Or perhaps ...

Brandon Hotel (03) 9347 2382, 237 Station St, Carlton North

Cafe Bagatelles (03) 9349 3422, 687 Rathdowne St, Carlton North - Described by locals as the "gossip corner cafe", Cafe Bagatelles is in a happy spot overlooking Carlton Square.

Carlton Paragon (03) 9347 7715, 651 Rathdowne St, Carlton North - Charming corner position, nice open room and popular meeting place for Carltonians.

Figs (03) 9388 1911, 787 Nicholson St, Carlton North - A North Carlton neighbourhood cafe with courtyard garden sheltered by a spreading fig tree.

Il Carretto Pizza (03) 9347 6571, 479 Nicholson St, Carlton North - The old Sicilian cart sitting outside makes it hard to miss Il Carretto. Good quality, good value.

Little Zephyr (03) 9388 8897, 563 Nicholson St, Carlton North

Milawa Cheese Shop (03) 9381 1777, 665 Nicholson St, Carlton North - Australian cheese lovers have the opportunity to buy from a wide range of cheeses from round the country.

Sweet Source (03) 9348 2998, 288 Rathdowne St, Carlton North

Tre Bicchieri (03) 9347 0989, 623 Rathdowne St, Carlton North - Dark, cool and classy. That's Tre Biccheiri the new wine bar and bottle shop in North Carlton.

Zumzum (03) 9348 0455, 645 Rathdowne St, Carlton North - If you're feeling down in the dolmades go to Zumzum. The only Middle Eastern eatery along Rathdowne St, it offers a refreshing style of eating.