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Cafe Cavallino, Carlton, AU-VIC

Cafe Cavallino

4.5
4.5
137 Reviews
$40 and under
Italian
181-183 lygon street, Carlton, AU-VIC 3053

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for groups
  • Great for outdoor dining
Gino Francese opened his first restaurant in 1971 in Melbourne, Australia. The restaurant was an instant success because of its authentic Italian Pizza, Pasta, Seafood, Steak and friendly service. Cafe Cavallino is owned by Gino Francese. Cafe Cavallino will continue serving the same traditional Italian style cuisine that has been done so by the Francese family for the past 43 years. Cafe Cavallino provides one of the largest alfresco seating areas in Melbourne, to give you the true dining experience and atmosphere of Lygon Street. The Cafe Cavallino mission is to continue serving you with the freshest food within the cleanest environment. Gino Francese has built an excellent reputation for his traditional Italian homestyle cuisine and friendly atmosphere that stands strong today.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Pizzeria
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–11:30 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–1:00 am Sun 11:30 am–11:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (03) 9347 5520
  • Website
    http://www.cafecavallino.com.au/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    181-183 lygon street, Carlton, AU-VIC 3053
  • Neighborhood
    Carlton
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Melbourne University
  • Additional
    Beer, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wi-Fi available

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 137 people are saying

Cafe Cavallino reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Energetic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe Cavallino on Melbourne's Lygon Street is a family-run gem known for its "fantastic food and drinks" and "great service." With a "fun vibe" and "speedy service," it's a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Guests feel "well looked after" and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
137 Reviews

  1. Debra

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Meal was absolutely superb. Service was outstanding. We had a totally excellent experience for our lunch. Definitely recommend

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  2. John

    Melbourne1 review

    1.0

    Dined on April 6, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    We dined there last Sunday lunch Pizza was dry base looked like brought base Pasta was tasteless. I asked for spaghetti marinara with oil and garlic base waiter said no cant be done have to order off the menu what a joke

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  3. David

    Sydney1 review

    1.0

    Dined on March 22, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    We have eaten here many times and it has always been good. This time the wait staff were inattentive and brought dishes in dribs and drabs forgot the water needed to be asked multiple times to refill the water. The food was less than average and the portion sizes have reduced significantly. Very disappointing and we will not return.

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  4. Dannielle

    Gold Coast1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and environment was incredible. Our servers were so polite and helpful. They discussed the heritage and memorabilia with so much passion! 10/10 would recommend to anyone and everyone.

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  5. Mark

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely amazing restaurant in Melbourne famous Lygon street great service and top food,such a great thing to see a family run restaurant

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  6. Michael

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food and drinks… It’s our go to when anywhere near Lygon st…. Always well looked after

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  7. Sonya

    Victoria1 review

    4.0

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Would go back! Food was great and the place had a fun vibe :)

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  8. Harry

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s a sum of a happy place to be there with family and friends…always a great experience, Thanks and keep up the amazing work Team Cafe Cavallino.

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  9. Jess

    Melbourne1 review

    3.0

    Dined on February 7, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Food wasn't that good. Chips were horrible, over cooked and no salt. The table was cluttered as you had a separate plate for the sides which could have just been placed on the same plate as the main. It took a bit of time to get waitors attention. Food was very average. I wouldn't go again.

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  10. junyu

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on January 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Very nice pizza and pasta, stake was just ok. Overall is happy.

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FAQs

Cafe Cavallino offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (03) 9347 5520.

Cafe Cavallino is rated 4.5 stars by 137 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Melbourne
  4. Inner City North
  5. Carlton

Make a reservation

Booked 12 times today
Google Map for Cafe Cavallino

181-183 lygon street, Carlton, AU-VIC 3053

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Carlton
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–11:30 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–1:00 am Sun 11:30 am–11:30 pm
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Pizzeria
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Melbourne University
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wi-Fi available
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
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