Buon Appetito: Our Essential Guide to the Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne in 2025

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.

Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne: Northside Gems

Bar Taralli

Bar Taralli is North Melbourne’s newest Italian heartthrob—serving up serious southern charm and smoky, soul-warming plates. Helmed by Salvatore Giorgio (ex-Scopri, Bar Rosella), this beauty takes inspiration from the four regions of Southern Italy, with a menu that’s bold, nostalgic, and utterly divine.

Start with the Polpo alla Luciana—chargrilled octopus tangled in tomato, capers, olives and a fiery chilli-garlic salsa. Then dive into the Bombette Pugliesi—juicy pork parcels with a herby, decadent centre. Pure joy on a plate.

12 Errol Street, North Melbourne

Al Dente Enoteca 

Italian dreaming: Andrea Vignali and Davide Bonadiman have opened their second Melbourne restaurant, Al Dente Enoteca in Carlton. The former Italian providore has been transformed into a casual eatery serving traditional flavours inspired by the duo’s childhood. Bonus: It’s BYO, and customers can purchase the Italian pantry products used in their recipes from the surrounding shelves. Standout dishes include the delicious vitello tonnato, gnocchi alla sorrentina, and our personal favourite, the cacio e pepe tortellini. Mangia, mangia!

161 Nicholson Street, Carlton 

Bar Olo

Bar Olo is a slice of Piemonte in the heart of Carlton, offering a romantic retreat with its rustic wood-panelled walls and charming atmosphere. Masterminded by Anthony Scutella and Alison Foley, the duo behind Scopri, it’s the perfect spot for indulging in regional Italian gems like vitello tonnato, prawn tramezzini, pappardelle ripiene, and agnolotti del plin. Paired with an impeccable selection of Piemontese wines, Bar Olo invites you to savour the essence of Northern Italy, one delicious bite and sip at a time.

165 Nicholson Street, Carlton 

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

Figlia, on the corner of Lygon and Victoria, is a stylish Italian spot from the team behind Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria. Expect light sourdough pizzas with unique toppings, chargrilled snacks, and a vibrant drinks list of natural wines, cocktails, and craft beers. Grab a quick bite at the horseshoe bar or settle in with friends for a feast.

331 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

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.

Sitchu Tip: Don’t sleep on dessert. Make sure you leave enough room to order the affogato and tiramisu; both are so good, it’s impossible to pick between the two. The affogato is light and refreshing, with the perfect caffeine hit to wake you up from your food coma for the drive home. The tiramisu is rich and creamy, without being sickly sweet.

532 – 534 Malvern Road, Prahran

26-28 Cotham Road, Kew 

Alta Trattoria 

It doesn’t get much better than bowls of perfectly cooked pasta, and one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne in recent years is more than up to the task. Reaching new heights in Italian dining 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 tagliolini, fish of the day, and a fig and ricotta crostata. Buonissimo!

Ground Floor Rear/274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Johnny, Vince & Sam’s

Step into Johnny, Vince & Sam’s and you’ll feel like you’ve entered Nonna’s living room—retro charm, warm vibes, and a whole lot of heart. Created by comedy legends Sooshi Mango, this Lygon Street gem brings serious flavour and fun. With a menu by acclaimed chef Johnny Di Francesco, expect nostalgic Italian classics done right—like pasta e broccoli, spaghetti and meatballs, crispy cotolette, and salsiccia and patate pizza topped with rosemary, mozzarella, and grana padano cream. Pure comfort, Italian-style.

306-308 Lygon Street, Carlton 

Bar Rosella 

With a menu designed to share, Bar Rosella in Fitzroy is a simply perfect Italian restaurant in Melbourne. Serving laid-back dishes prepared with heart, Rosella is a beautiful and welcoming haven on the iconic Gertrude Street. Swoon over seasonal plates of pasta, share a gigantic 1.2-kilogram T-bone steak done the classic Firenze way, and end your date by digging into a generous helping of ricotta cake. And with a perfectly curated wine list—thanks to the owner’s background as Vue de Monde’s former wine director—you’re in the safest hands for a successful night.

229 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Lagotto 

Lagotto is one of our favourite Italian restaurants in Melbourne. Inspired by European conviviality and a spirit of neighbourly connection, it offers a vibrant and modern take on Italian dining. The seasonal menu blends classic and contemporary flavours and techniques, expertly crafted by Italian-born Head Chef Matteo Fulchiati.

Delight in the finest expression of traditional pasta-making—the saffron spaghetti with bluefin tuna, bottarga, and wood sorrel is a standout—alongside dishes like oysters with kumquat mignonette, octopus carpaccio, wagyu bavette tartare, and swordfish cotoletta. No regretti spaghetti here.

1 York Street, Fitzroy North

Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca

All-out Italiana with a hearty dose of nostalgia, there’s much more to Rocco’s than just their cult-favourite meatball sub. A sandwich speakeasy meets old-world trattoria, Rocco’s feels like a stylish Italian take on McDonald’s—serving up classic hits with a cool, buzzy twist. Think saucy sangas, delicious pastas, house-made salumi, and specialties like bone marrow garlic bread, stracciatella, and daily crudo. Weekly specials—like King George whiting with parsley purée and bistecca alla Fiorentina—add refined flair. Whether it’s lunch or a late-night bite, expect an indulgent, utterly magnifico spread.

15 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy 

Umberto’s Espresso Bar 

This laid-back Italian spot has remained in Thornbury for over a decade, retaining the charm of the original Umberto while seating 200. The compact menu is beautifully executed, with pasta dishes like 5-hour casarecce al ragu di vitello and orecchiette with broccoli, anchovies, and chilli. Daily specials are written on the walls, and starters like meatballs, calamari fritti, and salumi are perfect to share. They also do a proper cotoletta, ideal for a well-deserved lunch with friends. Pair with a great Italian wine list and finish with tiramisu. Buon appetito!

917 High Street, Thornbury 

Scopri 

Scopri, meaning “to discover” in Italian, is the result of its owners’ deep experience in Italy. They regularly travel through the country’s 20 regions, eating and drinking their way through diverse Italian food and wine, then bringing these discoveries to Melbourne with a seasonally changing menu. The traditional format of antipasto, pasta, main, and dessert is executed to perfection. A classic Italian restaurant you must visit at least once—just be sure to book in advance, as Scopri truly 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

400 Gradi

Winners of the world’s best margherita, 400 Gradi means business when it comes to all things crusty and cheesy. Named after the 400°C temperature at which their traditional Neapolitan pizzas are baked (in just 90 seconds!), their reputation for perfection has led to new locations, from Essendon to the Yarra Valley. However, we recommend pulling up a table at the original spot in Brunswick East, where it all began, to experience the true essence of their exceptional pizza firsthand.

99 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Leonardo’s Pizza Palace

This feel-good spot serves up comfort food paired with modern wines—think massive pizzas for sharing, vodka sauce pasta, and crispy fried cheese curds dipped in marinara sauce. Leonardo’s den-like dining room exudes a fun ’70s vibe, perfectly complementing its old-school cooking, with vintage posters and terracotta wine racks adding to the cosy atmosphere. Stick around long after the last slice has been devoured, as rounds of craft beers and orange wines continue to flow, keeping the good times rolling.

29 Grattan Street, Carlton 

Bar Idda 

Specialising in traditional Sicilian cuisine, Bar Idda’s menu offers a mouthwatering selection of regional dishes, some of which you may not have encountered at your local Italian restaurant. A standout is their famous mulinciani – a rich 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 house-made cannoli in a variety of rotating daily flavours.

132 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne: Inner East, South East & Bayside Suburbs

Amatrice Rooftop

Amatrice Rooftop is where Roman soul meets Melbourne skyline—an elevated homage to the town of Amatrice, with sweeping views and velvet-clad charm. Helmed by Vincenzo Di Giovanniello (ex-Osteria Ilaria), the kitchen turns out luxe takes on Lazio’s staples: think mezze maniche alla carbonara, veal cotoletta, and perfectly crisp lasagne bites. With cocktails as bold as the pastas and sunsets that stretch to the Dandenongs, this Cremorne rooftop is summer dining at its most indulgent. Come for golden hour, stay for the tiramisu.

Level 10/16 Stephenson Street, Cremorne 

Casa Mariotti

A rustic, multi-level restaurant-bar hybrid on Swan Street, the new Casa Mariotti offers a slice of Rome in the heart of Richmond. With its charming, convivial atmosphere, it’s a meeting point for everyone – from locals to visitors. The spritzes are fresh, the Negronis are sharp, and the easy-pouring reds flow effortlessly. The balcony seating, though limited and highly sought-after, offers stunning city views and a glimpse of bustling Bridge Road below. Think buzzy Roman trattoria meets 90s style Melbourne drinking and dining, with all the energy and authenticity we love.

258 Swan Street, Richmond

Rossi

Rossi is where la dolce vita collides with Melbourne’s electric nightlife. By day, it’s all wood-fired pizzas, pillowy gnocchi, and burrata kissed with roasted tomato coulis. By night, DJs take over, the lights dim, and the energy lifts. Their $75 Nonna’s Selection is a nostalgic nod to family feasting, while Wednesday’s gnocchi and vino special keeps things playful. It’s vibrant, it’s delicious, and it’s got that unmistakable Prahran pulse. Come for dinner, stay for the vibe.

162 Greville Street, Prahran 

Mister Bianco

Mister Bianco, now in its stunning new location on Cotham Road in Kew, marks the beginning of a new era. With refined Italian dishes inspired by Sicily, the menu includes wood-fired breads, steaks, and porchetta. Highlights include oysters with watermelon granita, potato rosti with salted cod, and saffron spaghettini with prawns and bottarga. For dessert, try the indulgent chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream.

The La Sala function room and Bianchetto bar are also part of the new space, with Bianchetto offering a brilliant risotto and cinema night combo deal.

26-28 Cotham Road, Kew 

Park Street Pasta & Wine 

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

268 Park Street, South Melbourne

Studio Amaro

Studio Amaro offers a warm, retro vibe with expertly crafted sharing plates and amaro liqueurs, perfect for day-to-night dining. Head Chef Daniel Migliaccio puts a Melbourne twist on Italian classics, serving dishes like housemade sourdough focaccia, tuna carpaccio, paccheri with oxtail ragu, and a standout burrata. Finish with rockmelon granita or hazelnut tartufo, best paired with an espresso martini. With an extensive amaro list and nightly disco tunes, Studio Amaro has quickly become one of Melbourne’s top spots for great food, drinks, and good times.

168 Chapel Street, Windsor 

Tesoro Gastronomia 

Tesoro Gastronomia in Balwyn North is a hidden gem offering a modern Italian dining experience. By day, it’s a deli and cafe; by night, it transforms into a pinseria serving cloud-like Roman pizzas, handmade pasta, and dishes like octopus carpaccio and paccheri amatriciana. Don’t miss the Italian sausage, broccolini, and chilli pinsa. Tesoro’s “Giro d’Italia” nights (Wednesday to Saturday) showcase different Italian regions each month, offering a unique culinary journey. It’s unassuming yet unforgettable—definitely worth a visit.

280 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North

Grazia Restaurant 

Authentic, traditional, and a true masterclass in Italian culture, Grazia is a must-visit Glen Iris dining destination. Using the freshest seasonal ingredients, this restaurant showcases recipes passed down through generations, enhanced for today’s tastes. The warm, heritage-listed venue boasts terrazzo floors, marble benches, atrium ceilings, and pendant lighting.

Start with the cocktail ‘Monterosso,’ followed by housemade focaccia, Fior di zucca, grilled prawns with salsa verde, and classic vitello tonnato. Indulge in pastas like wild mushroom-filled tortellini and Roman-style pizzas, with hearty porchetta and decadent desserts to finish.

159 Burke Road, Glen Iris

Osteria Renata

Osteria Renata is a charming neighbourhood diner inspired by Italy, offering the perfect setting for lunch or dinner with friends, family, or colleagues. With its lush olive-green façade, you’ll know you’ve found a gem. Inside, the vibes are warm and inviting, making it easy to relax with an aperitif in hand. The menu features a strong focus on egg-based pastas from northern Italy, while the wine list highlights local Italian varietals from Victoria.

The gorgeous new Alba Room, a dreamy private dining space, adds an extra touch of elegance to this already stunning spot.

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 cafes 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 cafe 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 in Highett delivers a delightful Italian dining experience, with handmade pasta and inviting olive-hued interiors. Standout dishes include bucatini with caramelised onion carbonara, roasted parmigiano and cipollinis, a Shark Bay prawn ravioli, and paccheri with Beechworth pork belly ‘alla Norcina’, enoki and crackling. Sip on Aperol margaritas and snack on charred tomato arancini with smoked caciotta, before finishing with their signature tiramisu or a glorious rum baba with whipped Nutella.

With a well-curated drinks list and warm, welcoming vibes, Abbiocco is an Italian restaurant in Melbourne’s bayside worth lingering over.

501 Highett Road, Highett 

Stokehouse Pasta & Bar

Stokehouse Pasta & Bar is the breezy, sand-level sibling to the iconic Stokehouse, offering a relaxed, all-day Mediterranean dining experience. Formerly Pontoon, the reimagined space blends European flavours with Australian flair. Dive into spinach and ricotta tortellini, pesto lasagna, or the crowd-favourite crab and chilli spaghetti. Mains like Murray cod and Cape Grim sirloin are made for sharing, as are punchy snacks like a raw crudo plate and focaccia with bagna càuda. End with their classic tiramisu, shaped like the beloved Stokehouse Bombe Alaska.

30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

WoodsYard 

Classic wine bar vibes abound at WoodsYard, a neighbourhood pizza and small plates spot tucked beside Albert Park Lake. Their naturally fermented sourdough pizzas are wood-fired and topped with local produce like guanciale, chilli, honey, and buffalo mozzarella. Small plates are equally impressive—think oysters, kingfish sashimi, anchovy toast with salsa verde and goat’s cheese, and snack-worthy gnocco fritto. The drinks list is ever-evolving, featuring natural, biodynamic wines, wild-fermented beers from Hop Nation, and a seriously good dirty martini.

74 Eastern Road, South Melbourne

Buono Restaurant & Bar 

Buono Restaurant & Bar is a bayside favourite bringing playful Italian flair to Melbourne’s dining scene. With a warm, welcoming vibe and a seriously cool cocktail list, it’s the perfect spot for your next night out. Standout dishes include twice-cooked octopus with Italian pork sausage and chickpea purée, and homemade scialatielli pasta in a rich crustacean sauce. Finish with a handcrafted dessert by their Italian pâtissier, and sip on dramatic cocktails or Italian wines. Buon appetito!

198 Como Parade West, Parkdale 

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 flows daily. 

130 Acland Street, St Kilda

Rina’s

A rustic, candlelit trattoria with serious charm, Rina’s is one of Melbourne’s must-visit Italian dining spots. Known for its ever-changing set menu, the kitchen creates beautifully simple dishes using seasonal produce sourced from small farms and local markets. Expect offerings like prosciutto and melon or spaghetti cacio e pepe one night, and perhaps a primavera tart followed by fennel and black pepper crusted pork chop the next. It’s warm, intimate, and yes — they take their ice buckets very seriously.

857 High Street, Armadale

Cosi Ristorante 

Cosi Bar Ristorante has been a beloved South Yarra staple since 1996, delivering refined Italian fare in a relaxed yet elegant setting. The menu showcases classics like Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Linguine Marinara, and Cotoletta Milanese, complemented by an award-winning wine list celebrated in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. Whether you’re sipping wine al fresco or enjoying house-made pasta by the window, Cosi’s warm hospitality and timeless charm offer a true taste of ‘la dolce vita’.

68 Toorak Road, South Yarra 

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Café Di Stasio

Café Di Stasio is a beloved fine-dining institution that’s been serving timeless Italian elegance on Fitzroy Street for over 30 years. With crisp white-jacketed waiters, polished silver service, and a menu of iconic house specialties—like linguine with prawns and tomato-laced pasta with basil and mozzarella—this refined restaurant continues to enchant loyal diners. For a real treat, opt for the seasonal two-course lunch with wine.

Sitchu Tip: Explore Di Stasio’s dazzling siblings—Di Stasio Citta and Di Stasio Carlton. The Fior di latte soft serve in Carlton? Absolutely essential.

31 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Baby

Hello, Baby. This sleek and seductive twist on the classic Italian pizzeria has delighted Melbourne’s pizza lovers for some time now. Owned by the team behind Chin Chin, Baby’s seasonal menu features over twenty pizzas, each crafted with exceptional ingredients like handmade mozzarella, juicy prawns, and crisp prosciutto cotto.

This iconic spot has earned its place as a local favourite, offering a perfect balance of modern style and timeless Italian flavours.

631-633 Church Street, Richmond

Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne: Inner West & North West Suburbs

Borgo Food & Wine

Borgo Food & Wine brings the soul of Italy’s Borghi to Melbourne’s doorstep. This intimate spot blends rustic charm with refined authenticity, offering signature dishes like melt-in-your-mouth agnolotti del plin and beef carpaccio with tuna sauce, caper berries, and leaves. With its inviting atmosphere, a curated selection of Italian and local wines, and a sense of community woven through every bite, Borgo is a must-visit new Italian restaurant in Melbourne.

152 Union Road, Ascot Vale 

Cicchetti on Napier

For a relaxed yet refined Italian dining experience in Strathmore, Cicchetti on Napier is a must. Named after Venetian small snacks, the menu features irresistible dishes like burrata, goat cheese balls, and kingfish ceviche in tangy buttermilk. Highlights also include slow-cooked osso bucco pappardelle, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and chicken cotoletta. Don’t miss the iceberg wedge salad with housemade dressing and truffle pecorino. With elegant décor, friendly service, and a spritz in hand, it’s perfect for a memorable date night.

283 Napier Street, Strathmore

Harley & Rose 

Harley and Rose in Footscray is a pizza lover’s dream, where culinary talent meets simple, unforgettable flavours. The menu, featuring nine mouthwatering pizzas, perfectly blends salty, oily, and chewy goodness. Add to that seasonal pasta, inventive sides, and a drinks list that elevates every bite. But the true star? Their tiramisu—undeniably one of the best in Melbourne. With expert chefs at the helm and a vibrant atmosphere, Harley and Rose is a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

572 Barkly Street, West Footscray

Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne: Melbourne CBD

Marameo

Marameo is a celebration of all things Italian, where every dish feels like an invitation to linger and indulge, and the setting is an absolute vibe. The cult-favourite cacio e pepe is a masterclass in simplicity, with its velvety sauce and bold pepper kick. For a midday pick-me-up, the $15 cotoletta sando delivers a crispy schnitzel smothered in vodka sauce and crowned with stracciatella. And when date night calls, the $50 special is a steal—three courses, wine, and plenty of romance. It’s an Italian dinner party in the heart of Melbourne.

6 Russell Place, Melbourne

Cecconi’s

Cecconi’s Flinders Lane is a Melbourne institution, serving Northern Italian-inspired dishes in a refined yet inviting setting. Beloved for its seafood linguine, perfectly cooked with tender shellfish and a rich sauce, and its veal cotoletta, crispy and golden with a melt-in-your-mouth centre. The Josper-grilled steaks are a standout, with a smoky char that elevates their natural flavours. Their iconic chocolate pudding, with a warm, soft centre and Fior di latte gelato, is an absolute must.

Pair it with a selection from their impressive Italian and Australian wine list for an unforgettable dining experience, whether you’re in the heart of the city or at their newer Toorak location.

61 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Level 1/489 Toorak Road, Toorak 

Il Solito Posto

Il Solito Posto is like an old friend who never disappoints. Located on Collins Street, it exudes that warm, welcoming vibe—ideal for any occasion. The pasta is out of this world, with house-made gnocchi and fresh, seasonal dishes that hit all the right notes. Their wine list is superb, and the ambience feels effortlessly chic yet relaxed.

Basement/113 Collins Street, Melbourne

Alt Pasta Bar

Tucked away in Melbourne’s Niagara Lane, Alt Pasta Bar is a moody, brick-lined den where tradition collides with bold innovation. Chef-owner Mino Han transforms Italian classics into daring creations—think seaweed pappardelle crowned with smoky abalone, or squid ink fettuccine intertwined with spanner crab and rich bisque. Every dish is crafted in-house, from pasta to preserves, with a focus on flavour over flash.

Don’t miss their elevated take on tiramisu, with chestnut, tonka bean, and mascarpone—an unforgettable twist on the classic.

30 Niagara Lane, Melbourne

Pepe’s Italian & Liquor

Step into Pepe’s Italian & Liquor and you’re stepping onto the set of an Italo-American fever dream. Burgundy booths, clinking Negronis, and Sinatra on the stereo set the tone—but the food is all Melbourne muscle. Spicy rigatoni vodka hits like a cult classic, and tuna crudo brings zesty theatre to the table. The Il Tricolore pizza—topped with Piennolo tomato, eggplant, basil pesto, and stracciatella—is a crowd favourite.

It’s a little brash, wildly indulgent, and impossible not to love. Come hungry, stay late, and don’t skip the martini.

275-285 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 

Ronnie’s

Ronnie’s is one of Melbourne’s top spots for pasta and cicchetti (Italian tapas), where diners are greeted with a wave of nostalgia, warmth, and familiarity. The menu of New York–Italian-inspired dishes is refined yet soulful—think bold flavours without the fuss. Tucked behind a heritage façade on Collins Street, Ronnie’s is the brainchild of culinary visionary Matthew Butcher. Named in honour of his father, a humble country cook with a heart of gold, this place is built on family values and good food.

525 Collins Street, Melbourne

Tippy Tay

Tippy Tay is what happens when the Amalfi Coast crashes into a fever dream, right in the heart of Melbourne. Press a button and a damn Negroni fountain appears. This isn’t your nonna’s trattoria—it’s Italian dining turned up to eleven, with seafood lasagne, spanner crab fusilli, a roaming trolley full of tiramisu, and glowing neon. You’ll leave full, a little tipsy, and maybe wondering if that limoncello shot was necessary. (It was.) Wild, warm, and wonderfully unhinged—this place doesn’t just serve food, it throws a party.

101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

+39 Pizzeria 

+39 is the international dialling code for Italy, and it’s a fitting name for one of Melbourne’s best casual Italian restaurants. Serving big Euro energy and even better pizza, the menu offers plenty of variety to keep everyone happy—especially with a generous list of antipasti perfect for sharing. With warm hospitality, bold flavours, and lively Italian festa vibes, this spot is always a good time.

362 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD 

The Hardware Club

Put down your tools for fresh, contemporary Italian fare served in the glossy surrounds of what was once a social club for the hardware industry. With a cosy, neighbourhood feel, The Hardware Club is an intimate all-day trattoria offering antipasti, handmade pasta, and pizza by day, then branching out to share plates come nightfall. The wine list focuses on standout Australian and Italian drops, paired with a snappy selection of Italian cocktails—think negronis and spritzes. Bellissima!

43 Hardware Lane, Melbourne

Trattoria Emilia 

Taking inspiration from the rustic trattorias of northern Italy, Trattoria Emilia caters to any occasion. Hidden down Gills Alley, this warm and enchanting space is highly regarded for its charming authenticity. Drop in for a casual lunch of gnocco fritto, prosciutto di Parma, stracciatella, and classic tagliatelle alla bolognese, or indulge in a five-course tasting menu inspired by the Emilia-Romagna region.

360 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 

Osteria Ilaria 

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

367 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Tipo 00 

Located on Little Bourke Street, Tipo 00 is a sleek and inviting haven where the artistry of Italian pasta takes centre stage. With its minimalist design and elegant atmosphere, this charming spot invites you to indulge in exceptional dishes like squid-ink tagliolini or gnocchi with porcini mushrooms and braised duck. Named after the finest flour used in their pasta-making, Tipo 00 delivers an authentic, soul-satisfying Italian experience that elevates every bite.

361 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Grossi Florentino

When a dining experience begins with a ceremonial Champagne trolley, you know you’re in for a special night. In the opulent setting of Grossi Florentino, they truly pull out all the stops. Crystal chandeliers hang elegantly from the ornate ceiling, and ancient murals adorn the walls. Italian romance is woven into every detail. 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

Craving more Italian inspiration? After you’ve explored the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne, be sure to indulge in our handpicked selection of top pizza joints and cocktail bars for the ultimate night out.

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

7 May 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.