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10 Best Restaurants on Carlisle Street (Balaclava Local Guide)
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Despite its relatively small size, Carlisle Street delivers an impressive variety of cuisines and dining experiences right in the heart of Melbourne’s south-east. From casual cafés and takeaway to sit-down restaurants and wine bars, it is one of the most reliable places to eat in Balaclava.
For this guide, “best” is based on local popularity, consistency, atmosphere and overall dining experience. Whether you are visiting for the first time or deciding where to eat on Carlisle Street tonight, these are the restaurants locals return to.
Quick picks: where to eat on Carlisle Street
- Best for Mediterranean flavours: Jode’s Mediterranean Eatery
- Best for shared plates & groups: Tulum Turkish Restaurant
- Best sushi fix: Taiko Sushi
- Best for drinks + food: Portone Bar
- Best late-night comfort food: Carlisle Pizza
The 10 Best Restaurants on Carlisle Street
1. Jode’s Mediterranean Eatery
What it’s known for:
Jode’s Mediterranean Eatery is a popular Carlisle Street restaurant serving classic Mediterranean dishes inspired by Greek, Italian and Middle Eastern flavours. Known for its warm atmosphere and friendly service, it offers grilled meats, satisfying vegetarian options and a relaxed dine-in experience.
Good for:
- Casual dinners
- Family meals
- Local favourites
Price range: $$
View Jode’s Mediterranean Eatery
2. Tulum Turkish Restaurant
What it’s known for:
Tulum Turkish Restaurant offers traditional Turkish cuisine with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and authentic flavours. The menu is well-suited to shared dining, making it a popular choice for groups looking to enjoy a relaxed and social meal on Carlisle Street.
Good for:
- Group dining
- Shared plates
- Celebrations
Price range: $$ to $$$
View Tulum Turkish Restaurant
3. Taiko Sushi
What it’s known for:
Taiko Sushi serves a wide range of Japanese cuisine, from fresh sushi and sashimi to bento boxes. The menu also includes gyoza, tempura, ramen, udon noodles and unique Japanese tacos, all available for dine-in or takeaway. It is well known for quick service and consistent quality, making it ideal for lunch or an easy dinner.
Good for:
- Quick meals
- Takeaway
- Sushi lovers
Price range: $ to $$
View Taiko Sushi
Nearby pick: Soho Sushi
4. Soho Sushi
What it’s known for:
Soho Sushi is another modern sushi restaurant offering a wide range of rolls and Japanese favourites. Popular with locals for its variety and freshness, it is a dependable choice for casual dining or takeaway on Carlisle Street.
Good for:
- Casual dinners
- Fast bites
- Sushi on the go
Price range: $ to $$
View Soho Sushi
5. Miss Mat Cafe
What it’s known for:
Miss Mat Café is a Middle Eastern-inspired café in Balaclava, perfect for brunch or a daytime catch-up. The menu features standout dishes like Harissa Rosti, folded pistachio pancakes, the moon croissant, Chicken Shawarma and a fresh couscous salad with spiced lamb. With its bright, stylish interior, it combines bold flavours with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Good for:
- Brunch
- Coffee catch-ups
- Daytime meals
Price range: $$
View Miss Mat Cafe
Nearby pick: Levanter Cafe
6. Levanter Cafe
What it’s known for:
Levanter Cafe is a Middle Eastern café serving homemade dishes based on authentic Syrian recipes. Known for its baklava, Turkish coffee and excellent espresso, it offers a relaxed and welcoming setting. Generous portions and fresh flavours make it a favourite for breakfast or lunch on Carlisle Street.
Good for:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Casual dining
Price range: $$
View Levanter Cafe
Nearby pick: Miss Mat Cafe
7. Park Bar
What it’s known for:
Founded by the talented chef, artist and mother Grace Park, Park Bar has become a go-to destination for those seeking a unique dining experience. Its menu is sophisticated yet family-friendly, blending Korean and Japanese flavours in a relaxed, neighbourhood setting. The bar also offers drinks and casual bites, making it ideal for both social catch-ups and informal dinners.
Good for:
- After work drinks
- Casual meals
- Social catch-ups
Price range: $$
View Park Bar
8. Portone Bar
What it’s known for:
Portone Bar is a laid-back Carlisle Street hangout known for its wood-fired pizza and relaxed atmosphere. After years of perfecting their recipe, the team focuses on slow-rise dough, carefully made sauce and quality ingredients to create pizzas that stand out. Alongside pizza, the menu includes salads and desserts, making it a versatile option for casual dinners or date nights.
Good for:
- Date nights
- Casual dinners
- Wood-fired pizza
Price range: $$ to $$$
View Portone Bar
Nearby pick: Park Bar
9. Ziggy’s Eatery
What it’s known for:
Ziggy’s Eatery is a local favourite in Balaclava, known for its delicious and unique burgers. Bright and compact inside, it operates as an all-round burger joint, salad bar and wrap station, also serving wraps, salads, chicken wings and fried favourites. It is a reliable choice for casual, satisfying meals any time of day.
Good for:
- Casual dining
- Burgers and wraps
- Quick meals
Price range: $$
View Ziggy’s Eatery
Nearby pick: Carlisle Pizza
10. Carlisle Pizza
What it’s known for:
Carlisle Pizza is a long-standing local eatery offering a diverse menu alongside a relaxed restaurant and bar setting. In addition to classic and specialty pizzas, including Mexicana, Seafood and Mediterranean options, the menu caters to gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian diets. They also serve homemade pasta, sides and desserts, making it suitable for both quick bites and sit-down meals.
Good for:
- Casual dining or takeaway
- Late-night meals
- Relaxed drinks and snacks
Price range: $ to $$
View Carlisle Pizza
Carlisle Street dining comparison
|
Restaurant |
Best for |
Price range |
|
Jode’s Mediterranean Eatery |
Mediterranean classics |
$$ |
|
Tulum Turkish Restaurant |
Group dining |
$$ to $$$ |
|
Taiko Sushi |
Quick sushi |
$ to $$ |
|
Soho Sushi |
Casual sushi |
$ to $$ |
|
Miss Mat Cafe |
Brunch and coffee |
$$ |
|
Levanter Cafe |
Breakfast and lunch |
$$ |
|
Park Bar |
Drinks and casual food |
$$ |
|
Portone Bar |
Date nights |
$$ to $$$ |
|
Ziggy’s Eatery |
Comfort food |
$$ |
|
Carlisle Pizza |
Takeaway |
$ to $$ |
A taste of Melbourne’s south-east best eateries
Carlisle Street is a premier food and shopping destination in Melbourne’s south east, home to over 150 traders. With a thriving village feel, this bustling Balaclava strip offers outstanding cafés, restaurants, bars and shops, making it a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, Carlisle Street delivers. From cafés and bakeries to sushi, Turkish feasts, pizza and vibrant bars, this Balaclava strip has something for every taste and occasion.
It’s a small street with big flavours, and exploring it is the perfect way to experience the heart of Melbourne’s south-east dining scene.