Our Story
Celebrating Heritage & Evolution
Carlton’s Italian heart beats strongest on Lygon Street, but its story extends far beyond one famous strip. For over a century, Italian families have shaped this neighbourhood, opening grocers, establishing cafes, and building a community that welcomed newcomers with open arms and full tables.
Fico stands as part of this tradition. Named after the fig trees that have watched over Lincoln Square for generations, we honour the Italian soul of Carlton while bringing something new to the table.
opening hours
Mon – Fri: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sat – Sun: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Our Chef
Chef Patrick Chung
Our Head Chef Patrick Chung grew up watching his mother cook, learning early on that great food comes from passion, not pressure. That experience shaped everything about how he cooks today, with a calm, focused approach that creates better dishes and stronger kitchen teams.
Patrick’s approach is simple: showcase local produce in an honest way, prepare it with techniques that bring out natural flavours, and serve it family-style in a way that brings people together.
After working in small luxury hotels in Ireland and training alongside Peter Kuruvita at Flying Fish and Balzac in Sydney, Patrick brings a diverse culinary perspective to Fico. His philosophy reflects what makes Italian cooking so enduring: fresh ingredients, simple preparations, and meals made to be shared.
