Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne
The bustling Italian community in Melbourne has led to locals and visitors being spoilt for choice when it comes to wanting a taste of this classic European cuisine. Join us as we take you through a journey of the best restaurants to satisfy your craving for superb Italian cuisine, pasta and pizza cravings.
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It's perfect for date nights or a cozy catch up with a bottle of wineYou need to try the specials that change each week, and come back for the gnocchi and eye filletLook out for half-size cocktails, so you can try a varietyRead moreSincero Ristorante & Bar, located in Malvern an inner suburb of Melbourne, is run by four Italians with years of experience in Michelin-starred and hatted restaurants in Melbourne and overseas. Here you will experience authentic Italian hospitality with dishes built on a foundation of traditional Italian flavours and techniques using the finest produce. Choose from their la carte or degustation menu, to discover delicious Italian tastes
Sincero's intimate private dining room upstairs seats up to eight guests. From the moment you step into their cosy dining room to the last bite of your dessert, you will be assured of an exceptional Italian dining experiencePhotography: Courtesy of Sincero
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Read moreThe old truck garage on Little Collins Street that was once Gills Diner is now Emilia. Restaurateur Con Christopoulos has relaunched his classic eatery to offer diners a taste of real Italian family-style meals. On the menu is classic Italian dishes that have been perfected in country Italy, along with dishes from Bologna and Modena, such as chicken broth with parmesan passatelli, house-made pasta with braised ox-tail ragu and torta barozzi, a dark-chocolate tart.
Photography: Tim Grey
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It's perfect for Venetian‑style Italian without hopping on a planeYou need to try sharp pasta plates or sharers in the dimly lit, elegant spaceLook out for Murano chandeliers, wood beams and a taste of Italy in HawthornRead moreAffectionately named after the public ferry service in Venice, Vaporetto in Hawthorn takes diners straight to the canals of the charming Italian city. Established in an old tobacco shop, chandeliers of handblown Murano glass dazzle from the ceiling, and a bar rests behind a long slice of white marble. The eatery of where Venice meets Melbourne will showcase dishes of salami's, vegetables and seasonal seafood in a casual homely atmosphere.
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It's perfect for charming date nights with just the right amount of drama.You need to try the pappardelle with duck ragu or the house tiramisu.Look out for candlelight, romance and old-school Italian hospitality.Read moreThis iconic Italian restaurant is a long-running success story on South Yarra's busy Chapel Street. The eatery has been around since 1988 and Melbournites depend on its presence when they're craving Nonna's kitchen. The warm, welcoming atmosphere, the thick accents and the genuine flavours are perfectly blended, casting a spell that transports you straight to Italy.
The interior is happily cramped, with big posters, awards and mementos plastered on the walls, Caffe e Cucina is always a perfect spot to share a bottle of wine and a heartwarming bowl of pasta with loved ones. You can choose the busy downstairs area or the quieter area upstairs, depending on the occasion. Enjoy a drink at the bar or an aperitivo ‘alfresco’ and for those who really want to impress their ‘special one’ nothing can compare to the ‘Romeo e Giulietta’ table – private dinner for two on the little balcony upstairs.
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Read moreLucia brings a touch of Italian romance to South Melbourne with a space that feels equal parts polished and inviting. Inside, velvet seating, soft lighting and a quiet buzz set the tone for elegant but unfussy dining. Crab linguini and chicken liver parfait are just some of dishes built on seasonal produce with depth and balance. A seriously impressive wine list (hundreds deep) keeps things flowing, it's Italian in Melbourne done right.
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It's perfect for milestone celebrations, elegant business dinners or anyone seeking a classic Italian fine-dining experienceYou need to try the handmade pasta - perfect to showcase the kitchen’s respect for traditionLook out for the grand dining room and white-tablecloth service that oozes a sense of occasionChef Guy Grossi's Italian empire now spans across two levels with four dining areas; Ombra, Florentino Grill, Cellar Bar and Grossi Florentino Upstairs. The essence of Grossi Florentino Upstairs is accessible luxury and timeless Italian style, which is evident in the grandeur of the Renaissance-inspired decor.Read more -
It's perfect for seafood and sunset moments along the bay.You need to try the seafood platter or Moreton Bay bugs with garlic butter.Look out for crisp white tablecloths, sea breeze and a strong chance of wine.Read moreLocated in the bayside suburb of Brighton, seafood lovers will appreciate the freshly sourced catches of the day, only from the finest seafood producers. But, fear not, non-seafood fans, there is still plenty to select from, like prime cuts served straight from the wood fire chargrill. Take-away seafood platters are available to purchase, perfect for picnics. For those special occasions, be sure to enquire about Waterfront's function menus and spaces.
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It's perfect for craving Italian flair without actually leaving the suburbs.You need to try the dukkah‑crusted salmon or garlic arancini—they’re neighborhood legends.Look out for its top‑rank on Tripadvisor and wicked gnocchi menu.Read moreTemplestowe's bustling Vibrante restaurant is a classic Italian affair - family owned, colourful and always loud. This popular eatery serves traditional pizzas and pastas, but people also come for the seafood dishes and the outdoor courtyard that's great for catch-ups with friends. Vibrante's beautiful dining room also transforms into a function room for up to 100 guests.
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It's perfect for dining that doubles as an Instagram filter—seafood and skyline side by side.You need to try seasonal seafood and steak—elegant, local and great with that Yarra view.Look out for river‑front vibes that scream “Melbourne, but make it luxe”.Read moreSet along Southgate's river promenade, Waterfront is a fine seafood and grill restaurant that is truly Melbourne. With expansive views of the Yarra River and city you can take in in the stunning Melbourne skyline whilst enjoy sumptuous seafood. The addition of two raw bars lining the kitchen allows diners to witness Waterfront's 'sea to plate' focus. All seafood is sourced directly from Australia's best seafood producers. Waterfront Southgate is the perfect restaurant for a corporate lunch, dinner or a great choice for a family celebration.
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Read moreHospitality heavyweight Ronnie Di Stasio, of Di Stasio in St Kilda, brings CBD dwellers his classic Italian fare at his latest inner city restaurant. The 94-seater, located at the Milan end of Spring Street in Melbourne's CBD, just opposite the Treasury Gardens, has a similar vibe to its older sibling with brushed concrete and marble finishings but of course the draw card is the fuss-free, flavour-packed food. Their a la carte menu available Monday to Wednesday for lunch only, dinner is a set menu, see web site for details