Il Gambero
authentic Italian Restaurant IN Carlton
Serving Italian Soul in Carlton on Lygon Street Since 1975
Il Gambero has been serving authentic Italian food on Lygon Street since 1975, bringing the best of Italy to the heart of Carlton. Known as the best Italian Restaurant in Carlton, we’ve built our reputation on genuine hospitality, quality ingredients, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
From hand-stretched pizzas and classic pasta dishes to timeless Italian favourites, every plate reflects our passion for honest cooking and traditional Italian flavours. Join us for an enjoyable experience. We can't wait to welcome you.
About Our Italian Restaurant in Carlton
Il Gambero has been the Italian restaurant Carlton diners return to for 50 years. The story began in the early 1970s when Frank and Angela Dimattina opened the doors to what would become a beloved family business. Their roots trace back to Stromboli, a small volcanic island off Sicily. Operating continuously for five decades, we offer authentic flavours, attentive service, and high-quality food at great value, which keeps generations of diners returning.
Your Private Function Space on Lygon Street
NOW BOOKING · SPRING & END-OF-YEAR EVENTS
Celebrate where Carlton has celebrated since 1975. Our private function spaces host up to 80 guests seated or 140 standing, right in the heart of Lygon Street.
From milestone birthdays and corporate dinners to Christmas parties, every event comes with authentic Italian food prepared fresh for your group, seated or cocktail-style, and the warm hospitality we've been known for over 50 years.
Spring and Christmas dates book out early. Secure yours now
Specials
Notes
Fully licensed Restaurant & B.Y.O. (wine only)
Corkage $12 per bottle - Cakeage $20 per cake.
Please pay bills in full at the front counter.
Halal at Il Gambero
Halal-friendly · chicken, beef & lamb halal-certified
Il Gambero is a traditional Italian restaurant in Carlton. While some of our dishes include alcohol in the cooking process and we do serve pork products, we are a halal-friendly restaurant: our chicken, beef and lamb are all halal-certified. Dishes containing pork are clearly marked on the menu, and our staff are always happy to assist. On request, meals can be prepared in separate pans to ensure they are not mixed with non-halal ingredients. Great care is taken to maintain these standards.
Dine with us
Ready to experience an authentic Italian restaurant in Carlton? Make a reservation at Il Gambero and join us for a meal filled with tradition, flavour, and warm hospitality. We recommend booking ahead so we can have the perfect table ready for you and your guests when you arrive.
Il Gambero Gallery
Take a look inside Il Gambero and see what awaits you. From our signature dishes to the warm, inviting spaces that have welcomed generations of diners, our gallery captures the authentic Italian restaurant in Carlton atmosphere that makes every visit special. Want to see more? Follow us on social media for daily specials, behind-the-scenes moments, and the latest from our kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We welcome both reservations and walk-ins. However, we're often busy, so booking ahead is recommended to avoid disappointment, especially during peak dining times.
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Absolutely. We're a family-friendly restaurant with plenty of options children love, including pizzas and pasta dishes.
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Yes, we cater for gluten-free and vegetarian dietary requirements. Please let our staff know about any dietary needs when placing your order, and we'll be happy to help you find suitable options from our menu.
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We're a traditional Italian restaurant, and we're halal-friendly. Our chicken, beef and lamb are all halal-certified. Some dishes use alcohol in the cooking process, and we do serve pork, which is clearly marked on the menu. On request, we'll prepare your meal in separate pans so it isn't mixed with non-halal ingredients, and our staff are always happy to guide you through the menu
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Yes, we host functions and private events of all sizes. From intimate celebrations to large corporate gatherings, our function spaces can accommodate everything from small family dinners to big Christmas parties and special occasions.