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Restaurant

Carnation Canteen

165 Gore St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Recommended by 27 people

Updated

Find Carnation Canteen

165 Gore St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Carnation Canteen

A snug Fitzroy corner spot where handwritten weekly menus let hyper-seasonal Victorian produce speak for itself. Perch at the timber counter to watch the pass, or tuck into the heated rear courtyard. Regulars gravitate toward simple plates—perhaps seared scallops in smoky capsicum sauce, butterflied fish, or tender lamb paired with curated European-leaning wines. Mop up every last drop of sauce with crusty bread before finishing with a slice of strawberry frangipane tart.

  • Weekly seasonal menu: A tight, handwritten roster shifts every seven days to highlight peak seasonal harvests, crediting local growers on the back.
  • Counter and courtyard seating: Pull up a stool at the compact counter facing the prep line, or settle into the heated, covered outdoor space.
RestaurantMediterraneanRestaurant

What's On at Carnation Canteen

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Key Advantages of Carnation Canteen

Why diners choose Carnation Canteen for seasonal, produce-forward dining in Fitzroy.

  • Restrained, Ingredient-Led Execution

    The kitchen prioritizes fresh peak ingredients, letting natural flavors lead rather than relying on complex theatrical reductions or heavy sauces.

    The simplicity of the cooking is what gets you; they’re clearly confident enough in their local produce to just let it speak for itself, and it works really well.

    Jaap Bakker

  • A Masterclass in Deliberate Simplicity

    Dishes are crafted with thoughtful precision and restraint, offering balance and focus without culinary distraction.

    Carnation Canteen was a masterclass in simplicity

    raymond capaldi

  • Rotating Weekly Farm-Sourced Menu

    The handwritten offerings shift with seasonal harvests, providing an evolving roster of farm-fresh dishes alongside grower credits on the back.

    Menu changes weekly and they provide you with their producers on the back of the menu. Food was fresh and high quality

    L Wang

  • Immaculately Curated Wine List

    An expertly assembled, European-leaning wine collection pairs seamlessly with short-run dishes and classic cocktails.

    An immaculately curated wine list. Negronis that were mixed expertly.

    Abi Doherty

  • Engaging Countertop Bar Seating

    Seating at the counter allows diners to watch the kitchen team assemble and prepare dishes with care in the intimate room.

    We enjoyed sitting at the bar watching the chef prep the dishes with care.

    lisa winter

  • Covered and Heated Courtyard Escape

    A sheltered, heated outdoor space provides a comfortable, tucked-away setting for lingering meals and drinks across changing weather.

    We were directed to the courtyard—covered, heated, and, as it turned out, the more stable environment.

    The Nihlistic Epicurean

Signature dishes celebrated for confident, ingredient-driven execution

  • Snapper

    The snapper is always on the menu and is a must.

    Charli Dickson

  • Scallops

    Scallops followed, accompanied by a smoky capsicum sauce that, somewhat inconveniently, demanded attention.

    The Nihlistic Epicurean

  • Steak

    one of the best steaks I’ve ever eaten

    Tristan Ceddia

  • Taramasalata

    If the taramasalata is on when you go, its a must

    raymond capaldi

Other favorites

Seasonal sweets and curated drinks to complete your visit

  • Frangipane Tart

    The frangipane tart with strawberries was one of the best things I've ever eaten, the most perfectly balanced thing.

    Simon Cumming

  • Profiterole

    Have a drink in the courtyard, a meal inside and head back outside to finish with an expresso and profiterole.

    Tristan Ceddia

  • Pomegranate Cosmo

    Tried it mainly for the Pomegranate Cosmo and it didn’t disappoint, same goes for the other three drinks we ordered

    Chau Giang Nguyen

  • Negroni

    Negronis that were mixed expertly.

    Abi Doherty

Beyond the menu

Deliberate hospitality details that elevate the dining experience at Carnation Canteen

  • Grower Provenance on Handwritten Menus

    The menu lists its specific local growers and organic farms on the back, highlighting direct produce provenance alongside weekly dish rotations.

  • Front-Row Barside Prep Views

    Guests at the bar can observe the kitchen team up close as dishes are prepared with care and precision in the compact space.

  • Heated & Covered Courtyard Retreat

    An intimate heated and covered outdoor courtyard offers a calm, sheltered environment for dining and drinks in Melbourne weather.

  • Dark Chocolate with the Bill

    The dining experience concludes with a complimentary square of dark chocolate delivered alongside the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to book a reservation in advance?

Booking ahead is strongly recommended as the dining room is intimate and tables fill quickly, though walk-ins are occasionally accommodated if space allows or via a wait.

How often does the food menu change?

The menu rotates weekly to showcase seasonal produce from local growers, meaning specific dishes vary regularly while staples like fish or seasonal pasta frequently feature.

What seating options are available?

Carnation Canteen features a compact dining room, bar seating overlooking the prep kitchen, and a covered, heated back courtyard.

Are there vegetarian options available?

Yes, the weekly rotating menu regularly incorporates a dedicated selection of vegetarian sharing plates and mains.

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