Readings Book Shop
Readings Book Shop
5
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Neighbourhood: Lygon Street
If you want real parmesan, cut from the block, grated over your pasta with a twist of style, this is the place. Until recently, this neighbourhood was home to the notorious ‘Carlton Crew,’ a pseudo mafia who started their day with a local espresso. They are gone, but the espresso still runs strong in this Little Italy which has something for everyone. Starched white tablecloths, candles, pizza the way they do it "back home" and maybe even a bit of amore. The number of gelato choices will leave you in a state of indecision and wide footpaths, big awnings and a sea of packed tables makes this al fresco dining experience a continental buzz. Even if you’re not eating, it’s worth the stroll just for the people-watching, which, of course, is an Italian tradition.
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5.0
51 reviews
Excellent
44
Very good
5
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
jeffryb
Keysborough, Australia366 contributions
Oct 2020
Readings is still open for business despite the lockdown. You can still choose from the marvellous range of books online and have them posted out or collect your books from the shop. I am waiting for a book, but it is coming from England by ship, but I know it will get here eventually. My children thoughtfully gave me a Readings voucher for Father's Day, so I will have no trouble paying for my book.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,591 contributions
Mar 2020
Most booklovers agree that Readings is one of the best bookshops in Melbourne, indeed Australia. The range of books is enormous, covering almost every topic. Even the remainders table is like a treasure chest. If they have a book in stock, but not on the shelves, they will get it for you in a couple of days. It can save time getting the book from Readings, rather than waiting for it to be shipped by Amazon. Browsing is encouraged.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,591 contributions
June 2020
Readings has imposed a number of restrictions to alleviate the effects of the corona virus lockdown, but remains very popular with book-buyers. Time in the shop is limited and security staff take details such as phone numbers. It's best to reserve the book you want I advance and pick it up when you arrive. That way you can be in and out in 10 minutes. I'm told a lot of these regulations are to do with "contact tracing."
Written 27 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,591 contributions
June 2022
This bookshop is for people who read for pleasure and enlightenment. Other bookshops often stock bestsellers that are here today and gone tomorrow. Readings has an extensive range of books that appeal to booklovers. It also has an extensive range of classics. If you are looking for a copy of "Anna Karenina" you will probably find it here. I don't even know the names of today's best-selling authors, there are only so many hours in the day, I prefer to spend my time reading something worthwhile.
Written 9 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tomfrombrunswick
Melbourne, Australia166 contributions
Nov 2019
This is the best book shop in Australia. While other shops have collapsed this keeps going. It has a huge range of books. The staff are wonderful. One can just wander down and browse for hours. Readings are have been around for so long it is part of Melbourne
Written 8 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xocoxocolatl
United Kingdom40 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
Nice location on Lygon street, with cafés nearby. One of the best selections of Australian literature and history I've come across. A few more Randolph Stows and David Maloufs needed!
Written 11 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
volichmark
Melbourne, Australia9 contributions
Nov 2020
I shopped at the Carlton store today but that will be my last time. Why do staff at Readings think they are so much better than the rest of us ? The young lady who served me should pop next door to the Readings Childrens store and get some tips from the super friendly and helpful staff there.
Written 30 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJC
Vancouver, Canada147 contributions
July 2019 • Couples
I miss this type of intelligent book store with amazing staff and a highly curated selection. Well worth a browse with a cup of coffee. Although I intended not to buy it was impossible to leave empty handed
Written 27 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia12,189 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
I’m always in heaven when I go into a Readings store and no more so in Carlton. Surrounded by great places to eat and the splendid atmosphere of Lygon Street, entering Readings is a hypnotic experience.
All genres are covered and the layout of the store with shelves and different heights and keeping things clean and simple works. I do like the lovely notes that are with some books with comments by staff on books they’ve read it all makes for an enjoyable stroll through the aisles.
At the rear you can find something for your listening pleasure. Plus throughout the store are cards, cups, carry bags and more.
We did have a little competition tonight to find the title of a book that was just meant to catch your eye. See pics and you’ll know what I mean.
Staff are always helpful. Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Parking? It’s Lygon Street but maybe the parking pixies will look kindly upon you.
Enjoy.
All genres are covered and the layout of the store with shelves and different heights and keeping things clean and simple works. I do like the lovely notes that are with some books with comments by staff on books they’ve read it all makes for an enjoyable stroll through the aisles.
At the rear you can find something for your listening pleasure. Plus throughout the store are cards, cups, carry bags and more.
We did have a little competition tonight to find the title of a book that was just meant to catch your eye. See pics and you’ll know what I mean.
Staff are always helpful. Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Parking? It’s Lygon Street but maybe the parking pixies will look kindly upon you.
Enjoy.
Written 14 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toni H
Dunedin, New Zealand53 contributions
Sept 2017
Love this book shop - there is such a wide variety of books and the staff are so knowledgeable and helpful! I try and visit every time we are in Melbourne.
Written 29 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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