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

Italian food and Melbourne — a long-standing affair that shows no sign of cooling. This city doesn’t just eat Italian; it’s fluent in it. From red-sauce stalwarts to trattorias with terrazzo and attitude, Melbourne’s Italian restaurants have shaped the way we dine — and talk about dining. They’ve turned carbonara into shorthand for comfort, pizza into a weekly ritual, and Sunday lunch into an art form.

The ingredients are often simple — olive oil, garlic, tomato, salt — yet the execution borders on divine. These are the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne, and they capture the city at its most delicious.

Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne: Northside

Cantina Moro

Fitzroy’s Cantina Moro is southern Italy turned up to eleven — a sun-soaked Sicilian revival on Brunswick Street from the team behind Alta. Chef Matteo Tine channels his nonna’s kitchen with smoky tuna pastrami, pork-and-ragu pasta, and roasted chicken stuffed with lemony rice and draped in gravy made from house-made cheese whey. The terracotta walls, Moor’s head vases and volcanic wines add theatrical flair, while the mood is pure warmth. Rustic, soulful and a little wild — this is Sicily, rewritten for Melbourne nights.

274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Paesino Pizzeria

Honestly, we’re not sure what we adore most about this suburban gem in Keilor. Maybe it’s the midweek deal — pizza, fries, dessert and two glasses of wine for $80 — or perhaps it’s the red gingham tablecloths that instantly transport you to a Roman trattoria. Then again, it could simply be the pizza. At Paesino Pizzeria, 16 wood-fired creations come topped to perfection, best enjoyed with a few Italian bites like angioletti and a fennel-citrus salad. Our pick? The Vodkarella — mozzarella, rich vodka sauce, garlic and basil.

Sitchu Tip: If the pork-chop cotoletta is on special, don’t even hesitate.

12D Kennedy Street, Keilor

Bar Taralli

Bar Taralli is North Melbourne’s newest Italian darling — bringing southern warmth and smoky, soul-deep cooking to the neighbourhood. Inspired by the four regions of Italy’s south, the menu moves between nostalgia and boldness with ease. Start with the Polpo alla Luciana — chargrilled octopus tangled with tomato, capers, and a bright chilli-garlic salsa — before the Bombette Pugliesi arrive, those juicy pork parcels stuffed with herbs and intent. Every dish hums with sunshine and salt. Confident, convivial dining at its best.

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 a chic spot for indulging in regional Italian dishes 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. Dressed in crimson and glowing with nostalgia, Good Gnocchi is as cosy as your mama’s hug — and twice as comforting. The kitchen turns out heaped bowls of some of Melbourne’s best gnocchi and pasta: four-cheese and greens lasagne, fusilli alla vodka crowned with cacio e pepe whipped ricotta, and a glorious wagyu lasagne gnocchi. Add in delicious antipasti, unfussy mains, fun cocktails, and apple pie cannoli for dessert, and you’ve got a mood. Big-hearted, a little cheeky — the perfect spot for your next date night.

797 Nicholson Street, Carlton North 

Figlia

On the corner where Lygon meets Victoria, Figlia buzzes with energy only great pizza can summon. The legendary crew behind Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria have crafted something quietly extraordinary — a neighbourhood dream with sourdough bases that sing of fire and patience. Pizzas arrive light and fragrant, charred just right, topped with duck sausage or cavolo nero and stracciatella. Chargrilled snacks, burratina glossed in basil pesto, natural wines and the soft buzz of conversation complete the scene. It’s the essence of Melbourne dining — soulful, modern, and effortlessly alive.

Sitchu Tip: Grab a quick bite at the horseshoe bar or settle in with friends for a feast.

331 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Johnny, Vince & Sam’s

Step inside Johnny, Vince & Sam’s and you’re transported to a time when dinner was an event — all vinyl booths, family spirit, and the comforting clatter of plates. Created by comedy trio Sooshi Mango with chef Johnny Di Francesco, this Carlton favourite serves Italian staples done with heart: spaghetti and meatballs, golden cotolette, and salsiccia-and-patate pizza rich with rosemary and grana padano cream.

Sitchu Tip: Their new addition, Nonna’s Good Room, brings a polished cocktail bar and intimate dining nook to proceedings — a nostalgic nod to tradition with a distinctly Melbourne edge.

306-308 Lygon Street, Carlton 

Bar Rosella 

With a menu made for sharing, Bar Rosella is a gem of an Italian restaurant in Melbourne, effortlessly elegant yet warmly familiar. The kitchen turns out dishes that balance comfort and craft: handmade pasta, seasonal small plates, and a show-stopping 1.2-kilogram T-bone cooked the classic Firenze way. End on a sweet note with the ricotta cake — rich, light, and impossible to stop at one bite.

With a wine list curated by a former Vue de Monde sommelier, every glass feels like the right choice — and every night ends beautifully.

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 dishes up a refreshingly 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 retro charm, Rocco’s is where sandwich shop meets trattoria and nostalgia runs deep. Sure, the cult meatball sub made it famous, but there’s far more to savour — saucy panini, hand-rolled pasta, house-cured salumi, and those standout signatures: bone marrow garlic bread, stracciatella, and daily crudo. It’s Italian comfort with edge — familiar, playful, and brimming with character — the sort of place that feels like Melbourne at its most delicious.

The weekly specials bring flair — perhaps King George whiting with parsley purée or bistecca alla Fiorentina hot from the grill.

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 made for sharing.

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 — captures the spirit of its owners, who travel through Italy’s 20 regions each year, gathering inspiration from the country’s tables and vineyards. Those journeys shape a seasonally evolving menu that follows Italy’s timeless rhythm: antipasto, pasta, main, and dessert. Each course is an ode to craftsmanship and restraint, showcasing produce at its peak and wines that tell their own stories. Refined yet welcoming, Scopri is a Melbourne institution — a celebration of Italian dining done flawlessly.

191 Nicholson Street, Carlton 

Capitano

Sitting effortlessly between neighbourhood trattoria and slick wine den, Capitano reimagines Italian comfort with a modern twist. Fermented-to-perfection pizza bases cradle inventive toppings, desserts arrive spiked with amaro, and the parma appears as a colossal bone-in veal cutlet—yes, big enough to share, though you might not want to. The room itself — warm terrazzo floors, wood-lined walls, low lighting — invites you to stay a while, especially with a 500-strong wine list curated by the Bar Liberty team.

Stylish yet unpretentious, Capitano serves Italian classics with both heart and edge.

421 Rathdowne Street, Carlton

400 Gradi

Winners of the world’s best margherita, 400 Gradi know their way around dough, heat and cheese. Named for the 400°C temperature that fires each traditional Neapolitan pizza to perfection in just 90 seconds, this institution has built a legacy that now stretches from Mornington to Mildura.

Still, nothing compares to the original Brunswick East pizzeria, where it all began. Pull up a table, order the margherita crowned with molten mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes, and taste why 400 Gradi remains Melbourne’s gold standard for pizza.

99 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Leonardo’s Pizza Palace

This feel-good spot serves up comfort food paired with modern wines — massive pizzas for sharing, vodka-sauce pasta, and crispy fried cheese curds dipped in marinara. Leonardo’s den-like dining room channels a playful ’70s vibe, with vintage posters, amber lighting, and terracotta wine racks setting the scene. Stay long after the last slice is gone; rounds of craft beers and orange wines keep flowing, and the mood stays easy and unforced. Old-school cooking meets new-school fun — relaxed, generous, and wholly satisfying.

29 Grattan Street, Carlton 

Bar Idda 

Specialising in the bold, sun-soaked flavours of Sicily, Bar Idda brings Southern Italy’s warmth to the heart of Brunswick East. The menu is an ode to regional classics — rustic, generous, and deeply satisfying. A standout is the mulinciani, a baked eggplant lasagne layered with buffalo mozzarella and pecorino that’s pure comfort. Pair it with a bottle of Sicilian wine under the glow of the streetlights, and finish with a house-made cannoli in whatever flavour the kitchen’s dreaming up that day. Honest, soulful cooking that feels straight from Nonna’s table.

132 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

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

Pizzateca Lupa

On a buzzing South Melbourne Market corner, Pizzateca Lupa channels the heart of Rome in every slice and spoonful. Founded by brothers Lino and Gabriele Torre, this Roman-style pizzeria and caffè blends tradition with neighbourhood soul. Expect blistered pizzas like the Prosciutto or the Norma with fried eggplant, and standout pastas made with premium Pastificio Liguori — from amatriciana fusilli to carbonara tubettone and cacio e pepe spaghetti. Start with fried artichokes and artisanal antipasti, sip a spritz, and settle in.

Sitchu Tip: For lunch on the go, grab pizza in teglia by the slice or a classic tonda made fresh to order.

South Melbourne Market, 116 Cecil Street, South Melbourne

Bar Carolina

South Yarra’s beloved Italian institution turns the page as Karen Martini takes ownership — her first independent venture since 2020 — bringing a confident, cucina-led refresh without losing the room’s timeless poise. The menu moves with Italian rhythm: cicchetti (stuffed olives; pizza fritta with vinegar salt and whipped cod roe), Harry’s Bar–style eye fillet carpaccio, housemade pastas like tagliarini with blue swimmer crab, then larger plates from the Josper, including bone-on veal costoletta. A robust, regionally focused Italian wine list (with a soft spot for Barolo) underpins it all.

The best part? Rooftop sibling Tetto di Carolina will be returning in time for summer.

44 Toorak Road, South Yarra

The Alps

We’d chase the scent of The Alps’ Romana-style pizza through a blizzard. This intimate Prahran wine bar has had a glow-up — still charmingly relaxed, now with thin, saucy pies that stretch flavour to the edges. Helmed by Mimmo Cowie and Charley Snadden-Wilson (Clover), the new menu is all comfort and craft. Favourites include the Jura x Toscana — comté, mustard, onion and pecorino kissed with hot honey — and the Pork & Fennel with nduja. Add a fire, blankets, and vino in the courtyard through winter, and you’ve found Melbourne’s cosiest alpine hideaway. Equally alluring come summer, just saying.

64 Commercial Road, Prahran

Bar Bianco

Southside favourite Bar Bianco has teamed up with culinary heavyweight Guy Grossi for a menu that whisks Hawksburn Village to the sunlit coast of Liguria. It’s a homecoming of sorts — Grossi’s first south-side venture in more than two decades — and the result feels both celebratory and deeply rooted. Enjoy half-shell scallops in almond crust, cured kingfish with bay-leaf oil, and rich slow-cooked lamb ragu threaded through rigatoni.

Dessert seals the deal with one of the better tiramisus in Melbourne and Ligurian-style cannoli laced with ricotta, olive oil and amaretti. Refined yet familiar, it’s Italian hospitality at its most heartfelt.

523 Malvern Road, Toorak

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 serves luxe takes on Lazio’s staples: mezze maniche alla carbonara, veal cotoletta, and crisp lasagne bites that hit all the right notes. Cocktails are as bold as the pasta, the sunsets stretch to the Dandenongs, and the mood is pure indulgence. Come for golden hour, stay for the tiramisu — it’s la dolce vita with a Cremorne accent.

Level 10/16 Stephenson Street, Cremorne 

Lulu

In Malvern’s quiet backstreets, Lulu is an Italian bolthole that glows like candlelight on a cold night. Burgundy walls, soft light and low chatter set the tempo for food that’s equal parts heart and finesse — stracciatella with burnt fig and hazelnut, spanner crab linguine slicked with prawn bisque, and comté croquettes that melt on impact. The pizzas arrive blistered and beautiful, the wine list balancing Italian classics with local flair. Take a stool at the steel bar, pour a Fiano, and stay longer than you meant to.

11 Station Street, Malvern

Anelli

There’s an easy allure to Anelli, St Kilda’s new all-day Italian that feels like it’s always been there. Soft light, warm timber and the gentle clink of glassware create a rhythm all its own. The martini lands sharp, the rosé chilled to perfection, and the menu leans into simplicity — tuna crudo, pappardelle with ragu, a flawless margherita. It’s relaxed, elegant, and quietly self-assured — the sort of spot that turns breakfast or dinner into something quietly memorable.

1 Wellington Street, St Kilda

Casa Mariotti

A rustic, multi-level restaurant-bar hybrid on Swan Street, Casa Mariotti is a slice of Rome in the heart of Richmond. Its charming, convivial atmosphere makes it a meeting point for all. The spritzes are fresh, the Negronis are sharp, and the easy-pouring reds flow effortlessly. Though limited and highly sought-after, the balcony seating 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 

Officina Gastronomica Italiana 

In the heart of Prahran, the much-loved Officine Zero has evolved into Officina Gastronomica Italian — a spacious new chapter with dinner service and a focus on Italian artisan wines and house-made pasta. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, anchored by an impressive wall of wine and a menu that celebrates heritage and conviviality in equal measure.

Sitchu Tip: Save room for dessert. The affogato is bright and reviving, the tiramisu rich and silky — both are flawless finishes to a meal that feels like true Italian hospitality.

532 – 534 Malvern Road, 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 

Hidden away in Balwyn North, Tesoro Gastronomia is a modern Italian restaurant with a kitchen that turns out cloud-like Roman pinsa, handmade pasta, and elegant small plates — from octopus carpaccio to paccheri amatriciana. The Italian sausage, broccolini, and chilli pinsa is pure joy on a plate. On Giro d’Italia nights (Wednesday to Saturday), the menu tours a different Italian region each month, keeping regulars on their toes. Unpretentious yet unforgettable, Tesoro is proof that brilliance often hides in plain sight.

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 Italian restaurant in Melbourne 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 that rare thing — a neighbourhood restaurant that feels instantly essential. Behind its lush olive-green façade lies a space that hums with warmth, all soft lighting, clinking glasses, and the scent of butter and sage. The menu celebrates the north of Italy, where silk-like egg pastas meet slow-cooked sauces, and the wine list shines a light on Victorian-grown Italian varietals. Between aperitivi and affogato, time tends to slip away.

Sitchu Tip: Got a birthday or Christmas party coming up? The Alba Room awaits — a private dining dream where la dolce vita dresses up a little.

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 even be greeted with ‘ciao bella!’ upon arrival, which just 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 plate spot 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 that brings 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.

198 Como Parade West, Parkdale 

Cicciolina

A St Kilda icon since 1993, Cicciolina remains the blueprint for effortless Italian dining. The space hums with European charm — part art-filled bistro, part neighbourhood haunt — where the food is fresh, generous and quietly confident. Expect handmade pasta, seasonal seafood and that famous in-house bar that keeps locals lingering long after dessert. There’s warmth in every detail, from the service to the soundtrack, making it the kind of restaurant that never goes out of style — and never needs to.

130 Acland Street, St Kilda

Rina’s

Rina’s is one of Melbourne’s must-visit Italian dining spots, a rustic, candlelit trattoria with serious charm. Known for its ever-changing set menu, the kitchen creates beautifully simple dishes using seasonal produce sourced from small farms and local markets. You might enjoy prosciutto, melon, and spaghetti cacio e pepe one night, a primavera tart with 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

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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 

Café Di Stasio

Café Di Stasio is a beloved fine-dining institution 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 specialities — linguine with prawns, 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

Hotel Paradiso

A little bit Miami, a little bit Melbourne — Hotel Paradiso brings neon-lit, disco-drenched energy to Frankston’s industrial fringe. Hand-stretched pizza dough bubbles in the open kitchen, beer flows freely, and cocktails arrive with a playful glint. As daylight fades, DJs spin vinyl and the air hums with that golden-hour buzz that refuses to end. It’s where long lunches melt into midnight, friends become fixtures, and summer feels infinite. Equal parts retro and radiant, Hotel Paradiso is Melbourne’s new temple of carefree pleasure.

10 Kookaburra Street, Frankston 

Baby

Hello, Baby. This sleek reimagining of the classic Italian pizzeria brings serious polish to pizza night. From the crew behind Chin Chin, Baby keeps things fun and familiar while delivering flawless execution — over twenty seasonal pizzas built on perfect bases and exceptional produce: handmade mozzarella, sweet prawns, crisp prosciutto cotto. The antipasti are just as tempting, with fresh burrata and calamari fritti begging to be shared. Add a sharp happy hour and a crowd that knows good food, and you’ve got a modern Melbourne favourite that always hits the spot.

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 

Toni

Moonee Ponds gets its dolce vita moment with Toní — a neighbourhood pasta bar that thinks big-city. Aperitivo hour slides into Italo-disco nights, handmade tagliatelle jostle with wood-fired pizzas, and the wine list keeps its charm whether it’s a Tuesday evening or a Saturday long lunch affair. The room hums with convivial chatter and clinking glasses, making Hall Street suddenly feel like Rome via Lygon. It’s pasta, wine and personality, all wrapped in Moonee Ponds’ newest power move.

21-31 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds

Cicchetti on Napier

Looking for a relaxed yet refined Italian restaurant in Melbourne? Strathmore’s 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, and make sure you have a Negroni or Aperol Spritz in hand. Date night, sorted.

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.

572 Barkly Street, West Footscray

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Marameo

Marameo isn’t just another Italian spot — it’s a mood. Inside this marble-and-velvet playground, lunch rolls into aperitivo, and dinner feels like the after-party. The food straddles nostalgia and mischief: a cacio e pepe so smooth it should have its own fan club, and that $15 cotoletta sando — crisp schnitzel, vodka sauce, stracciatella — pure daytime luxury. Come evening, it’s three courses and wine for $50; proof that indulgence doesn’t have to shout.

6 Russell Place, Melbourne

Cecconi’s

A true Melbourne institution, Cecconi’s has long mastered the art of Northern Italian dining — refined, generous, and grounded in flavour. Beloved dishes include the seafood linguine, brimming with tender shellfish in a rich, balanced sauce, and the veal cotoletta, golden and crisp with a melt-in-the-mouth centre. The Josper-grilled steaks carry a subtle smokiness that lifts every bite, while the iconic chocolate pudding — molten-centred and served with Fior di latte gelato — is reason enough to stay for dessert. Pair it all with a glass from the impeccable Italian and Australian wine list, at either their Flinders Lane flagship or the elegant Toorak outpost.

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 rustic and relaxed, yet effortlessly chic.

Basement/113 Collins Street, Melbourne

Alt Pasta Bar

Down Melbourne’s atmospheric Niagara Lane, Alt Pasta Bar delivers Italian classics with fearless imagination. Chef-owner Mino Han crafts every element in-housewith precision and purpose, from pasta to preserves. Enjoy seaweed pappardelle topped with smoky abalone, or squid-ink fettuccine folded through spanner crab and rich bisque. The space is moody and brick-lined, inviting focus to what’s on your plate. Finish with the tiramisu reimagined — chestnut, tonka bean and mascarpone — a modern masterpiece of comfort and craft.

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

Behind a stately Collins Street façade, Ronnie’s feels like the best kind of déjà vu — familiar, generous, and full of flavour. It’s proper pasta and cicchetti with personality: New York–Italian at heart, Melbourne in execution. The dishes are bold without bluster — vodka rigatoni, veal meatballs, melt-in-your-mouth bistecca, and, as always, tiramisu. Created by chef Matthew Butcher in tribute to his father, a country cook with simple taste and serious heart, Ronnie’s serves nostalgia dressed in good tailoring.

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).

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 has 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 surroundings 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. 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

27 October 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.