The line can get quite long but service was fairly quick. Felt like a lot of college students and other young people come here to eat decent and affordable le good. You have to pay at the counter even though they serve you at the desk so it was a little confusing. I got the chicken parm but it was basically a chicken schnitzel with chips. It was hot and fresh when I got it and the portion was quite large. Place is also fairly affordable. read more

Universal Restaurant - Chicken parm with chips - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

Came here for a late night dinner & it was good. We were able to sit outside right away & you just look & order the food off of your phone from a QR code. The food came out promptly & was good. Good sized portions! read more

Universal Restaurant - Spaghetti carbonara. mortadella & pistachio pizza - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

Great deal for the schnitzel, $17.50 for a big amount, always makes my stomach full. Very very delicious mushroom sauce. Huge schnitzel, crispy chips and standard salads read more

Universal Restaurant - Chicken schnitzel - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

Omg the chicken parmie. Biggest and best I've had in my life. The cheese is just melted so perfectly and the breading and all the flavor!! There's a long wait outside but there are a couple solo seats at the window so if you're by yourself, just go inside and ask if you can have one of them and I got seated immediately since I didn't need a table. The fries and the cole slaw on the side weren't exceptional so usually I'd give this a 4 star but the parmie knocked my socks off so much it's worth the 5. SOOOO GOOD. read more

Universal Restaurant - Chicken Parmesan - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

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I had lunch here twice after work. Both times consistent service. Good food. Huge portion. Tasty. Friendly staff and fast service. I will go again. read more

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I had the spaghetti marinara. The calamari was very rubbery and the knife was very dull. How should one eat the large ring-shaped calamari?Maybe my only option was to stick to the plain spaghetti. When I brought my concern to the waitress's attention, nothing was done about it. I had the same issue with the salad. Lettuce was placed in an oval bowl, and the only way to eat it was by picking it up and consuming it as finger food. The quantify of the food is poor. read more

Well, it certainly seems that when you offer huge $10 parmas then you are going to draw a crowd, particularly when the crowd tends to consist of friends of mine. The problem is that I don't particularly like parma. Well, that's okay because they do have other options available here, which is pretty good, namely your typical pasta dishes that you tend to find on a Lygon street cafe. This place isn't too bad, but not really a favourite, though as I suggested, it certainly does draw the crowds. read more

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We came here on Easter Monday not expecting much (don't normally eat on Lygon st) and stopped here on whim. Was not expecting what we got from the kitchen. Going by the photos submitted before does it justice. We had the chicken schnitzel and parmigiana and the teenagers had entree pasta. There was so much to eat we had to take takeaway containers home. Definitely will come back here again. Stop here if you are hungry. read more

Ohh Yea!! It is a lovely welcoming restaurant. The food is awesome - portions are huge and have the flavour of home cooking and hospitality - did I say the food was awesome!! Service is great - prompt and efficient, great range of drinks. You need to queue to get in and once you taste the food you'll know why - and why you would do it again. I loved it it, my daughter loved it - in fact the whole family loved it - great place for everyone. read more

Universal Restaurant - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

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It is a well known Italian restaurant and I decided to try it out today. In summary I don't believe it lives up to its hype. I waited in line to be seated at a table. I was seated at a very uncomfortable table in the middle of walking path next to the line which was ver unpleasant. I ordered chicken wings and pork chops. The food was cold and too sweet for my taste. The salad dressing was missing. I had to ask for napkins and plate which to me was obviously needed for this meal. Water was provided for free which was nice. read more

Universal Restaurant - My table - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

Famous for a reason Rarely are queues justified for food but this place would be one of the few exceptions Known for their $14 schnitzels they have earnt their name for some banging food. These things are pretty freaking big And come with a generous serve of chips. I ordered the pizza which was by my exacting standards quite big as well. Washed down with one of their signature shakes - definitely had a good time. The general dining experience was quite positive overall :) read more

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Food wise Your spoilt for choice in Melbourne haha, so it's so hard to choose but i got to admit i went to the place where it was the busiest just this once seeing as i had my locations to eat at :)!! It was probably one of the biggest italian eateries in the street. Im a sucker for when i see home made dishes on the menu :)!! I got the brushetta & arancini balls for entrée which both tasted great :). Had the home made lasagna for main & a Mexicana pizza:). Mexicana pizza smelt fantastic and was tasty from the get go! As for the homemade lasagna it was out of this world tasty, perfect creaminess & the flavours got me craving seconds but it was way to filling:). Had panacotta with pink fairy floss with coffee for dessert, perfect finisher for a decentful lunch :D. read more

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The venue had a nice set up and was quite spacious. As soon as we arrived we were in awe of the sheer size of the chicken parmigiana, as that is what a lot of customers there had ordered. We both decided to try it and also tried their chocolate fudge and vanilla bean shakes. Their shakes are priced at $6.00, which was really amazing value considering they were both big and delicious. They were served in tall glasses and both tasted lovely and creamy. The vanilla bean shake actually had a vanilla bean inside it, and the chocolate fudge shake had shavings of the chocolate. Soon after, our meals arrived - and both our plates basically took up the whole table. The chicken parmigiana was one of the best we have tried. Not only was it really giant and juicy, but it was covered with Napolitana sauce and plenty of cheese. Everything tasted really fresh which is always a positive. Neither of us are really big slaw fans, but the slaw was really pleasant and was a nice side to balance out the chicken and fries. The fries were hot and crispy, and were a great side to a traditional parmigiana. We both still cannot believe the incredible value - as each parmigiana was only $14.00, majority of other competitors averaging around the $20.00 mark. We also liked the fact that a staff member asked us if we wanted a container to take away what we did not finish. All the staff members we dealt with were very friendly which added further to the positive overall experience. Give them a try, you won't regret it! read more

Universal Restaurant - Chicken parmigiana - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

I stopped here while walking through Melbourne. It was a busy restaurant but we found a comfortable table. I decided to try the Chicken Parmigiana and the price was fairly reasonable I thought, until I saw the food come out. The snitzel was about the size of my head! The snitzel tasted great and as mentioned the serving size was awesome. It was great they let us take our left overs home as well. read more

Universal Restaurant - Snitzel the size of your head. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

This is by far my favorite Italian restaurant on Lygon street. The 3 cheese ravioli is the best!!! I have never seen a pasta dish that has green beans in it. The staff can be hit or miss, sometimes really nice other times they are a bit disinterested. The only thing I don't like is that they don't have Diet Coke, only Coke Zero. I highly recommend!!! read more

Universal Restaurant - 3 cheese ravioli - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

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This restaurant was recommended as one of the few restaurants to try out in Melbourne. The presentation of the food was amazing! This places sells the best beer battered fries I've ever tasted. The salad was vibrant with colors and dressed with a nice light mayo. The pizza was delicious with generous amount of toppings and perfectly cooked base. The only downside for me is the portion of the food. Even if the price is affordable, the portion was way too big for me. I thought it would be better to lower the price and decrease the portion. read more

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To those days when you feel like eating out but you're kinda broke - and you're looking to go to a place where it's money-worthy and delicious as well? Well, you're in luck! Universal is one of the few rare places that actually balances both of criteria. Just a head's up though - not everything in their menu is yummy and money-worthy. There are two dishes that I can safely say it would satisfy your taste buds without burning a hole in your wallet. A little side note before I continue mu review is that if you hate eating chicken, then scroll away. Cause this ain't a review you're gonna find useful. Dish one: Chicken Schnitzel. ($14) It's so huge that even on my hungriest of days, I can only manage to devour 3/4 of it. It's a huge piece of chicken schnitzel that comes along with a side of beer battered chips (it's really yummy) and some coleslaw salad. The best bit of this platter is its sauce. If I'm not mistaken it's mushroom sauce? Pardon my horrible memory. But yes. Delicious. Dish two: Chicken Parma ($14) It's the same size as the chicken schnitzel. The only difference is that this platter does not have the amazing sauce but the chicken is topped with (you can guess) tomato-based neapolitan sauce and cheese. Same amount of chips and coleslaw salad. These two dish will definitely leave you feeling full that you might have to crawl back to your mode of transport and sleep your way back home. They do serve alcohol here as well and their price is super cheap during happy hours. I remember ordering a cider there and it tasted a bit watered down. That's probably why they are able to lower their price. Felt slightly cheated, to be honest. Oh well - business is business. In regards to the service, there are good days and bad days. You probably won't be able to experience great service during peak hours (as expected). So if great service is that important to you, come before the lunch and dinner hours. You'll definitely have the staff's attention. read more

Universal Restaurant - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

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Always love coming here for a quick lunch. Great food, good value for money, quick and friendly service. Those 3 points alone should be enough for anyone to keep coming back. Portions can be massive especially the Parma and schnitzel so you have been warned! read more

Universal Restaurant - Bar - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

This is probably best Italian restaurant for people who first time try Italian ,like me. I order a chicken schnitzel, the chicken breast is sooooooooo big!! I ask for the container , the leftover can totally feed me up for next meal lol.... couldn't be better, food is very pricey and tasty! read more

Universal Restaurant - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

I go there with my friend last year, I suddenly remember this restaurant these days Really miss the taste of the beef ribs there I hope I can go there again as soon as possible read more

Great value for money and a well thought out menu. We went for lunch and the lunch specials were well priced, included a drink, tasted great and included a wide variety of choices. I was a little unsure particularly because if the no reservations policy but now I am a convert (Not sure I would queue with the hordes for dinner though). read more

Have been coming here for years now and although the service can be a bit hit & miss, the food is fantastic. Menu offers pizza/pasta options both with 'gourmet' variations, steaks and limited entrees and mains. I've tried most things over the years and have never been disappointed though dishes can vary slightly from chef to chef. Prices are very affordable especially for it's Lygon St location and servings are more then generous. Highly recommend - one of the better options along Lygon St. read more

Universal Restaurant - Chicken Parma - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

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We had a group lunch today in this restaurant.. Very happy, enjoyed every bite of my grilled breast filled salsa wrap and Italian salads.. The guys who served us are really amazing; wanted to help and keep us comfortable. All other meals, pizza, steak sandwich, pasta and chicken sandwich were reported to be nice.. read more

OMG! The portions are humongous! If you are planning on the chicken special you might want to consider sharing. We had the pizza and it was very good; especially the crispy crust. OBTW did I mention the prices are very reasonable considering the portions. This restaurant is located in the little Italy section. Try it out. read more

The venue was cramped, the look of the place inside was very rough (not in a good way) and had a bad atmosphere. The meat was dry and tasted very processed, the chips were very oily and it was not worth the price tag! read more

I wasn't sure why Universal was so "popular" especially among uni students but the factor is basically because of their massive Parma, which took two of us who were starving to finish. The Parma itself was not the best we have had, especially when it's Lygon Street, but it was big, the chips were nice and chunk and the "Italian Slaw" was average, very lemony. I think the appeal is that you can feed like 2-3 people with a massive parma for $14, the price is worth it. I got the pizza which I would not recommend, it was very greasy, so oily that you could not use your hands and the cutlery was so blunt, the crust uncuttable and it was a work out to eat it and we ended up giving up. The avocado chicken pasta - I got it with Fettuccine which was cooked perfectly but there was just so much avocado (Which was not ripe and had a crunch to it) and it was greasy but not cheesy? And it was a thin strip of chicken the size of your thumb so really I would call it a Avo pasta with a chicken topping. It was a good place to go, can be very crowded and noisy, but I wouldn't really go as the items are not worth the price you go, especially when it's located near other fantastic restaurants in Lygon St. read more

Very great restaurant and generous plate. We tried the chicken parmigiana and pasta. Expect busy place and must wait for a table specially on weekends. Overall, you should try it ! read more

Value for money! My partner and I ordered a pizza to start, 3 big glasses of coke, the universal schnitzel and chicken parmigiana for a total of $54.90. Could not be happier. The garlic pizza was lovely with just the right amount of garlic to not make you dread your next breath or kiss. The rocket and drizzle of balsamic complimented it well. Even if you have a large appetite, like I think I do, forego the starter if you are having the chicken. My partner and I took a doggy bag each for the remainder of my schnitzel and his Parma, each still bigger than your average schnitzel portion. I made sure to smoother it in the left over mushroom sauce that came with it. The sauce was amazing! The service was very good. The perfect wait for your meals. The only downside was getting the attention of the staff for another drink, but once done it arrived quickly. This is the first time I have been here and sadly I live in another state. But would definitely return next holiday. Very impressed.... And full! read more

Friday 12/8/16 Attended for lunch and had Chicken tortilini broth. 6 hours later, suffered incredibly severe food poisoning. Notifications have been made to health services via medical interventions. Owner/Manager's response to this issue was non commital and lacked any substance or empathy. No follow up to patrons have been forthcoming. read more

Very overpriced and bad customer service. Ordered "Chicken Avocado" pasta for $17.80. Upon receiving my order, I noticed that my meal barely had any chicken in it and only 1/4 of an avocado. In addition to that I didn't get a free drink that was mentioned in my receipt. The waitress said that it is "alright" - no customer service whatsoever read more

Risotto had too much oil but still very nice. Vegetable burger also too oily. Salad dressing too sweet. Ok but would not go to this restaurant again. read more

Best parmigiana and schnitzel in Melbourne CBD. Simply defining how awesome the food is, is not an option.

Long wait to get a table. Good pasta and risotto. Can choose outdoor seating.

The food was amazing and the service was great. The only strange thing, was they put green beans with their three cheese Ravioli which is not Italian and not needed. The dish was cooked perfectly though. I would recommend this restaurant. read more

Universal Restaurant - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Carlton, VIC

Amazing food and atmosphere in the heart of Lygon St. The enormous parma/schnitzel is bang for buck. Hands-down one of the best Italian joints around. read more

Came here for lunch with a group of 5 on Monday. Lunch menu is basically pizza and pasta. Very quick service as we ordered pizza, pasta, ceasar salad and I had a chicken wrap. One of our group ordered pasta napolitana which came with cream in the sauce. As she was lactose intolerant she asked the waiter if it could possibly be changed. He took it away and brought another serve without a problem. Even though I'm not lactose intolerant, it was nice to see the waiter deal with the situation without a glitch. read more

if you are looking for an inexpensive , generous sized , tasty chicken parmigiano this is the place. Atmosphere was great on the sidewalk for alfresco dining. very good...and quick service read more

Hard to settle in for an option while on lygon street. But universal seemed the good option with a massive site and great venue. We are glad we did as the parma was amazing!! The garlic bread is a great way to start a great evening! Will be back!! read more

The portion is really huge for the price point. Especially the Parma. Would suggest sharing the Parma with a few friends while getting sides or other mains. Ambience is really nice, located along a not so busy road. be prepared to walk a bit off the free tram zone, if not, it is really close to city. read more