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Restaurant

Universal Restaurant

141 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Recommended by 0 people

Updated

Find Universal Restaurant

141 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9347 4393
HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Universal Restaurant

A Carlton institution, Universal Restaurant turns out giant schnitzels and parmas that easily feed two on a student budget. Lines regularly spill onto Lygon Street by dinner, but tables turn briskly, with staff often handing out crackers to waiting diners. The room stays loud, warm, and packed with hungry crews splitting carafes and piling tables high. Most regulars zero in on the chicken parmigiana—crispy, cheese-draped, and landed over a mountain of hot chips with a side of creamy mushroom sauce.

  • Oversized value mains: Huge chicken parmigianas and schnitzels served with chips and slaw, priced to comfortably feed two.
  • Fast-moving walk-in queue: Queue moves briskly without reservations, complete with staff offering snacks to waiting guests.
RestaurantItalianPizzaRestaurantTakeaway

What's On at Universal Restaurant

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Universal Restaurant

Massive Italian-American classics, high-energy Carlton dining, and unbeatable value without breaking the bank.

  • Massive Portions with Exceptional Everyday Value

    Famous for colossal chicken parmigianas and schnitzels priced under $20 that easily satisfy two diners with sides.

    The portions are massive, and one chicken Parma($18) would be enough to share btw 2.

    Tanya Tchirkova

  • Substantial Group Feeds That Beat the Budget

    Hearty Italian-American pasta, pizza, and mains provide satisfying comfort food without running up an expensive bill.

    You will leave completely stuffed without breaking the bank. Highly recommended for group feeds!

    Shrestha Madan

  • Unbeatable Value That Resets Expectations

    Diners experience immense satisfaction and delight at portion sizes and pricing that outmatch standard city dining.

    This place has absolutely ruined the value proposition of *everywhere else* for me.

    Jessica

  • Comforting and Attentive Hospitality

    Guests feel welcomed and comfortable whether dropping in solo or dining out as a lively party.

    The lady's there are so attentive and kind i felt so comfortable dining solo!

    Kourts M

  • High-Energy Lygon Street Atmosphere

    Outdoor dining and high-energy dining rooms capture the lively social pulse of Carlton's iconic strip.

    We opted for an outdoor table to get the full Lygon Street experience, and we were seated right away.

    A

  • Buzzing Ambience for Catching Up

    A vibrant dining room paired with prompt food turnaround makes dining with friends exciting and seamless.

    The atmosphere is always buzzing, making it a fantastic spot to catch up with friends.

    Aanchal Tangri

Hearty, oversized Italian-American comfort staples made famous for feeding hungry groups and delivering unbeatable value.

  • Universal Chicken Parmigiana

    We asked for their bestseller and were recommended the Universal Chicken Parmigiana, which definitely did not disappoint. The serving was huge—so much so that the two of us couldn’t finish it.

    A

  • Chicken Schnitzel

    Highly recommend the Chicken Schnitzel with creamy mushroom sauce, the sauce is the essence of the dish.

    PKF Chairman

  • Marinara Pasta

    Had an amazing meal at Universal Restaurant on Lygon! We shared Marinara, Carbonara, Bolognese, Amatriciana, and a T-bone steak — the pasta was absolutely delicious

    Irish Arabelle Lo

  • Universal Special Pizza

    We also ordered the Universal Special Pizza, which was equally delicious. We even ended up taking some home because the portions were so generous.

    A

Other favorites

Complement your meal with signature sides, sauces, cocktail jugs, and traditional Italian desserts.

  • Garlic bread

    Shout out to the garlic bread - probably the best I've had anywhere.

    Jessica

  • Mushroom sauce

    the mushroom gravy was hands down the best I’ve ever had.

    Lisa Anderson

  • Elderflower cocktail jug

    Our favourite combination is the Elderflower cocktail jug paired with Paul's Special Pasta and a side of garlic bread—it's the perfect meal to share.

    Aanchal Tangri

  • Tiramisu

    The Tiramisu is good as well, I should be aware of my sugar craving haha

    Hasya Setiawan

Before you head over

Practical dining guidance for queues, portion scale, and walk-in visits

  • Beat the Dinner Queue

    There are no advance reservations and lines typically form around 6:00 PM, but turnover is rapid and the queue moves quickly. Arrive early or prepare for a brief wait.

  • Plan to Share Mains

    Portions for the signature chicken parmigiana and schnitzel are huge, making a single main hearty enough for two diners to comfortably share.

  • Expect Leftovers

    Take-home boxes are standard since portions often exceed expectations, allowing you to enjoy generous leftovers later.

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