Bar Carnation

Your favourite bars new favourite bar. There’s a wonderful buzz in the place, between patrons, the beautiful, classic interior, delicious food and friendly staff. Bravo. 🖤

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Neighbourhood Treasure — Bar Carnation Delivers on Every Level From the moment you step into Bar Carnation on Rathdowne Street, you instantly feel why this place is already becoming a Carlton North favourite. This isn’t just a bar — it’s a beautifully curated experience where thoughtful design, warm service and exceptional wine and food come together seamlessly.  The fit-out is stunning: a perfect blend of old and new, honouring the space’s history while creating an effortlessly cool, modern atmosphere. The interior’s dark timber, stainless accents and bespoke lighting feel elegant yet welcoming, giving the space a sense of personality without pretension.  What truly sets Bar Carnation apart, though, is the service. The team are genuinely friendly, knowledgeable and ego-free — no judgements, no rushed interactions, just attentive hospitality that makes you feel at home. Their wine expertise is next-level, guiding you through an impressive list that leans beautifully into Italian and European varietals, as well as some crowd-pleasing choices by the glass or carafe.  The open kitchen vibe is a highlight — watching the chefs at work adds an exciting layer to the evening that few places achieve. When the chef interacts with diners, it enhances the whole experience: you’re not just eating — you’re part of the rhythm of the place.  The menu strikes a fantastic balance between approachable and inspired — think aperitivo-style snacks, pasta, steak frites and daily specials that reflect the seasons and quality produce. Everything feels curated with care, and paired with the superb wine list, it’s the ideal combination for a casual drink or a full dinner.  Location-wise, Bar Carnation nails it — perched in a charming neighbourhood that’s perfect for a relaxed pre-dinner drink or a last-minute plan with friends. It embodies the best of local hospitality: inviting, unpretentious and consistently excellent.  In short, Bar Carnation is a rare find: beautiful space, top-tier wines, delectable food and the friendliest service you’ll find anywhere. It’s now firmly on our list of must-visit neighbourhood wine bars — and one we’re already planning to return to again and again.

Beautiful space with an incredible team! You’ve done it again carnation x

This reinCarnation of the old and fondly remembered Gerald’s bar has livened up and improved the space without losing its original charm. Same with the food which has the perfect menu matching the feel of the place. All dishes are outstanding, accompanied by a great wine list and friendly service. I like the mainly ‘walk in’s’ approach (not sure if they take bookings) because it’s the sort of place you want to visit when you feel like it rather than having to pre-book in advance. So much to like about this place which I’m sure will continue to be popular and certainly on my favourites list. Great vibe, food, wine, service, fit out and location - what more could you ask for.

Thank you for your feedback, and we sincerely apologise for your experience. You are correct that patrons should not be seated in close proximity to active smoking, and on this occasion we did not meet the standard expected under Victorian regulations or our own service policies. This should not have occurred. We have reviewed the incident with our team and reinforced our procedures to ensure that diners are not seated near smoking areas in future, including more proactive monitoring of street dining conditions and clearer separation where required. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and regret that your visit was affected.

Stunning atmosphere and hospitality! Beautiful food! Audrey has sensational vision! 🥰

The most delightful transformation from the old g’s to this , simple yet spectacular

Perfection