Buon Appetito: Our Essential Guide to the Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne

When the pasta, pizza and antipasto cravings hit, nothing short of traditional fare will do. Lucky for us, we’re not only spoiled with Italian restaurants in Melbourne but some of the country's best.

There’s a spot to suit every mood from old-school Italian to modern mash-ups. To make the most of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne, all you have to do is choose one below, book a table, and don’t forget to wear your comfiest clothes. Because you know you are going to leave having tried everything on the menu.

Saint George 

The Saint Hotel, a St Kilda icon, has undergone a sensational transformation into the Karen Martini-helmed Saint George - and believe us when we say, i's on of the must-visit dining destinations for 2024.

Helmed by Martini and her partner Michael Sapountsis, the venue offers two distinct experiences: The Grill, serving up delectable Italian fare including pasta and antipasti, which is perfect for your next planned date, and The Tavern, a more casual front bar spot perfect for spontaneous outings. 

If you're seated in The Tavern, dive into dishes like the revamped chicken schnitzel or share plates like gnocco fritto for a taste of Italy. At The Grill, indulge in flavour-forward, creations like beef tartare with pickled feferoni chili, a gorgeous little spanner crab and lemon brown butter bruschetta or the already highly acclaimed paccheri marinara pasta, featuring a tantalising seafood ragu made with braised octopus and a fresh burst of calamari, prawns, pipis, and crab.

With each dish, Martini's culinary expertise shines, offering a dining experience that's both comforting and exciting. The vibes within the restaurant are immaculate as well; buzzy and moody, with super friendly and super knowledgeable wait staff only to happy to help with your selections. 

It's far and away one of our favourite restaurants in 2024, and Martini's incredible take on Italian eats deserves all the praise. 

Sitchu Tip: Finish with a glass of their chilled Amaro - it's magic. 

54 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Good Gnocchi

We're a little bit in love with this retro-infused Italian dream. Decked out in crimson, the cosy-as-your-mamma's hug Good Gnocchi is serving up heaped bowls of some of the best gnocchi and pasta in town. Think four cheese and greens lasagne, fusilli alla vodka with cacio e pepe whipped ricotta, and wagyu lasagne gnocchi.

There are delicious antipasti and comforting mains worth a look in too, lots of fun cocktails and some apple pie cannoli for dessert. The whole dining experience as a whole is a big mood; the perfect spot for your next date night. 

797 Nicholson Street, Carlton North 

Figlia

Look to the corner of Lygon and Victoria for Figlia, a cool and classy new Italian restaurant in Melbourne sporting perfectly light sourdough pizza, chargrilled snacks, and minimal intervention wine aplenty. From the team behind two of Melbourne’s best Italian restaurants, Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria, you can expect great things at Figlia 

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat and a seat at the large horseshoe bar or after something more substantial with a few friends at dinner time, the buzzy spot is only too happy to provide - and it’s always best to start things off with a drink. The beverage list is filled to brim with tasty cocktails, hazy IPAs and wild-fermented sour beers, and lots of well-priced Italian and Australian natural wines.

Food wise, you’re going to want to try one of everything, with impressive snack plates of octopus skewers and fermented green chilli, duck mortadella, vitello tonnato and deliciously charred peperonata swimming in pinenuts and a basil cream. And then there’s the pizzas – well, it’s the ultimate combination of a great Italian thin-crust pie, with light sourdough tang and considered char, and a range of tantalising toppings evoking modern Australiana.

Be sure to swing a little left of centre and try a cavolo nero, stracciatella, fermented cabbage and chilli variety, or pork and fennel salsiccia with radicchio and mozzarella.

331 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Alta Trattoria 

It doesn't get much better than bowls of perfectly done pasta, and one of the best new Italian restaurants in Melbourne is more than up to the task. Reaching great new Italian heights is Alta Trattoria, bringing Piemontese cooking and wines to Fitzroy. Put on your stretchy pants and prepare to feast; on humble, feel-good trattoria style dishes like vitello tonnato, rabbit ragu taglioni, fish of the day and a fig and ricotta crostata. Buonissimo! 

Ground Floor Rear/274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Johnny, Vince & Sam's

Step inside Johnny, Vince & Sam's and be transported to a Nonna's living room stuck in time, all old-world décor, ambience and a fun-living spirit. Created by comedy superstars Sooshi Mango, what sparked as a passion project for the trio has quickly breathed new life into Lygon Street. 

The menu has been designed by none other than Johnny Di Francesco, award-winning Italian chef of 400 Gradi fame. Working together with the Sooshi Mango boys, the kitchen is serving up Italian food that is both fun-loving and seriously good. Expect a lineup of authentic dishes to be dropped at your table, with a touch of nostalgia only adding to the tasty flavour profiles. Heroes include the pasta e broccoli and spaghetti and meatballs, the cotolette, and the salsiccia and patate pizza, dressed up with rosemary, mozzarella and grana padano cream. 

306-308 Lygon Street, Carlton 

Rosella 

With a menu designed to share, Rosella in Fitzroy is a simpyl perfect Italian restaurant in Melbourne. Laid back dishes, prepared with heart, Rosella is a beautiful and welcoming haven on Melbourne’s iconic Gertrude Street. Swoon over seasonal plates of pasta, bowls of fresh mussels acqua pazza and what better way to end the date than digging into a generous helping of tiramisu. Not to mention the perfectly curated wine list - when the venue owner’s previous gig was as the ex Vue de Monde wine director, you know you and the success of your date night are in the safest of hands.

229 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Lagotto 

Lagotto is one of our favourite Italian restaurants in Melbourne. Inspired by European conviviality and the desire for neighbourly connection, it offers a spirited take on Italian dining. The seasonal menu offers a clever effusion of modern and classic flavours and techniques, crafted by Italian born Head Chef, Matteo Fulchiati.

Enjoy the finest expression of classic pasta making - the saffron spaghetti with bluefin tuna, bottarga and wood sorrel is a must - alongside the likes of oysters dressed in a kumquat mignonette, octopus carpaccio, wagyu bavette tartare and a swordfish cotoletta. No regretti spaghetti here. 

1 York Street, Fitzroy North

Rocco's Bologna Discoteca

All out Italiana with a heaping serve of nostalgia, there's a whole lot more to Rocco's than just their uber-popular meatball sub. 

A sandwich speakeasy meets old world trattoria, Rocco's is like a fancy Italian McDonald's, serving up classic hits with a cool and buzzy approach. 

Here, saucy sangas, delicious pastas, house salumi plates and other Italian specialties intertwine with bonemarrow garlic bread, stracciatella and crudo of the day. Weekly specials like King George whiting with parsley puree and spring garlic and bistecca alla Fiorentina make it a menu infused with casual yet refined flair. 

Either way, lunchtime or late night, you're destined for an indulgent spread! Simply magnifico! 

15 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy 

Umberto's Espresso Bar 

Scopri 

Scopri, which means to discover, or to find out, in Italian, comes directly from the experience gained in Italy by its owners. They regularly travel through Italy, eating and drinking their way through its 20 regions, ‘discovering’ along the way the diversity of Italian food and wine. They then introduce a seasonally varying menu to their dedicated legion of diners, using a traditional format of antipasto, pasta, main and dessert. It's all done to immaculate effect; a classic Italian restaurant in Melbourne that you need to visit at least once. Book in advance - Scopri really is that good. 

191 Nicholson Street, Carlton 

Capitano

Sitting somewhere between a neighbourhood Italian restaurant and a trendy wine bar is Capitano – a slick Italian eatery serving amped-up classics. Pizza bases are fermented, desserts are spiked with amaro and the parma comes as a huge, bone-in veal cutlet, big enough to share (but so good you won't want to). The warm, terrazzo-floored and wood-lined room is the kind of place you'd want to linger in, which is easy enough given the 500-strong wine list assembled by the Bar Liberty crew.

421 Rathdowne Street, Carlton

1800 Lasagne

There is no doubt about it – lasagne is the ultimate comfort food. With ragu, perfectly al dente pasta and gooey béchamel, its beauty is in its simplicity. As cheesy as it sounds (pun intended), the secret to good lasagne is the love that goes into making it and no one knows this better than owner Joey Kellock. What started out as a humble Instagram pasta delivery service is now a fully-fledged eatery on Thornbury's High Street. The menu at 1800 Lasagne is naturally centered around their signature pasta plates, with a couple of new additions like salumi, a cos salad slathered in anchovy cream and covered in a parmesan cloud, and ridiculously tasty garlic bread. Is this the best Italian restaurant in Melbourne? Better wear your stretchy pants to find out...

653 High Street, Thornbury

Bar Romantica

Romantic by name, romantic by nature. Deep red leather booths, heart-shaped tables, low lights and natural wines set the scene at Bar Romantica – they’ve got the formula for date night down pat. Better yet, they're one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne serving up gorgeous Napoli-style pizzas and perfectly curated snacks like beef tartare, oysters, ribbons of salty prosciutto di Parma, burrata and porcini arancini. Settle in with a gin martini, Negroni, or unique glass of vino and enjoy the ride. 

52/54 Lygon Street, Brunswick East 

Al Dente Enoteca 

Ms Frankie

Ms Frankie is a chic and vibrant pizza and pasta bar dolling out immaculate vibes, cocktails and a tasty array of Italian eats. Contemporary in style, the menu has been inspired by her Italian heritage, with recipes passed down from generations. The best part? Guests can watch fresh pasta being handmade behind a glass window. 

221-229 Faraday Street, Carlton 

24 Cremorne Street, Cremorne

400 Gradi

Winners of the world’s best margherita, when it comes to all things crusty and cheesy – 400 Gradi mean business. Named for the temperature at which thin-based traditional Neapolitan pizza is cooked (for only 90 seconds, nonetheless), their growing fame has seen them open new locations everywhere from Essendon to the Yarra Valley. We suggest pulling up a table at the place where it all started.

99 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Leonardo's Pizza Palace

This good times restaurant does comfort food paired with modern wines – think massive pizzas for the table, vodka sauce pasta and fried cheese curds dipped in marinara sauce. Leonardo’s den-like dining room has a fun ‘70s vibe that befits its old school cooking, with vintage posters and terracotta wine racks adding cosiness. Stick around long after the last slice has been claimed as rounds of craft beers and orange wines keep coming.

29 Grattan Street, Carlton 

Bar Idda 

Specialising in traditional Sicilian cuisine, Bar Idda’s menu is features a mouthwatering selection regional dishes, some of which you may never have seen before at your local Italian restaurant. Notable mentions include their famous mulinciani – a lush eggplant lasagne baked with buffalo mozzarella and pecorino. The kitchen's rustic, homestyle cooking is best enjoyed with a bottle of fine Sicilian wine on one of their sidewalk tables, followed by their house-made cannoli in daily rotating flavours.

132 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Agostino

Agostino is kitted like an upmarket version of the classic Italian enoteca, with wood and marble tabletops, a concrete terrazzo floor and neutral leather banquettes. And just like in Italy it’s an all-day affair, open from noon to late for tasty Northern-influenced dishes like paccheri in vodka tomato cream and seafood brodetto followed by dainty semifreddo and millefoglie. To drink, you can pick up a bottle from the shop next door and bring it in for corkage, or take a punt on their 200-strong list of continent-hopping drops.

297 Lygon Street, Carlton

Sosta Ristorante 

Say hello to Sosta Ristorante a newly rejuvenated culinary jewel nestled in the heart of North Melbourne. After 16 remarkable years, what was once beloved institution Sosta Cucina has bid a fond farewell - but under new ownership and name is still forging ahead in its delivery of refined Italian dining. Think a brand-new era of Sosta, complete with elegant renovation, a new culinary direction and even a luxury wine cellar.

The reimagined menu draws on inspiration from how regions throughout Italy locally source ingredients. This means a utilisation of Australia’s native ingredients is at the fore, alongside classic Italian cooking methods and traditions, to combine an exciting new flavour profile on the plate. Think the likes of kangaroo carpaccio, zucchini flowers with ricotta and lemon, blissful bowls of seafood pasta and a Western Plains pork rack roast, served up with a fermented cantaloupe salad and pickled green tomatoes. 

12 Errol Street, North Melbourne

Mister Bianco

Mister Bianco, with its stunning new location on Cotham Road in Kew, is marking the start of a brand new era. This beloved restaurant is still all heart, but with stylish new digs has demonstrated a new level of maturity when it comes to refined Italian food. 

On the menu? A series of dishes where all roads lead to Sicily. A wood fired oven and wood fired grill has seen Italian breads, steaks and porchetta added to the delicious line-up. Tiramisu is served out of a trolley, the wine list is ever-evolving, the cocktails are strong, and service is a beautiful balance of friendly and knowledgeable. 

The oysters with watermelon granita are a textural delight, the potato rosti with salted cod must-try. You also need to try their saffron spaghettini, with prawns, vermouth butter and bottarga - it's buttery, oceanic heaven! We can also highly recommend the chocolate fondant with pistachio ice-cream for a truly indulgent end to the meal.

Part of the new venue is the La Sala function space upstairs, as well as the upcoming Bianchetto bar. The restaurant is expansive and contemporary and yet cleverly designed to be intimate and cosy. One of our favourite Italian restaurants in Melbourne right now. 

26-28 Cotham Road, Kew 

Officina Gastronomica Italiana 

​Located in the heart of Prahran, the beloved Italian espresso bar Officine Zero has recently reopened as Officina Gastronomica Italian, doubling its footprint and adding a dinner service to its menu.

The focus here is on Italian artisan wines and housemade pastas. With its warm and rustic charm, impressive wall of wine, and delectable menu, this new Italian restaurant in Melbourne is a doozy for classic Italian fare that encompasses both a rich heritage and the conviviality of Italian cuisine.

532 - 534 Malvern Road, Prahran

Park Street Pasta & Wine 

This South Melbourne neighbourhood osteria pays homage to the Italian tradition of ‘fatto a mano‘, or, pasta 'made by hand’ — and would you really have it any other way? The light, relaxed décor of Park Street Pasta & Wine lets the food do the talking, with a seasonal menu inspired by the 20 different regions of Italy. The freshly made pasta dishes have included veal and wild rabbit agnolotti with sage butter and Spring Bay mussels tagliatelle with heirloom zucchini, all made from the best local Victorian and Australian produce. 

268 Park Street, South Melbourne

Studio Amaro

You'll love the warm, retro feels of Studio Amaro, a day-to-night Italian-inspired restaurant and basement bar. Go for a taste of Head Chef Daniel Migliaccio’s expertly crafted sharing plates, amaro liqueurs, vinyl tracks and mid-century-esque interiors.

With a menu designed to share, this striking Italo-eatery is putting a Melbourne twist on Italian classics. Think housemade sourdough focaccia with whipped ricotta, an outrageously delicious tuna carpaccio with tomato oil, olive crumb and capers, a heavenly paccheri with ox tail ragu and pangrattato and one of the best burrata dishes in the game. Finish off your meal with a refreshing rockmelon granita or the hazelnut tartufo, the last of which is best indulged with an espresso martini alongside. There's even a daily panini selection available for takeaway lunch.

In keeping with its namesake, Studio Amaro offers an extensive list of bittersweet amaros, alongside a list of classics, spritzes and more unusual cocktails. Thursday to Saturday night, the underground DJ booth vibrates with disco and soul.

All together, it's created the perfect vibration of good food, good drinks, good people and good tunes. Easily one of our favourite new Italian restaurants in Melbourne. 

168 Chapel Street, Windsor 

Tesoro Gastronomia 

We're in love with this hidden gem in Balwyn North. Tesoro Gastronomia is a deli and cafe by day, restaurant and pinseria (a cloud-like pizza style from Rome) by night, and is the eastern suburbs' answer to a true modern Italian dining experience. Let the friendly team take care of you with unmistakable Italian hospitality as you rouse friends and family to join you in indulging in plates of succulent octopus carpaccio, handmade trofie pesto pasta or paccheri amatriciana, and plenty of pinsa Romana's - including a super delicious Italian sausage, broccolini and chilli version. It's one of the most unassuming Italian restaurants in Melbourne, and you need to check it out. 

Sitchu Tip: Wednesday to Saturday evenings, Tesoro transforms into an elegant dining room for "Giro d'Italia" focusing on a different region of Italy each month. 

280 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North

Grazia Restaurant 

Authentic, traditional and a masterclass in Italian culture, Grazia is one of the newer Italo dining destinations to have on your radar. Using the freshest seasonal ingredients, this Glen Iris restaurant showcases flavoursome recipes that have been handed down through generations and enhanced to suit today’s tastes. Settle into the warmly lit and heritage listed venue layered with terrazzo floors and marble benches, atrium ceilings and pendant lighting and start the night off right with the cocktail 'Monterosso.'

The menu shines bright early with housemade focaccia, four cheese filled Fior di zucca, grilled prawns with salsa verde and classic vitello tonnato. Plates of delectable pastas soon follow; think wild mushroom filled tortellini with creamy porcini and a black truffle sauce, and spaghettini with Nonna’s beef and veal meatballs. Roman-style pizzas are Grazia's specialty, but hearty plates of porchetta and decadent house-made desserts also get their due. 

159 Burke Road, Glen Iris

Osteria Renata

A neighbourhood diner inspired by Italy, Osteria Renata is a winning spot to settle in for lunch or dinner with friends, family and colleagues. Look for the lush and inviting olive-green façade and you'll know you've found the right place. Inside is just as warm and welcoming, and an aperitif to kick things off becomes an easy decision. 

On the menu? There's a big emphasis on egg-based pastas specific to northern Italy, plus a wine list playing host to Italian varietals produced right here in Victoria. 

436-438 High Street, Prahran 

48 Hour Pizzeria + Gnocchi Bar 

Named for its dough’s 48-hour rise time, 48 Hour Pizzeria + Gnocchi Bar has been recognised internationally as one of Oceania's best pizzerias. They're not wrong. You'll want to try a slice of every one, with pizza toppings neatly swerving between classic and modern fixings. The base itself truly is the stuff of sourdough dreams; charred and chewy and pillowy in equal measure. Gnocchi wise, it's “della Nonna” style, and completely gluten-free, making them lighter and easier to digests. Sauces run the gamut from agnello (slow-cooked lamb) through to al pomodoro. 

373 Malvern Road, South Yarra

Caffé e Cucina

Inspired by the many cafés that line the iconic streets of Rome, Milan and Florence, Caffé e Cucina is both intimate and charming. Taking pride of place along Melbourne’s Chapel Street since it opened in 1988, this café has stood the test of time – and for good reason. Some of the favourites on the menu include beef carpaccio, linguine di mare al Cartoccio and risotto. Expect to also be greeted with ‘ciao bella!’ upon arrival, which adds to the charm of it all.

581 Chapel Street, South Yarra

Abbiocco

Abbiocco have now added a secondary outlet in St Kilda to their repertoire, bookending bayside with their delicious handmade pasta, dreamy olive-hued interiors and well-crafted drinks list. Sip on Aperol margaritas and snack on house-made mortadella, before indulging in some seriously perfect pasta. The pumpkin gnocchi with gorgonzola, walnuts and wattleseed and a pork sausage and chestnut campanelle, are standouts. Don't forget to finish with a serve of their delicious tiramisu!

173 Barkly Street, St Kilda

501 Highett Road, Highett 

Pastore

In the quest for the best Italian restaurant in Melbourne, we've stumbled upon Pastore. This is seriously one of Italy's finest. Replicating the woodfired grill from fine diner Matilda and the Mediterranean focus of pasta bar Lupo, celebrated chef and restaurateur Scott Pickett’s Pastore is fast becoming one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne. The sleek brass and stone space is contrasted by cosy, traditional Italian food given Pickett’s trademark Australian tilt. Expect dishes like lasagne made with David Blackmore wagyu and ricotta gnocchi crowned with warrigal greens. 

1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone

Stokehouse Pasta & Bar

WoodsYard 

Buono Restaurant & Bar 

A contemporary Italian spot serving up playful dishes and seriously cool cocktails, Buono Restaurant & Bar is a bayside beauty you need to add to your culinary calendar. The spirit of Italy is alive and well here, all welcoming ambience, friendly faces and impeccably crafted dishes. Peruse the menu for the tantalising likes of twice cooked octopus with Italian pork sausage and chickpea puree and homemade scialatielli pasta with seafood in a crustacean sauce, with calamari, pipis, mussels and prawns, as well as a selection of fine desserts handcrafted and perfect by Buono's Italian pâtissier, for your indulgence. Cocktails come with dramatic airs, and the wine list is an impressive blend of Italian varietals that are locally and internationally sourced. Buon appetito! 

198 Como Parade West, Parkdale 

Tipico

A masterclass in modern Italian cuisine and hospitality, Tipico plates up elegant dishes that feature familiar flavours with a contemporary spin. Start your night at the stylish, moody eatery with the burrata and smoked peach puree, order from the delicious list of fresh pastas for main (the beef pappardelle is a hit) and end with a generous serving of tiramisu – washed down with a glass (or bottle) of Italian vino from the premium wine list.

242 High Street, Windsor

Cicciolina

A local institution serving the St Kilda crowds since 1993, Cicciolina is a modern Italian eatery serving up contemporary yet authentic cuisine. A slightly eclectic setting with a touch of European flair, the food is fresh, the atmosphere is warm, and the in-house bar is flowing daily. 

130 Acland Street, St Kilda

Zia Rina's Cucina

A rustic, candlelit trattoria worth its weight in lovingly crafted, seasonal Italian plates, Zia Rina's Cucina is a must-try Italian restaurant in Melbourne. 

It's a set menu only here, that changes daily to reflect the seasons and what is available to the team day to day. Produce is delivered from small farms and local markets, to craft this exciting and ever changing menu. Dishes might be prosciutto and melon and spaghetti cacio e pepe one day, a primavera tart and fennel and black pepper crusted pork chop the next. 

857 High Street, Armadale

Cosi Ristorante 

Cosi Bar Ristorante is a modern Italian restaurant in Melbourne that strikes a balance between a friendly atmosphere and an upmarket setting. Since 1996, this cosy and convivial spot has been a go-to spot to enjoy an indulgent bowl of pasta by the window, or a glass of wine from their award-winning list in the beautiful ‘al fresco’ space. Silver service hospitality and a showing of classic black and white Italian movies in the background will ensure you'll be given a true taste of ‘La Dolce Vita’.

68 Toorak Road, South Yarra 

Oster

Modelled on the traditional osterias of Northern Italy, Oster is a polished all-day diner plating up simple, produce-driven fare that takes an innovative hand to tradition.

There are delicious starters of salumi with giardiniera, house-made sourdough and olives, while the pork tenderloin, swimming in a delicate old grain mustard jus and served with braised baby gem and a snappy pea puree, is peak comfort dining. The pasta is where Oster really shines; you’ll never forget the first bite of their house made bottoni. Think pillows of pasta stuffed with stinging nettle and ricotta, served under a cheesy cloud of Grana Padano foam, topped with burnt butter and crispy saltbush. It’s ridiculously good.

While the food looks towards the Mediterranean, the wine list leans firmly local, with drops from the Derwent Valley to Daylesford served across their strikingly contrasting recycled timber and concrete bar.

Simply put, it's one of the best modern Italian restaurants in Melbourne. 

76/78 Bridge Road, Richmond 

Café Di Stasio

Café Di Stasio is an Italian fine-dining institution and after more than 30 years at its Fitzroy Street location, this renowned restaurant and bar still holds decadent and timeless appeal. Here, long-serving white-jacketed waiters will offer that extra touch of service, whilst recalling an extensive list of house specialties like linguine with prawns, or homemade pasta with tomato, mozzarella and basil. As such, the restaurant has a faithful clientele and those in the know will swear by the seasonal two-course lunch with wine. 

Sitchu Tip: Big Italian fan? It's essential you also check out Cafe di Stasio's more glamorous siblings - from the opulent and unique pleasure palace of Di Stasio Citta to the elegant open-air affair of Di Stasio Carlton. Get the Fior di latte soft serve in Carlton. We repeat. Essential. 

31 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Baby

Richmond makes its way onto Melbourne’s booming pizza scene with Baby, a sleek and sexy take on the classic Italian dining joint. Owned by the folks behind Chin Chin (aka the city’s most popular restaurant), their seasonal menu goes big with over twenty pizzas to choose from – each made up of primo ingredients like lovingly handmade mozzarella and crisp prosciutto cotto.

631-633 Church Street, Richmond

Cicchetti on Napier

For a relaxed yet refined Italian dining experience in unassuming Strathmore, Cicchetti on Napier will welcome you in with open arms. What's in a name? Well, Cicchetti is a Venetian term for small snacks and sides, often served atop bread. And that's exactly what you should order here first, to get the ball rolling... followed by a ball of burrata, obviously!

For more cheesy goodness, the goat cheese balls are worth their weight in gold; for a refreshing pick-me-up, the kingfish ceviche, swimming in a tangy buttermilk with herbed oil and green chilli is a popular choice.

Pastas and mains are also highlights, with slow cooked osso bucco pappardelle, fish of the day, bistecca alla Fiorentina and chicken cotoletta all hearty and delicious dishes. And you'd be remiss not to order the iceberg wedge salad as a side, with a creamy housemade dressing and truffle pecorino. 

Simple yet glorious Italian fare combined with an elegant setting, friendly service, and a spritz or glass of red in hand - what more can you ask for in your next date night destination?! 

283 Napier Street, Strathmore

Harley & Rose 

Repping the west, Footscray’s Harley and Rose is helmed by a pair of chefs who’ve done time in some of Melbourne’s best restaurants. And it shows. A simple menu of nine moreish pizzas takes centre stage, rich in classic flavours and the perfect blend of salty, oily and chewy. All of which is paired with an inspired selection of sides, incredible, seasonal pasta dishes and a very impressive drinks list. 

Sitchu Tip: You need to try their tiramisu. It's one of the best in Melbourne. 

572 Barkly Street, West Footscray

Ronnie’s

Ronnie's is one of Melbourne’s best pasta and cicchetti (Italian tapas) haunts –  where diners will be hit with a wave of nostalgia, warmth and familiarity. Its menu of easy-to-share New York-Italian-inspired food is refined yet soulful. Think big flavours with zero pomp. Behind the heritage façade rooted on Collins Street is culinary visionary and restaurateur, Matthew Butcher. The name, Ronnie’s, pays homage to his father, a country boy and humble cook with a heart of gold and values to match.

525 Collins Street, Melbourne

Tippy Tay

Hidden within the confines of the buzzing and ever-popular Garden State Hotel, right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, lies Tippy Tay; a colourful, whimsical Italian restaurant celebrating all the flavour and fun of the Amalfi coastline.   

A DJ set-up sits pretty right in the middle of the dining room and on the walls, are small, doorbell-like buttons, which you can press to order a Negron fountain directly to your table.

With a nod to classic, refined trattorias and traditional Italian indulgence, Tippy Tay’s menu is all about delicious and shareable experiences, so expect plenty of house-made pastas and pizzas and lots of delicious share plates, where seafood dominates. The cocktail menu is as bright as the restaurant itself, featuring takes on the classics alongside house creations. For wine lovers, there’s a small, refined and dynamic wine list that puts Italian grapes centre stage. 

Don’t be skimping on dessert either, especially as it comes over to your table in a retro airline-style trolley, with amaro and other digestifs also sitting prettily atop; with a choice of creamy tiramisu or cannoli, resistance is futile.  

Transportative and fun, Tippy Tay truly shines bright as one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne. That’s amore!   

101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD

+39 Pizzeria 

+39 is the prefix for an international call to Italy, and it's a befitting name for one of the best casual Italian restaurants in Melbourne. Serving big Euro energy and even better pizza, there's enough variety on the menu here to appease everyone. This includes a lengthy list of antipasti, if you care to share. Italian festa vibes, guaranteed. 

362 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD 

The Hardware Club

Put down your tools for fresh, contemporary Italian food served from the glossy surrounds of what used to be a social club for members of the hardware industry. Sporting a cosy, neighbourhood feel, The Hardware Club is an intimate all-day trattoria serving up antipasti, handmade pasta and pizza by day, before branching out to share plates by night. The wine list hones in on Australian and Italian wines, accompanied by a snappy selection of Italian cocktails including negronis and spritzes. Bellissima!

43 Hardware Lane, Melbourne

Trattoria Emilia 

Taking cues from the rustic trattorias of northern Italy, Trattoria Emilia has you covered for any and all occasions. The warm, enchanting space, hidden down Gills Alley, is a highly-regarded affair, where you can slip in for a casual lunch of gnocco fritto, prosciutto di Parma and stracciatella and classic tagliatelle alla bolognese, or come later for a five course tasting menu featuring dishes inspired by Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Authentic as it gets, this is one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne, where you'll really feel like you've been dropped direct to Bologna. 

360 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 

Osteria Ilaria 

Cosy and casual yet effortlessly sophisticated, Osteria Ilaria instantly signals good taste and serious intentions. Modern Italian plates like paccheri pasta with Crystal Bay prawns and sorrel, and rhubarb semifreddo with rye and coffee will have you sighing with pleasure, while the list of ace European wines will buy you more date time after the last dish is cleared.

367 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Tipo 00 

Located on Little Bourke Street within a small yet sophisticated laneway locale, Tipo 00 serves as a nice little reminder that eating spaghetti cooked al dente is good for the soul. Named after the finely ground flour used to make pizza and pasta, this venue takes an unfussy approach with clean, simple elements. Try one of the restaurant’s best-sellers including the squid-ink tagliolini or gnocchi with porcini mushrooms and braised duck.

361 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Grossi Florentino

When a dining experience kicks off with a ceremonial Champagne trolley, you know you’re in for a good night. And in the opulent setting of Grossi Florentino, they really pull out all the stops. Crystal chandeliers hang elegantly from the ornate ceiling and ancient murals decoratively line the walls. This has Italian romance written all over it. The food is exquisite, and though it’s on the pricier side, we guarantee it’s more than worth it. This is a dining experience like no other. 

80 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Rosa’s Canteen

Rosa Mitchell may just be Melbourne’s favourite Italian Nonna, known for her signature unfussy and authentic Italian flavours. Hands down this is one of our best Italian restaurant in Melbourne picks. Rosa's Canteen is a casual kitchen, which overlooks the city’s Supreme Court and serves up seasonal, traditional Sicilian food, within a spacious and contemporary setting. Should you visit, try and nab a window seat overlooking the street as you feast on your house-made ravioli.

Level 1, Corner Little Bourke Street and Thomson Street, Melbourne

Looking for more Italian cuisine inspo? Once you have checked out all the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne, be sure to taste your way through our favourite pizza joints and cocktail bars.