Panda Hot Pot, Carlton

Okay, this place was really good. If you’re nearby and love a hot pot – do itttt.
My favourite soup base was the pickled cabbage. It’s not something I would have chosen on my own, but it was so goood! Especially because the other soup base we got was like volcano level spiceyyy…. oops.

Johnny, Vince & Sam’s, Carlton

If you want authentic Italian – like your Italian grandma cooked you food, then I would 100% recommend this place. It was good times. We were there on a Saturday and this place was poppin off (do people say that these days?). There were singalongs and just good vibes.

We did have to up wait for an hour and 45 minutes (less of a vibe). So, we went for a stroll and popped into the book store close by (pictured below). Also, note their cannolis are huge! We did not realise we would get three in a serving. We all ordered a serve too, which was a bit much. But, you know.. we got through it. If you go, I’d love to know your experience.
_{And.. you’re welcome for this recommendation}

Readings, bookstore on Lygon Street

Such a great book store. We could spend hours in here

Carlton Gardens

is such a vibe. Great place to go for a walk, and so many beautiful spots for a picnic! Check out the weird fountain (third picture) – the more you look at it IRL the funnier/weirder it gets.

Pidapipo, Lygon Street

Our favourite ice-cream place in Melbs. So good!
Whenever theres a place that’s really busy, I note it down for later. When we walked past this place again later that night they only had a few customers, so I suggested we give it a try. I’m so glad we did!

Higher Ground, CBD

Great for breakfast/brunch. They have delicious breakfast options, and yummy cakes too.

Other notable mentions

Other great experiences were the Melbourne Museum, Nobu for Japanese fine dining, and the many delicious eating places in Chinatown (you can also sneak some shopping in on the way as the Emporium and Melbourne Bourke St mall is nearby).

We enjoy coming here for musicals too. We’ve seen Hades Town, Beetlejuice, Lord of the Rings the musical, Groundhog Day, and Miss Saigon. We usually get a bite to eat before a show at Stalactites Restaurant, which serves Greek food (and is a 4 min walk to Her Majesty’s theatre).

There are also many beautiful vineyards to enjoy too. I remember liking the Four Pillars Gin Distillery (back in the day when I used to drink).

Oh, and me and mum loved the Chadstone shopping centre – they have everythinggg. It happened to be right next door to our hotel and we thought it was lucky we only discovered it the day we were leaving because we could have spent a number of days in here.