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Restaurant

i Carusi ii

231 Barkly St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Recommended by 60 people

Updated

Find i Carusi ii

231 Barkly St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9593 6033
HoursMonday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About i Carusi ii

Tucked into leafy Barkly Street, i Carusi ii turns out wood-fired pizza with blistered crusts and traditional Italian toppings. Longtime regulars rely on the kitchen for thin, Napoli-style rounds—from classic bufalina to the Gamberi layered with zucchini cream and mint oil—while pasta dishes and crisp calamari fritti round out the table. The dining room balances ambient date-night mood with an easy neighborhood warmth that accommodates family dinners just as easily. Coeliacs are not an afterthought here: the pizzaiolo crafts fresh gluten-free dough in-house in small daily batches. Diners wash down slices with San Pellegrino sodas instead of commercial colas, before finishing with a glass of prosecco.

  • Wood-fired Napoli crusts: Blistered in the wood oven with balanced char, chew, and toppings like buffalo ricotta and prawns.
  • Housemade gluten-free bases: Fresh dough prepared in-house each day in limited batches with dedicated kitchen care.
  • Welcoming neighborhood setting: An ambient dining room suited for intimate dinners or relaxed gatherings with children.
RestaurantItalianPizzaRestaurantTakeaway

What's On at i Carusi ii

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at i Carusi ii

What makes i Carusi ii St Kilda's premier destination for traditional wood-fired pizza and memorable dining.

  • Authentic Wood-Fired Neapolitan Crust

    Pizzas are prepared in a dedicated wood-fired oven yielding light, chewable crusts with authentic Italian toppings.

    Wood-fired, traditional Italian pizza done exactly the way it should be

    Steven K

  • True Traditional Beverage & Dining Standards

    A dedicated dining focus on traditional Italian offerings, including imported San Pellegrino sodas in place of commercial sodas.

    This is a true traditional Italian restaurant (so much so that they don’t have Coke just Pellegrino soft drinks!)

    Foodie Files Melbourne

  • Classy Setting for Date Nights

    An ambient, stylish dining room providing an impressive backdrop for couples and celebrations.

    This is where you go when you want pizza but you also want to impress your date

    mgproductions2007

  • Memorable Milestone Celebrations

    Warm and proactive hospitality that marks special occasions with attentive care.

    We were well looked after by the staff, who put us in a nice spot and even shouted a desert for our special occasion.

    Charlie Hobbs

  • Housemade Gluten-Free Dough Mastery

    House-made gluten-free dough prepared with dedicated care so coeliac and gluten-sensitive guests enjoy authentic crust texture.

    I am Gluten Free and this Chef makes his own bases. They taste so authentic.

    Catherine Sharples

  • Gracious Hospitality for Varied Needs

    Accommodating staff and versatile menu options make dining seamless for parties with specific requests and children.

    2 other members of the party had dietry requests which were managed graciously.

    Melanie Jacobsen

Traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas crafted with authentic Italian ingredients

  • Margherita Pizza

    The best Margherita Pizza ever says it all! It’s so simple but somehow perfect. That thin crust, the fresh tomato sauce, the blend of cheese, and just the right touch of basil, woodfired, no fuss—it's just so simple, delicious flavour that somehow hits every time!

    Ms Boudoir Tanning IPL Beauty

  • Quattro Formaggi Pizza

    I tried the Quattro Formaggi and it was to die for.

    Trinidad Yarad

  • Gamberi Pizza

    the best is Gamberi consisting of zucchini cream, mint oil, prawn, cherry tomatoes & buffalo riccotta. This flavour combination is hearty & light like a good summer night pizza.

    Suwi Isabelle

  • Potato Pizza

    The potato pizza for me was probably the best I’ve ever had

    Foodie Files Melbourne

Other favorites

Antipasti, aperitivi, and traditional desserts to complete your meal

  • Calamari Fritti

    Calamari fritti for entree perfect.

    dean sunshine

  • Bruschetta

    The food itself was phenomenal, and I can not recommend the bruschetta enough.

    Charlie Hobbs

  • Aperol Spritz

    I also had the Aperol Spritz, very refreshing 👌🏽

    Trinidad Yarad

  • Cannolis

    We finished with delicous cannolis.

    naomi loya

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful touches and hospitable gestures that elevate dining at i Carusi ii

  • Celebration Gestures & Birthday Hospitality

    Staff notice milestones and celebrate guests proactively, surprising tables by coming out singing happy birthday with family-provided cakes and offering complimentary anniversary desserts.

  • Housemade Gluten-Free Dough Protocol

    The chef prepares authentic gluten-free dough in-house in strictly limited batches, taking mindful care to prevent cross-contamination.

  • Traditional Italian Beverage Program

    Remaining dedicated to Italian dining traditions, the drinks program offers San Pellegrino Italian sodas rather than commercial mainstream colas.

  • Thoughtful & Proactive Table Care

    Staff offer attentive and thoughtful hospitality touches, such as volunteering to capture group photos and accommodating spontaneous dietary changes without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does i Carusi ii offer gluten-free pizza?

Yes. The kitchen prepares house-made gluten-free pizza bases in limited batches with dedicated cross-contamination care. It is recommended to notify the team when booking or calling for takeaway so a base can be reserved.

Can you make a table reservation?

Yes. Reservations are accepted, and calling ahead to book a table is recommended, though the team also accommodates last-minute bookings when space allows.

How large are the pizza and pasta portions?

Pizzas are generous in size, while pasta portions are served in more modest, entree-style portions that work well alongside other dishes or shared starters.

What kind of drinks and soft drinks are available?

In keeping with traditional Italian dining, the restaurant serves imported Italian soft drinks like San Pellegrino rather than standard commercial sodas like Coke. Mulled wine, cocktails such as Negronis and Spritzes, and Italian wines are also served.

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