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27 Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne
The best Italian restaurants in Melbourne are among the nation’s top picks, but it’s no real surprise. The Victorian capital has become the hospitality hot-spot for restaurants inspired by global cuisine, particularly Italian. Every street, corner, and alleyway seem to have an Italian restaurant busily serving Melbournians, but which is the best? That’s where we come in. With our list of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne, prepare to have your tastebuds tested by some of the top pizza and pasta you’ll find outside of Italy itself.
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Best of Melbourne Italian Restaurants
- Best for Drinks: Bar Carolina
- Best for Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Smith and Daughters
- Best for Pizza: Capitano
- Best for Families: Lupino Bistro
- Best for Couples: Cecconi’s
- Best for Dessert: Park Street Pasta & Wine
How Did We Chose this List of Best Melbourne Italian Restaurants?
Showcased in this article are some of the local eateries with authentic homemade pasta made daily. We found these restaurants by researching the best reviewed spots, looking at how well they performed with customers, and using our own personal expertise.
Image: Di Stasio Citta
1. Di Stasio Citta
Starting off our list of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne is Di Stasio Citta. Sibling restaurant of Café Di Stasio, the staff at Di Stasio Citta invite you to relax, drink, and share stories over delicious servings of Italian cuisine. With handmade pasta across the menu, you can’t go wrong.
What We Like: The amazing service.
What We Don’t Like: The pricey menu options.
Address: 35 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 9070 1177
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am-10pm
Image: Emilia
2. Emilia
Emilia is great for those lunchtime escapes from the office (if you’re not too full to work afterwards). With bolognese that’s freshly made daily, as well as spinach and ricotta ravioli, you’ll be having some of the best Italian Melbourne has to offer. Just be sure to watch out for sauce stains on your shirt.
What We Like: The authentic ambience.
What We Don’t Like: Frequently changing menu.
Address: 360 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 9670 7214
Trading Hours: Wed-Thur 5pm-10pm, Fri 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10pm, Sat 5pm-10pm
Image: Cicciolina
3. Cicciolina
Since opening in 1993, Cicciolina has been a favourite with the locals of Melbourne. For this reason, it’s a very popular spot, so you’ll have to get in early for a table. Although, if you are waiting, you can make your way to Cicciolina’s great bar and savour a few Italian wines.
What We Like: The Steak Tartare.
What We Don’t Like: Booking only available online.
Address: 130 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: +61 03 9525 3333
Trading Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-10pm
Image: Bar Carolina
4. Bar Carolina
As you first step onto the terrazzo floors of Bar Carolina, you’ll feel yourself transported to the shores of Italy. Run by the owners of Il Bacaro (more on them to come) you’ll find some of the best Italian steak and fish in Melbourne on the menu. And, as the name suggests, there’s also a bar at Bar Carolina, for all your wine and cocktail needs.
What We Like: Great service.
What We Don’t Like: Smaller dining area.
Address: 44 Toorak Road, South Yarra 3141
Phone: +61 03 9820 9774
Trading Hours: Mon-Tues 5:30pm-10pm, Wed-Sun 11:30am-10pm
Image: Grossi Florentino
5. Grossi Florentino
Grossi Florentino is high dining at its finest. They pride themselves on their service, and as such, you’ll find 10/10 service from door, to table, to cheque. The menu at Grossi Florentino is formatted into three courses, so we hope you brought your appetite. For those just dropping in, you can try the Veloce quick menu.
What We Like: The vegan options.
What We Don’t Like: Small portions for a higher price.
Address: 80 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000
Phone: +61 03 9662 1811
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri, 12pm-10pm, Sat 6pm-10pm, Sun Closed
Image: Osteria Ilaria
6. Osteria Ilaria
When you think Italian food, you think pasta. Well, not at Osteria Ilaria. The kitchen at Osteria Ilaria serves up traditional Italian food with features of food across Europe popping up on their menu, such as lamb cutlets, duck and 48-hour fermented sourdough. With their variety of meals, we think you can afford to skip pasta for just one night.
What We Like: Confusing website.
What We Don’t Like: Upscale feel.
Address: 367 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 9642 2287
Trading Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am-10:30pm, Sun Closed
Image: Tipo 00
7. Tipo 00
Next door to the previously mentioned Osteria Ilaria is Tipo 00, who more than makeup for the lack of pasta. Not only do Tipo 00 do pasta, but they do pasta well. Really well. For the experimental, you can bite into the squid-ink tagliolini, or the al dente asparagus and sage tortellini, dripping in Parmesan sauce. This is the best Italian restaurant in Melbourne for pasta connoisseurs.
What We Like: Unique pasta selection ( try the Tagliolini al nero ).
What We Don’t Like: Wait times can become long to book a reservation.
Address: 361 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 9942 3946
Trading Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am-10pm, Sun Closed
Image: Rosa’s Canteen
8. Rosa’s Canteen
At Rosa’s Canteen, you’ll find simple Sicilian recipes done right. Utilising the freshest, in-season ingredients over fancy imports, Rosa’s Canteen is able to produce dishes with tantalising flavours. The recipes can also be found on their website, teaching you tips and tricks from the professionals themselves.
What We Like: The cool atmosphere.
What We Don’t Like: Pricey options.
Address: Corner Little Bourke & Thomson St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 9602 5491
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-9pm, Sat-Sun Closed
Image: Baby
9. Baby
The flavour and fun of Italian food are at the forefront of Baby. Baby stands out in two ways on our list of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne. Firstly, they make their mozzarella by hand in store, for the richest, stringiest cheese. Secondly, they’re one of the first stores on our list that serves all day breakfast. This means you can start your day the right way, with a spicy shaved pancetta and rocket scrambled eggs.
What We Like: Large selection of pizza available.
What We Don’t Like: Not the best with takeaway orders.
Address: 631-633 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Phone: +61 03 9421 4599
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-12pm
Image: Scopri
10. Scopri
In Italian ‘scopri’ means to discover. And at Scopri, the chef’s first-hand discoveries whilst travelling the great culinary country of Italy can be shared with you. With a seasonally changing menu, only the best, freshest ingredients are used in each dish. The team also farms their own produce, meaning that your dish has been looked after at every stage on its journey to your table.
What We Like: Home delivery available.
What We Don’t Like: Pricey menu.
Address: 191 Nicholson Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Phone: +61 03 9347 8252
Trading Hours: Tues-Fri 12pm-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Sat 5:30pm-10pm, Mon-Sun Closed
Image: Capitano
11. Capitano
Capitano specialises in American-Italian food, which means its unfussy and approachable Italian food. It should be no surprise then, that pizza is of huge importance. This is so much so, that the menu is divided into ‘Pizza’ and ‘Not Pizza’. For an easy Italian feed, Capitano is the Italian restaurant for you.
What We Like: The square pizza.
What We Don’t Like: Doesn’t cater for gluten free.
Address: 421 Rathdowne Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Phone: +61 03 9134 8555
Trading Hours: Sun-Thur 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Image: Park Street and Wine
12. Park Street Pasta & Wine
Park Street Pasta & Wine has a unique way of preparing its freshly made pasta. Using a machine to extrude their pasta (a process not dissimilar to Play-Doh being squeezed through different shapes) macaroni and penne can be made. Extruding pasta incredibly unique within Australian Italian restaurants, so don’t take your meal for granted.
What We Like: The tiramisu.
What We Don’t Like: Limited wine options.
Address: 268 Park Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Phone: +61 03 9042 8871
Trading Hours: Mon-Sun 11:45am-10pm
Image: Il Bacaro
13. Il Bacaro
Il Bacaro has had a consistent presence on many lists of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne. And with their wine menu including more than 400 wines, it’s not hard to see why. For this sheer multitude of wines, don’t be afraid to ask the waiter for their recommendation. And, aside from the wine, the food at Il Bacaro is pretty good too.
What We Like: The oysters.
What We Don’t Like: Slow service.
Address: 168-170 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 9654 6778
Trading Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun Closed
Image: Lupo
14. Lupo
Lupo describes its meals as traditional Italian, without the traditional ingredients. For example, you could try the wagyu lasagne (which we recommend you do), or you could try the crab, scallop, basil, and sunrise lime lasagne. See what they mean now? Lupo also provide gluten free and vegan options upon request.
What We Like: Fresh ingredients.
What We Don’t Like: Confusing website.
Address: 300 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Phone: +61 03 9419 2202
Trading Hours: Tues-Sun 6pm-10pm, Mon Closed
Image: Oster
15. Oster
With a regularly changing menu to match the ingredients of the season, you’re only getting the best at Oster. What stood out from its list for us, however, as its dessert menu (sweet-tooth through and through). Order yourself a deconstructed lemon meringue tart, flamed when plated for some extra flavour and presentation points.
What We Like: The homemade brioche.
What We Don’t Like: Limited takeaway options.
Address: 76-78 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC 3121
Phone: +61 03 9428 0749
Trading Hours: Wed-Sat 5:30pm-11pm, Sun-Tues Closed
Image: Agostino
16. Agostino
Agostino is more of a wine bar, with an amazing Italian restaurant that just happens to be out back. The wine cellar downstairs is a great mix of wines and antipasti, while upstairs you’ll find a larger set menu. Seafood is the star of the menu at Agostino, with tiger prawns, anchovies and flounder swimming across the menu.
What We Like: Friendly staff.
What We Don’t Like: On the pricey side.
Address: 297 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Phone: +61 03 9347 1619
Trading Hours: Thur-Mon 12pm-12am, Tues-Wed Closed
Image: Rosetta Ristorante
17. Rosetta Ristorante
Rosella Ristorante is celebrity chef Neil Perry’s hat-in-the-ring of Melbourne’s Italian restaurant world, and we’re pleased to report it’s far from aeroplane food. Woodfired lamb dishes and over 16 variations of handmade pasta can be found on the menu. This along with the outdoor seating, overlooking the Yarra River, makes for a truly wonderful dining experience.
What We Like: Knowledgable staff.
What We Don’t Like: Limited menu options.
Address: 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank 3006
Phone: +61 03 9292 5777
Trading Hours: Wed-Fri 6pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm, Mon-Tues Closed
Image: Sosta Cucina
18. Sosta Cucina
At Sosta Cucina your drink will never be half full (or half-empty, depending on your optimism) with its fantastic table service. Attentive staff will look after you throughout your meal, and this is another three to four-course menu restaurant, so that’s a long time. The antipasti are a great way to start your evening, before digging into a main of pasta or steak.
What We Like: Extensive meu.
What We Don’t Like: Smaller dining space.
Address: 12 Errol Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Phone: +61 03 9329 2882
Trading Hours: Tues-Sun 4:30pm-8:30pm, Mon Closed
Image: Supermaxi
19. Supermaxi
Supermaxi takes Italian food back to what we all know and love, pizza, and pasta. This family-friendly dining space provides a huge array of pizzas, as well as the homemade pasta you should expect by now from the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne. Supermaxi also has gluten-free pizza options, so no one is missing out.
What We Like: Great wine selection.
What We Don’t Like: Loud atmosphere.
Address: 305 St George Road, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
Phone: +61 03 9482 2828
Trading Hours: Tues-Sun 5pm-10:30pm, Mon Closed
Image: Pentolina
20. Pentolina
Pentolina has a menu built around their homemade pasta, which uses just water and durum-wheat semolina flour. This vegetarian-friendly pasta is then mixed in with a variety of sauces and toppings, made from local, fresh produce. The entrees and antipasti are great too, for something to snack on with your wine.
What We Like: Availability of cocktails.
What We Don’t Like: Charges for late arrival upon booking.
Address: 2/377 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 9606 0642
Trading Hours: Tues-Wed 6pm-10pm, Thur 12pm-3:30pm, 6pm-10pm. Fri 12pm-3:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm, Sat 5:30pm-11pm, Sun-Mon Closed
Image: Il Solito Posto
21. Il Solito Posto
At the cool, cosy basement restaurant that is Il Solito Posto, you’ll be overwhelmed by the smells coming from the kitchen. This Melbourne Italian restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with Bloody Mary’s found on the breakfast menu. Il Solito Posto rocks the urban chic niche so well that you can even make reservations by fax, if you or your great, great Nan still have one.
What We Like: The Chocolate Mousse
What We Don’t Like: Limited vegan options.
Address: Basement 113 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 9654 4466
Trading Hours: Tues-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 3:30pm-10pm, Sun-Mon Closed
Image: Bottega
22. Bottega
At Bottega you can enjoy your Italian food whilst seated on the streets of Melbourne, much like in Rome. Just be ready to have pedestrians eyeing off your meal as they pass by. Using ingredients from his own farm, the chef at Bottega loving creates great Italian dishes for you to enjoy. Inside or outside, enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and food found at Bottega.
What We Like: The Beef Carpaccio.
What We Don’t Like: Dining space can feel cramped at times.
Address: 74 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 9654 2252
Trading Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun Closed
Image: Smith and Daughters
23. Smith & Daughters
Smith & Daughters is a rock ‘n’ roll vegan restaurant, with the goal of challenging people’s perceptions of vegan food. Known as one of the 12 Best Vegan Restaurants in Melbourne, Smith & Daughters’ Italian dishes stand up to the taste and flavour of even the meatiest lasagne. Its gnocchi broccoli pesto is a standout dish on the menu.
What We Like: Large plant based course selection available for a night out.
What We Don’t Like: On the expensive side.
Address: 175 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: +61 03 9939 3293
Trading Hours: Tues-Thur 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm, Sun-Mon Closed
Image: Marios
24. Marios
Mario’s is not your traditional Italian food (its carbonara uses cream, a cardinal sin for any Italian purist or Nonna) but still a delicious recreation. The place is old, but that adds wisdom and character. At Mario’s you’ll find consistently good meals without any crazy ingredients that’ll cost you an arm and a leg.
What We Like: Their breakfast options.
What We Don’t Like: Booking ability not available.
Address: 303 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: +61 03 9417 3343
Trading Hours: Sun-Thur 8am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am-10:30pm
Image: Cecconi’s
25. Cecconi’s
Cecconi’s restaurant has been split into a formal dining room and informal bar cellar, so there’s something for everyone. Through the luxury dining experience to the antipasti at the cellar below, homegrown vegetables, fruits, and herbs can be found in every dish. You’ll have trouble finding such great tasting food as fresh as this.
What We Like: Gives you a fine dining atmosphere.
What We Don’t Like: Can become busy with long wait times.
Address: 61 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 8663 0500
Trading Hours: Tues-Fri 12pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm, Sat 5:30pm-10pm, Sun-Mon Closed
Image: Lupino
26. Lupino Bistro
While not advertised as a share menu restaurant, the servings at Lupino Bistro are generous enough that they could be. Get a group of your best friends or family around for an Italian feast that’ll leave you feeling full and satisfied. Or dig in for yourself if you’re feeling particularly hungry (don’t feel embarrassed about taking the leftovers home).
What We Like: Great red wine options.
What We Don’t Like: Long wait times.
Address: 41 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: +61 03 9639 0333
Trading Hours: Tues-Sun 12pm-2pm, 5pm-9:30pm, Mon Closed
Image: 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar
27. 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar Elsternwick
You’ve heard the term pizzeria before, but what about gnoccheria? Closing out our list of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne, Pizza e Gnocchi Bar Elsternwick are the go-to specialist in all things gnocchi. You can watch how the gnocchi is made, before sitting down to a bowl yourself. They also provide freshly made gluten-free gnocchi, something that’s incredibly hard to find elsewhere.
What We Like: Amazing gnocchi.
What We Don’t Like: Limited room for dining.
Address: 15 Gordon Street, Elsternwick VIC 3185
Phone: +61 03 9089 0422
Trading Hours: Sun-Thur 5pm-9pm, Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm
Key Things to Consider for Melbourne Italian Restaurants
When looking for a good Italian restaurant, here are some things to keep in mind
- Price: The cost of most of the entrees served. This price point will range anywhere from $13AUD to $35AUD depending on the restaurant.
- Availability: Some restaurants may be harder to book in advance and will require some scheduling for dining in.
- Quality of dishes served: The best types of dishes depend on the quality of the ingredients used. Better ingredient sourcing means a better quality meal.
- Cleanliness: A professional establishment will do it’s best with keeping their environment tidy for their customers.
- Atmosphere: Each restaurant will have its own common theme throughout. Be mindful of what you see and how a theme is portrayed.
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General FAQ
Where is the best Italian near me?
If you are located close the Melbourne CBD, you have a lot of options of Italian food in your general vicinity. Emilia, Tipo 00, and Sosta Cucina are just some of the great Italian restaurants in this area.
What are some good Melbourne CBD Italian Restaurants?
Il Baraco, Massi, and Cecconi's are some of the great Italian restaurants near Melbourne's CBD.
Where's good pasta in Melbourne?
According to Google Reviews, the top rated spots for pasta in Melbourne include Tipo 00, Park Street Pasta & Wine, and Supermaxi
Lachlan Twose
Lachlan Twose is a Sydney-based content producer with a background in film and television. He completed Bachelor of Media, Majoring in Screen Practice and Production at Macquarie University in 2020 and currently works as a credit analysis in the financial industry. He specialises in film and television, pop culture and restaurant coverage.
