5 Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne You’ll Keep Returning To
Melbourne has no shortage of amazing places to eat, so choosing the right one can be tricky. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining restaurants, quirky restaurants, or a cozy Italian meal, there’s something for every occasion.
Well, that’s why I looked around the city to find the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne. I focused on spots offering great food, authentic flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Check out my list of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne and find your next go-to spot!
How much does an Italian restaurant cost in Melbourne?
Dining at an Italian restaurant in Melbourne typically costs $20 to $180+ per person, depending on the restaurant and dining experience. Casual eateries are the most affordable, while fine dining venues charge premium prices.
| Dining Tier | Average Cost (AUD per Person) |
| Budget / Casual | $20 – $40 |
| Mid-Range | $40 – $90 |
| Fine Dining | $100 – $180+ |
1. La Cucina Melbourne
Website:https://www.lacucinamelbourne.com.au/
Address: 628 Little Bourke St.
Contact: 03 8456 7682 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Thu 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM; Fri to Sun 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
La Cucina Melbourne serves classic Italian food in a warm and relaxed setting. I love how their menu clearly labels vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, so everyone can quickly find something they enjoy.
You’ll find plenty of choices, including gluten-free seafood meals, vegan-friendly pizzas, and pasta made with homemade Napoli sauce. Classic desserts, including espresso-soaked tiramisu, give every meal a sweet ending.
There’s also a relaxed atmosphere here that makes it easy to enjoy lunch with friends or dinner with family. Plus, the central location also means this is a great place to stop after exploring Melbourne.
One thing worth knowing is that bookings of more than 10 guests are required to use a set menu, although tailor-made set menus can be arranged.
Customer Reviews
Delicious Italian Food with Lovely Service
Amazing Italian restaurant with such a great atmosphere! The staff were absolutely lovely—always checking in and super helpful without being over the top. The food was incredible; we had the margherita, garlic focaccia and gnocchi, and all were sooo delicious. It’s also pretty affordable, and honestly every dollar felt worth it. Definitely coming back next time I’m in Melbourne!
- Mathilde Cattier | Google Review
Generous Portions in a Spacious Setting
Super generous helpings so if you’re hungry this is the place for you! We ordered the chicken parmigiana and fettuccine carbonara which were both delicious and well cooked. When ordering the pasta dishes you have a choice of which type of pasta you want it made with. This restaurant is quiet and spacious with great service.
- Naomi Halford | Google Review
2. Tipo 00
Website:https://www.tipo00.com.au/
Address: 361 Little Bourke St.
Contact: 03 9942 3946 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Sat 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Tipo 00 is known for its handmade pasta, and its name comes from the special flour used to make it. The restaurant has earned a strong reputation for serving fresh Italian food in a relaxed setting.
The menu includes many pasta and risotto dishes, with choices like braised duck, squid ink, and spanner crab. Guests can also pick the chef’s menu if they want the kitchen to choose each course.
That dining option lets people try new flavors without deciding on every dish for themselves.
The relaxed atmosphere makes the whole meal feel easy to enjoy with friends or family.
However, if you’re walking in with a group, be aware that tables and bar seats fill up quickly. Booking ahead gives you a much better chance of getting a table.
Customer Reviews
Authentic Italian Flavours
If you’re looking for a restaurant that comes truly close to the authentic flavours of Italy, this is without a doubt the place. The food is exceptional and remarkably true to what you’d taste in Italy
- Elika K | Google Review
Cozy Atmosphere with Excellent Wine and Service
It is not just another Italian restaurant. The place with the kitchen visible is very cozy, you don’t notice the music because it is also part of the atmosphere. The wine list with many Italian wines is very complete. We tasted a great vernachia from Sant Gimignano. The dishes are very well presented and are very tasty. The service is friendly, nice and very efficient. The dishes arrive with the time necessary for their preparation. Quality and good service what more can you ask for?
- Antoni Llanes | Google Review
3. Osteria Ilaria
Website:https://www.osteriailaria.com/
Address: 367 Little Bourke St.
Contact: 03 9642 2287 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Sat 12:00 PM – Late
Osteria Ilaria serves modern Italian food made with fresh seasonal ingredients in a stylish but welcoming space. Since the menu changes with the seasons, every visit gives you a chance to try something new.
Here, the chef prepares seasonal dishes that pair with a carefully chosen wine list. You can also enjoy unique vintage wines and special vermouth picked by the sommelier to match each meal.
If you’re planning a special event, the restaurant also has a private dining room with exposed brick arches and warm lighting. That cozy space works well for business dinners, birthdays, or small group celebrations.
Just keep in mind that standard bookings have a two-hour dining limit. If you want more time, it’s best to request a longer booking before your visit.
Customer Reviews
Flavourful Fine Dining with Exceptional Pasta
Cosy fine dining restaurant with flavourful and delectable food. The portion sizes looked a little underwhelming but we ended up leaving with happy full stomachs. The tagliolini has extraordinary flavours and was delicious with perfectly cooked pasta and juicy prawns, a little oily but still delightful.
- Phoebe | Google Review
Outstanding Set Menu and Dessert
Had the set menu, gorgeous restaurant, yummy food, with the set menu it was very well priced. My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our time here. The Juniper Meringue, Buffalo Milk and Blackcurrant Gelato was the greatest desert I have ever eaten !! It’s part of the set menu, get it!!
- SUPER – X | Google Review
4. Il Solito Posto
Website:https://ilsolitoposto.com.au/
Address: Basement Level, 113 Collins St.
Contact: 03 9654 4466
Hours: Breakfast: Mon to Fri 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM, Lunch: Mon to Fri 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, Dinner: Mon to Fri 5:30 PM – Late, Sat 5:45 PM – Late
Il Solito Posto gives you two ways to enjoy Italian food in one place. You can choose the relaxed Caffeteria upstairs or the elegant Trattoria downstairs, depending on the kind of meal you want.
The restaurant focuses on regional Italian cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients and local produce. You’ll find house-made favorites like potato gnocchi and squid ink linguine, plus an award-winning wine list.
Those fresh dishes and carefully matched wines make every meal feel more enjoyable. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves classic Italian food with a refined touch.
Just be aware that some bookings have dining time limits, especially during busy hours. Larger groups must choose sharing menus because à la carte dining is limited to eight guests.
Customer Reviews
A Perfect Italian Dining Experience
If I lived in Melbourne I’d be a regular! Perfect Italian restaurant. I turned up without a reservation on a Saturday night and they squeezed me in. Really friendly service. Pork and veal bolognese, chocolate pudding and two lovely glasses of Shiraz for $100. And it was all lovely. Great atmosphere too. Recommended
- Lee Waters | Google Review
Delicious Food with Attentive Service
The food here is delicious. We had the Fish of the day and Squid ink linguine – both done to perfection. The waitress was very attentive and food came out pretty quick in spite of being a busy Saturday night. The restaurant is cosy however the table was narrow and felt a bit crowded for 6 people. Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed dinner and would definitely be back again.
- Shazza220 | Google Review
5. Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana
Website:https://www.maccaronitrattoria.com/
Address: 10-16 Manchester
Contact: 03 9090 7634 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Thu 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Fri to Sat 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Sun 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana is a lively restaurant known for classic Italian and Sicilian food. Its traditional recipes and friendly atmosphere keep many guests coming back for another visit.
The menu here includes homemade pasta, baked rigatoni with eggplant, spicy Lamb Calabrese, and cream-free carbonara. You can also enjoy thin-crust pizzas, metre-long sharing pizzas, vegan meals, and low-gluten options.
The restaurant stays true to traditional cooking while offering meals for different tastes and dietary needs. With so many choices, it’s easy for families, friends, and groups to find something they like.
One thing to remember is that some group bookings require pre-orders. Weekend groups of more than 20 guests also can’t be accommodated, so larger parties should plan ahead.
Customer Reviews
Authentic Italian Ambience and Swift Service
Great place, not far from the Flinders Street Station – a natural reference point in Melbourne. We did not have a reservation and were granted a 1.5 h time slot which was perfectly fine. Very well arranged interior which makes you feel you are visiting a truly Italian restaurant. Attentive and swift service. We enjoyed all dishes served: bruschetta, frito misto, pizza Marinara and gnocchi pesto. Delicious! Grazie!
- hopperado | Google Review
Fresh Homemade Pasta with Generous Portions
Well priced, tasty, fresh, home-made pasta with generous portion sizes. Service was friendly & efficient. Despite the restaurant being booked out, my order was taken without delay & was served relatively quickly. Excellent drinks menu also. I had a whisky sour but the wine menu was very good.. I was too full to try dessert but it looked amazing. The seating was perfect & comfortable, if you have a big butt like me. 🙂
- Wendy Davidson | Google Review