Opened in April this year, Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton offers a quieter city stay overlooking leafy Lincoln Square; but outside the front door is a tram to take you just a few blocks down Swanston Street to the CBD. In Fico, the hotel has launched an Italian fine diner with pasta made on site and an antipasti menu designed for sharing.
What’s the neighbourhood like?
Carlton is Melbourne’s historic home of the Italian diaspora and the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton sits just two blocks from the bustling centre of Lygon Street. On this street you will find historic Italian restaurants but also newcomers like Garfield Pizzeria and Leonardo’s Pizza Palace. Join the crowds at the popular Sangaweech from the Sooshi Mango comedy team, have a dive-bar drink at the Carlton Yacht Club or get a rooftop cocktail at Johnny’s Green Room. There is always something going on in this busy ’hood.
Where am I sleeping?
I am in one of the 107 guest rooms and I’m lucky enough to have a view across the urban greenery of Lincoln Square and across to the Melbourne skyscrapers. It gives the room a feeling of space which is quite lush this close to the city. A dark green couch runs along one wall and faces a small side table; there is also a camel-coloured slingback chair for lounging. The bathroom is petite but well designed.
What’s on the menu?
It’s a bold move to serve Italian in Carlton, but Fico Restaurant and Bar draws directly from the suburb’s connection with Europe’s boot. Named after the Moreton Bay fig trees that frame Lincoln Square, the venue operates as an all-day trattoria with adjacent cocktail bar.
The bar offers a lengthy martini menu (gin and vodka) packed with bespoke spirits like Melbourne Gin Company dry gin and Four Pillars Navy Strength; I start with a juniper-forward Poltergeist gin from Tasmania sitting at the bar before moving through to a window-side table.
Executive Chef Patrick Chung, together with F&B Manager Chris McNally, has created a a fun, sharing Italianate menu based around seasonal produce and a sense of occasion. The room is dimly lit, the darkness of the square at night adding to the mood.
A menu staple starter of kingfish crudo is punched up with smoked peppers and tangy green olives and grilled king prawns come drenched in spicy nduja butter; Spencer Gulf oysters switch things up by coming with crunchy chilli crisp. The 300-gram Bistecca arrives pink in a piquant peppercorn sauce and Queensland crab fettucine showcases the housemade pasta; chewy and al dente with plenty of sweet crustacean and fresh parsley. The dessert not to be missed is a gueridon (served tableside) sgroppino, a mix of lemon gelato, prosecco and limoncello prepared as you watch.
What are the facilities like?
There is plenty of conference and event space here – a high-level poker tournament is taking place while I am there and I barely notice. A lower-level gym also has all you need for a quick fitness visit.
What sets Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton apart?
Carlton now has a world-class hotel brand that allows travellers to briefly reside in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Who will love Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton?
Business travellers who want the convenience of a city stay but the quiet of a neighbourhood hotel.
Discover Melbourne
The writer was a guest of Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton.
