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Restaurant

Donnini's

320 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Recommended by 69 people

Updated

Find Donnini's

320 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9347 3128
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Donnini's

Skip the high-decibel dining strips—this quiet Carlton sanctuary trades party noise for handmade Northern Italian pasta rolled fresh daily. Generations of regulars return for the unhurried room, where conversation flows easily over plates of delicate artichoke ravioli in butter sauce and comforting, traditional carbonara with guanciale. Indecisive tables often opt for the Tris di Pasta, pairing house-made gnocchi and stuffed pastas on a single platter. An order of warm focaccia starts the evening, followed by a slice of classic tiramisu.

  • Handmade Northern Italian Classics: Generations of diners rely on handmade pasta rolled daily, including artichoke ravioli and traditional guanciale carbonara.
  • The Tris di Pasta Sampler: A multi-pasta tasting plate lets tables sample three distinct fresh pastas, including gnocchi and tortelli, on one dish.
  • Calm, Unhurried Ambiance: Trades nightlife decibels for a serene, intimate dining room where conversation flows without shouting.
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What's On at Donnini's

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Donnini's

Discover why Carlton locals and visitors choose Donnini's for handmade pasta, calm dining, and thoughtful hospitality.

  • Authentic Fresh Pasta Handcrafted Daily

    Handmade fresh daily using authentic Northern Italian heritage, delivering dishes like classic carbonara and cloud-soft gnocchi.

    A proper, comforting bowl of the stuff. Rich, silky, and entirely free from culinary identity issues.

    Baggage Claim Philosopher

  • Signature Multi-Pasta Tasting Platter

    The signature Tris di Pasta tasting plate lets guests enjoy three distinct fresh pasta creations in one balanced dish.

    I’m so glad we got the trio because all 3 were absolutely delicious!

    Emma Strommer

  • Peaceful and Intimate Ambience

    In contrast to loud, crowded venues, the dining room offers a calm, conversational sanctuary on Lygon Street.

    calm serenity on Lygon as opposed to hustle and bustle

    David Kellam

  • Relaxed Setting for Unhurried Conversation

    A dining experience with comfortable pacing where companions can hold effortless conversations without having to shout.

    Quiet enough to hear your dinner companion

    Baggage Claim Philosopher

  • Ideal Setting for Date Nights

    Thoughtful, personal service from dedicated hosts makes couples feel valued and effortlessly cared for on romantic evenings.

    It's been a while since we've gone out for a date night. We stumbled upon this restaurant on Google maps after looking for a place near the cinema and decided to give it a go. To say that we were truly blown away would be an absolute understatement.

    Letticia Kwasny

  • Memorable Milestone Celebrations

    Warm, accommodating staff cater seamlessly to family milestone gatherings and special birthday celebrations.

    We had two special birthdays yesterday that were being celebrated. Five good girlfriends got together and had the most memorable time.

    Eva Alfris

Handmade Northern Italian pasta courses

  • Tris di Pasta

    Wife had the CALAMARATA PESCATORA and I had the TRIS DI PASTA DONNINI -- both were seriously good.

    Adrian Randall

  • Carbonara

    A proper, comforting bowl of the stuff. Rich, silky, and entirely free from culinary identity issues.

    Baggage Claim Philosopher

  • Gnocchi

    The Gnocchi was soft enough to make you briefly question whether clouds have been wasting their potential.

    Baggage Claim Philosopher

  • Prawn Linguine

    The Prawn Linguine was beautifully balanced, generous with the seafood and the sort of pasta that reminds you dried spaghetti should perhaps apologise.

    Baggage Claim Philosopher

Other favorites

Antipasti, sweets, and aperitivi to complement your meal

  • Tiramisu

    Hands down the best we’ve ever had. Rich, luscious, and utterly unforgettable.

    NinaBelle Travels

  • Focaccia

    The focaccia is something I could not recommend more; honestly out of this world.

    Lucas Schwindt

  • Bruschetta

    By far the best bruschetta I’ve had. The tomatoes on the bruschetta tasted fresh, they were meaty and juicy.

    Lucas Schwindt

  • Gin Martini

    A gin martini on the side, served with beautiful green olives that reminded me of my nonno’s.

    Alessa Revi

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful touches and personalized hospitality that distinguish Donnini's dining experience

  • Three-Pasta Sampler Plate

    Offers a signature tasting plate ('Tris di Pasta') allowing guests who cannot decide to experience three distinct freshly made pasta varieties on a single plate.

  • Historic Family Heritage Storytelling

    Decorated with vintage photographs proudly hung around the dining room, with hosts and staff sharing the restaurant's multi-generational origins and history.

  • Thoughtful Multi-Generational Family Hospitality

    Service and management attend specifically to young family members with tailored warmth, patience, and engaging care during special celebratory dinners.

  • Hands-On Owner & Manager Care

    Hands-on owner and floor leadership personally navigates group ordering dilemmas and unexpected patron needs with sincere, above-and-beyond care.

Before you head over

Practical guidance for ordering, booking, and enjoying your meal at Donnini's

  • Order the Pasta Trio When Undecided

    If you are torn between different handmade pasta options, order the 'Tris di Pasta' (trio sampler) to enjoy three fresh varieties served on a single plate.

  • Book Ahead for Groups and Celebrations

    Reserve your table in advance, particularly when dining with larger parties or celebrating special milestones, to ensure seating in the intimate dining room.

  • Opt for Calm, Low-Noise Dining

    Take advantage of the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere to hold unhurried conversations without the loud, nightclub-style noise common to other strip spots.

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