Tiamo has a mix-and-match pasta menu. Photo: Rebecca Hallas
Donnini's window display of multicoloured fresh pasta is familiar and reassuring. Photo: Marina Oliphant
Grapegruit, apple and pear gelato from Casa Del Gelato. Photo: Eddie Jim
Braised kid from Masani. Photo: Roger Cummins
La Latteria is a 'mozzarella laboratory' with a range that includes mozzarella, bocconcini, ricotta, burrata and fior di latte, all made on site. Photo: Eddie Jim
Nkara Pourover at Market Lane. Photo: Peter Schofield
The Carlton Wine Room isn't strictly Italian, but it has enough Italianess going on in its food and wine to be counted in the throng. Photo: John Laurie
Jimmy Watson's boasts a rooftop bar too.
The Town Mouse acknowledges its place in Little Italy with a good smattering of Italian beverages on its drinks list.
Trotters offers a mix of nostaligia and familiarity. Photo: Simon Schluter
Sweet treats from Gelobar. Photo: Eddie Jim
As well as great coffee, Assembly also sells beautiful coffee-making equipment. Photo: Luis Enrique Ascui
Brunetti pumps out coffee, pastries, pizza, wine and pasta in staggering volumes.
Bezela Foodstore is chock-full of cured meats, cheeses, eggs and groceries. Photo: Eddie Jim
The wine cellar at King & Godfree. Photo: Cathryn Tremain
D.O.C Delicatessen has a glass-walled, climate-controlled room that houses an immense collection of imported and local cured meats. Photo: Eddie Jim
Baker D. Chirico is a front-runner for the 'most beautiful shop in Carlton' award. Photo: Peter Bennetts
Donati's Fine Meats is the last butcher standing on the Carlton Lygon stretch. Photo: Teagan Glenane
Johnny Di Francesco, owner of 400 Gradi in Brunswick, won the specialita traditionale garantita pizza prize for his margherita pizza. Photo: Eddie Jim
For homestyle Sicilian food head to Bar Idda in Brunswick East. Photo: Eddie Jim
Italian glamour: Inside the revamped Brunetti. Photo: Mike Baker
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