned at the prestigious London Book Fair in 2016. With its architecturally designed space, world-class selection of books and vinyls, unique array of gifts and inviting ambience, it’s easy to see why.

PIDAPIPO

A visit to Lygon Street is not complete without a scoop of Italian gelato. Offering traditional, small-batch gelato made with fresh fruit, locally sourced ingredients and imported Italian equipment, Pidapipo might just be Melbourne’s quintessential ice-creamery.

GARDENS

Carlton’s buzzing cosmopolitan scene is balanced by an endless array of parks, gardens and public squares. Lined with mature trees and lush green neighbourhood reserves, no matter where you turn in Carlton you’ll be met with natural beauty.

Argyle square

Moments from your doorstep, Argyle Square is a tree-lined park and piazza perfect for leisurely afternoons in the Carlton sun. Equipped with a striking bronze solar clock, traditional handcrafted pavers from Trento and rows of luminous steel columns, here, the Italian influence is ever-present.

carlton gardens

A World Heritage Site established in the late 19th century, Carlton Gardens is one of our city’s most sublime picnic destinations. Take a stroll through its grand tree-lined avenues, revealing beautiful ornamental lakes, perfectly manicured flower beds, a majestic fountain and the magnificent Royal Exhibition Building.

lincoln square

An oasis of sunny lawns and century-old trees, Lincoln Square is another beloved outdoor space utilised for many purposes by the Carlton community. Once the home of Melbourne’s first ever public playground, today, the square offers a refurbished playground structure made from sustainable building materials.

royal exhibition building

One of the world’s oldest remaining exhibition pavilions, the Royal Exhibition Building stands tall as a striking example of Victorian era architecture. The landmark destination plays host to a roster of community events including gala dinners, fashion shows, art exhibitions and beyond.

RESTAURANTS & CAFES
  1. Assembly
  2. Brunetti Classico
  3. Carlton Wine Room
  4. DOC Pizza
  5. Green Man’s Arms
  6. Il Gambero
  7. Johnny’s Green Room
  8. Kazuki’s Restaurant
  9. King and Godfree
  10. Lagoon Dining
  11. Lavezzi Gelateria
  12. Market Lane Coffee
  13. Parco Canteen
  14. Pidapipo
  15. Prince Alfred
  16. Seven Seeds
  17. Shakahari
  18. University Cafe
  19. Vertue Coffee Roasters
  20. Wild Timor Cafe
SHOPPING
  1. Baker D. Chirico
  2. Bottega Tasca
  3. Country Road
  4. Donati’s Fine Meats
  5. Gewurzhaus
  6. Goldmine Records
  7. Husk
  8. Idyl
  9. Mecca Cosmetica
  10. Milligram
  11. Poppyshop
  12. Readings
  13. Vintage Cellars
  14. Woolworths
  15. Queen Victoria Market
recreation
  1. Argyle Square
  2. Carlton Gardens
  3. Carlton Gardens Playground
  4. Carlton Gardens Tennis Club
  5. Cinema Nova
  6. Lincoln Square
  7. Melbourne Museum
  8. Royal Exhibition Building
  9. University Oval
  10. University Square
Education & TRANSPORT
  1. State Library of Victoria
  2. Australian Catholic University
  3. Carlton Gardens Primary School
  4. University of Melbourne
  5. RMIT University
  6. Argyle Square Bus Stop
  7. Lincoln Square Tram Stop
  8. Melbourne Central Station

Amenity

A short walk from the heart of the city, Carlton fosters an effortless inner-city lifestyle enriched by exemplary education, world-class urban amenity and unrivalled connectivity to wider Melbourne.

education

Argyle Square is moments from two of Australia’s most esteemed tertiary institutions, RMIT and Melbourne University, imbuing the neighbourhood with a historic yet innovative feel. With an array of leading primary and secondary schools also at arm’s reach, residents will enjoy endless options when it comes to education.

transport

Carlton’s efficient and extensive public transport system makes getting from A to B effortless. Catch the tram into the city, or across to Fitzroy and Collingwood, or jump on the train from Melbourne Central for lengthier trips around town.

recreation

Where history and wellness interlace, Argyle Square is surrounded by a host of heritage-listed sporting clubs and fitness centres including Carlton Gardens Tennis Club, Melbourne City Baths and Fitzroy Pool. For the scholarly at heart, the State Library is also nearby, or spend the day exploring fascinating displays at the Melbourne Museum.

Walk score

With an exceptionally high walk-score of 99 out of 100, Argyle Square’s location is a ‘walker’s paradise’ in which daily errands do not require a car, and almost every task can be completed on foot. The suburb is also a ‘rider’s paradise’ with a perfect transit score of 100.