Earlier this month, Lygon St opened its doors in Mumbai's Versova, drawing in foodies and homesick Melburnians, craving our city's soul, with the spirit of Carlton's iconic Little Italy in Lygon Street..
Between 1951 and 1960, 170,000 Italian migrants poured into Melbourne, turning working-class Lygon Street in Carlton into an al fresco paradise. Italian culture became woven into the city’s soul.
In 1957, Pellegrini’s installed the nation’s pioneering espresso machines. Toto’s launched Australia’s first pizzeria in 1961. Carlton eateries perfected blistered Neapolitan pizzas, while footpath tables brimmed with negronis, Nonna’s tiramisu, and generations of community.
Lygon St’s chef and founder Sneha Upadhya experienced it first hand. After years running a cafe in Lygon Street, Carlton, she bottled its open air dining magic for Mumbai nights.
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The menu honors classic Italian cuisine with a Melbourne Lygon Street twist: generous antipasti platters, hand-rolled pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, as well as the classic Italian desserts including tiramisu, panna cotta, and pistachio affogatos.
The wine list marries Italian classics like Montepulciano D’Abruzzo and Sensi Chianti with Australian favorites such as Yellow Tail Shiraz and Penfolds Koonunga Shiraz, served alongside Standouts like pollo parmigiano (parmas to real Melburnians) and pizza topped with lamb. Not traditionally Italian, but rather reflecting an Australian-Italian fusion genius.
Upadhya proves Melbourne’s magic exports beautifully. Lygon Street has been reborn in Versova.
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