The menu is extensive covering from their famous pizza, pasta, and other main dishes like veal and steak. The buffalo wings are great, it's spicy and tangy. The pizzas are also great although the dough can get a little tough for our liking. The criniti pasta was average and on the bland side. Place is big with multiple rooms and also seating outside.
The pizza is great, the meat platter is great as well
The service is good; doens't take long time to be served even during the busy times, or weekend nights.
I would give it at least a 4+ rates
I am a big fan of the margarita pizza... Absolutely delicious and does disappoint....
This place is a family-friendly environment, especially for large functions..
There huge pizzas are awesome...
went back to Crinitis tonight against everyone’s better judgement but my own, they had not had a pleasant experience last time but vowed to give it one more shot. We definitely enjoyed ourselves on this occasion. I stuck with my tried and true gnocchi pesto and it did not disappoint. I’m not sure they are necessarily coverts but there were no complaints (thankfully as it was my restaurant pick). I just think you can’t beat it from an atmosphere perspective
Update
We dined at Criniti’s following a film at cinema nova which was most convenient. The place was absolutely packed but we managed to get a spot in the back. The space here is huge and our area was really funkily decorated (even the bathrooms are all decked out).
The serves are definitely generous and reflect that Italian hospitality you expect of a restaurant near lygon st. Authenticity is a key component of their offerings with all the competition nearby. There is around ten varieties of pasta available and they are all handmade daily which is impressive.
There is also something like twenty different types of sauce to select from so you are definitely spoilt for choice which is why I probably almost always stick with pesto gnocchi- it’s delicious. The only fault was it’s no longer in the entertainment book
Original review
I've been to Criniti's on numerous occasions in Sydney and after years of rumours that they were going to extend into Melbourne finally the Carlton branch arrived. Boy was I disappointed. The staff are actually horrendous, like beyond rude.
Dishes we ordered never arrived, water was requested multiple times and failed to make an appearance and the waiter we had was completely unapologetic. Zero farks given.
In saying that on this occasion I loved my gnocchi but others I was dining with were quite unimpressed. The menu appears to have expanded and they seem to have lost the execution with so many things on offer rather than focusing and specialising in fewer dishes. Three of the four I was with said they would not return so I think that's saying something.
We went last night, made a reservation for 6 and when we got there it was empty. I thought why are we booking? Seated it was nice and the ambience was dim lighting surrounded by memorabilia.
The menu was a little confusing such as a picture what appears to be a can of soft drink $5.9 is actually a glass or a jug for more than double. I quickly chose a glass of Moscato. The food was delivered in a timely fashion and presented great. All eyes followed the seafood skewer come to my table.
The staff we friendly however not in uniform, I feel like maybe there should be unity with the staff and it looked like anyone was serving as they were in casual attire. We didn't get bothered very much. Not sure if that's good or bad. There were a lot of children (school holidays) imagine the price of their bill for soft drink!
The toilets are unisex and the basins are tires which is cool but you'll be trying to wash your hands quick awkwardly when you see the opposite sex.
Didn't get asked about dessert because we knew there's a popular ice cream store across the road.
By the time we left just after the restaurant was full with a queue out the door.
All in all, despite all the terrible ratings it was pretty good food and yes expensive for drinks and sides.
I would probably come back for a date or to spoil your parents.
Staff are welcoming and polite, food was delicious but a bit pricey. The incorrect meals were bought to our table. Staff were quick to resolve this issue though.
Pizza was very yummy and chefs are happy to cater to any individual needs.
Very great dinner at Criniti’s. Extensive menu, and the food is very delicious. Surrounded will be noisy, probably not recommended if you want to have a quiet chat. Overall, definitely recommended!! Service fantastic..
Fantastic food and service. Probably the best pizza I had in years! It’s a shame the atmosphere is ruined by the blatant ‘in your face’ marketing for Nutella!
Eatfoodlikeabossmelbourne
+5
Absolutely fantastic food and atmosphere,love the feel of the Italian culture!! Get down to one of their locations for an awesome dining experience!!
Crinitis always serves high quality tasty food. I am a regular at this place and the pizza/pasta is always beautiful! Crinitis is always busy so you need a booking, definitely my favourite restaurant on Lygon!
I had an awesome time catching up with my friends at Criniti's it definitely brings family, friends together in this lovely place. The pizza was mouthwatering, the pasta was delightful and pretty flavoursome. Everything about this place is just authentic. I love seeing other people get their massive pizzas from here. Quite Attentitive here, I also love their plating it's just so colourful and says everything about their food, fun vibrant and awesome.
今天我和我朋友被两位印度小哥带来了这家餐厅吃饭~这家店不是在lygon st,但是在faraday靠近lygon的那边,规模挺大也挺好找的。我们下午2点去,主要还是吃甜品(卡路里)的老外多。
我们四个人点了一个pizza,一份牛排,两份意面,还有乱七八糟饮料啥的。这家店的量真的是可以的,到最后bolognese的意面都没怎么动就撑得不行了,那根本不是一人份好嘛😂😂rib eye steak的味道还是棒棒的,要的medium-well肉质也很嫩。
这家店唯一的吐槽点就是,上菜慢。其他都很好。价格方面,也lygon上意大利餐厅的均价吧。牛排~50,意面~30。我们四个人吃了大概170。
Crinitis Carlton
198-204 Faraday St, Carlton VIC 3053
@crinitis
Walking into Crinitis I had really low expectations as Zomato reviews were really bad. It was one of those cases where we wanted the novelty of long pizza so made a booking before checking reviews.
The menu is lengthy, with plenty to choose from which made it overwhelming. Ended up ordering Polenta Chips, Chicken and Beef Rib combo and a metre-long pizza with 3 different toppings.
Do not order the Polenta Chips, very underwhelming, they weren’t crispy and the sauce was just ok.
The chicken was soft, juicy and tasty with lots of flavour! The Beef Ribs didn’t fall off the bone and weren’t as soft as we would’ve liked, however the flavours were on point making it really tasty and enjoyable to eat. Like really enjoyable.
The metre-long Pizza was epic and heaps of fun! Very insta worthy and you’ll be spending a couple of minutes taking photos of it. With 3 different toppings you get a bit of variety and it was really good and enjoyable!
The family had a really fun night, and everyone walked out full and happy! We would highly recommend going to Crinitis as a family or in a big group and enjoying the spectacle that is the big pizza and sharing some BBQ meats while having fun. We wouldn’t recommend taking a date there as the menu prices are on the higher side and you may get distracted by the motorbike on display. Overall we would rate it 4/5
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• Crinitis • I was always very iffy coming here, I feel like the more popular a restaurant is the more overrated it is, but nevertheless I paid a little visit, and was not left disappointed. I guess I was a little broke that week and could only afford the pizza 😜😜 but I honestly loved it so much, the base was just cooked to perfection, thin and crusty, just how I like it, not toooooo much topping so you really taste the flavour the pizza, not a grocery list. Service was really fast, not really focusing on the customer but just trying to get the job done, but I can’t blame as it is packed to the max. Price is .... well as I said, I could only afford the pizza .... definitely give this pizza joint a visit!! - after pay day! #foodporn #foodblogger #italian #pizza #crinitis #dinner #lygonstreet
No sure why the low rating, the pasta is pretty good and massive portions. Great place to have larger groups , the 2or3 Meyer pizza seems to be a crown pleaser.
One of the best pizza places in town!! Having the metre long pizza boards for a night out with friends is a really fun and enjoyable experience. Would definitely recommend! Still hanging out to try the pasta here so will definitely be returning 😍
Known for its 1,2 or 3 meter pizzas, It’s a authentic Italian restaurant that provides very nice tasting dishes. The pizza is a must although I did have carbonara and that was good, very big portion tho
You must take photos of the giant long pizza! Obviously bring a large group of people to finish it. Staff was friendly and attentive . Food was delicious too .
The 1m pizza was quite spectacular (you can get three different types of flavours and toppings). The portion size of the spaghetti was huge. Prawn and avo salad was alright.
Criniti’s Carlton has a lot to offer! We have walked in as a big group and staff was attentive throughout our whole dining experience. Their pizzas are a must do, although the 1 metre pizza is huge so make sure you are changing between a few people! I personally ordered the frank Sinatra pasta which is a seafood linguini and i must recommend it! The seafood was fresh and well seasoned.
If you are around carlton and you’re after a good atmosphere and good Italian food, this is the place for you!
Went here for date-night minus child. The maître d was lovely in catering for us (since we didn’t want to share a table). We got a 0.5m pizza (Margherita & pollo bbq) which was delicious and well presented on a wooden board. Would love to go back as a large group so we can order a 3 metre pizza! The only downfall is that it’s pricey
I came here Monday night for dinner with friends. First off, we were served all night by a lovely young lady (didn't get her name) and a hound gentleman names Ivaldo. Shout out to them for the excellent service! The food we ordered were all in generous portions, and the flavour in all meals was just devine. I would recommend anyone to come here!
Amazing location for events! Had my 18th birthday dinner here, and was lucky enough to get a few 1metre pizzas! Exceptional service for 20+ guests and very affordable.
Kathleen Madafferi Di Rago
+4
We had pre-made a booking for 6 and were surprised to be seating outside without being asked first. It was cosy & heated but it does rain sideways in Melbourne 😣
Over the night drinks were slow, often forgotten to be ordered and when we ordered 3 x jam donut shots... 3 actual jam donuts arrived (we laughed about this for ages).
The food was timely & well spaced out as we were getting fuller & fuller as the generous serves kept coming!
I had the olive & mozzeralla brushetta, gnocchi 4 cheese & the ricotta pizza pockets for desert. The food was AMAZING and cannot be faulted at all! My partner also had pizza & pasta and could not fault anything!
A free round of lemoncello for all was unexpected & a great refresher between main and desert.
We will definitely be going back - even though the service was abit lacking they fixed what they could as quickly as possible.
If you love Italian food - definitely visit!
Lovely atmosphere in such a great location! The menu is upper extensive and able to cater to vegans, and GF, as well as many other dietary requirements. Definitely worth a visit
Yeah sure, the service isn't gr8 but come on guys- we cannot see pass the fact that this place serves up amazeballs carbonara and calamari???? literally my go to place for kick ass carbonara.
As much as people go there for the instagram worthy pizza, my advice is usually to pass in those.
Food is delightful.. Meter pizzas are good.the dough was burnt in places, but the toppings were nice... Service could use a bit of work. Almost ended up making the payment until the next round of drinks arrived. . Not worth too many visits for the price.. But yeah, definitely worth a try.
Friendly, helpful service. It’s chaotic but they all seem to know what’s going on. Prompt service, food is excellent as are the cocktails. Would highly recommend.
The menu was huge and exciting!
Loved the cocktails and food, have already decided I will definitely come back again as I want to try something different every time.
Staff were lovely too, thanks for a great experience!
The pizza was the standout as well as the calamari. The rest of the meal was average, the wine was also great. Our table was very wobbly and nearly knocked our drinks over a couple times.
Overall will definitely be back for the metre long pizza and the calamari. Staff were friendly, the drinks ect took too long. Some of our entre’ arrived after our main.
Great location with ambient outdoor seating. As it was quite busy on a Monday night, our food took a while to be ready. The pizza was fantastic. We loved our bbq ribs. However, the grilled seafood platter was a disappointment as it was bland and tasted not as fresh as expected. All in all a good dining experience if you're looking for a place to hang out with friends afterwork.
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