The 20 Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne, Victoria

Treviso Bar, Dining & Wine Store is a basement restaurant known for welcoming service and a polished yet relaxed ambiance. The kitchen focuses on flavorful, slow-cooked dishes, with options such as lamb and occasional pork specials, alongside classic desserts. An extensive wine list complements the food, attracting many local business diners, especially at lunch.

Il Solito Posto offers a cozy, bustling Italian setting where classic dishes are prepared with care. Guests highlight well-executed pastas, comforting plates like meatballs with polenta, and traditional desserts such as tiramisu and chocolate pudding. Attentive service, an appealing wine selection, and a warm, energetic atmosphere define the dining experience.

Trattoria Emilia offers classic Italian cuisine that many guests find evocative of dining in Italy, with carefully prepared dishes and rich, satisfying flavors. A chef’s choice multi-course menu and specialties like grilled bone marrow highlight the kitchen’s approach. Attentive, professional staff guide guests through the dishes and wine selections, creating an engaging and welcoming atmosphere.

The Hardware Club offers comforting Italian cooking in an intimate upstairs setting on Hardware Lane. Diners praise well-executed dishes such as fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and seasonal specials, along with a distinctive cocktail and wine selection. Attentive staff provide thoughtful suggestions and handle special requests with care. Window seats add a lively street view to the relaxed dining experience.

Set within the State Library of Victoria, The Moat offers a refined, intimate setting suited to quiet conversation. The Mediterranean-influenced menu features fresh housemade gnocchi, slow-cooked lamb and other flavorful plates, along with options for afternoon tea. Attentive, welcoming staff maintain thoughtful service even during busy periods, and outdoor seating adds to its appeal.

Scugnizzo Ristorante offers authentic Italian cuisine in a charming, cozy city-center setting. Guests highlight traditional dishes such as handmade pasta, crisp calamari, and seafood specialties like kingfish spaghetti. Attentive, knowledgeable service and thoughtful touches, including house bread and small starters, contribute to a relaxed and welcoming dining experience.

Da Guido La Pasta offers a traditional Italian dining experience focused on carefully prepared pasta and classic flavors. An open kitchen and tidy, intimate dining room create a cozy atmosphere where guests can watch dishes such as carbonara being prepared. Attentive, welcoming service completes the relaxed, neighborhood feel of the restaurant.

The Meatball & Wine Bar – Flinders Lane specializes in customizable meatballs, offering a range of flavors and accompaniments such as mash, risotto, or pasta, with vegetarian options available. Guests mention generous platters with salads, arancini, and cheeses, along with a selection of cocktails and wines. Dim lighting, candlelit tables, and the option to sit at the bar create an intimate atmosphere that also accommodates larger groups and pre-theater dining.

Osteria Ilaria offers modern Italian dishes in a relaxed, stylish setting anchored by an open kitchen. Guests highlight creative plates such as crisp vegetable starters and rich pasta, alongside thoughtful, flexible wine service. Attentive staff accommodate timing needs and special requests while maintaining an unhurried dining experience.

Cargo Bar & Eatery offers a relaxed setting for enjoying wood-fired pizzas, tacos, fish and chips, and seasonal mains alongside a broad selection of drinks. Guests highlight the well-executed pizzas with crisp crusts and flavorful toppings, as well as indulgent desserts and cocktails. Attentive, accommodating staff and an easygoing atmosphere make it a comfortable spot for late dinners and unhurried drinks.

Da Guido 365 is a small, cozy restaurant known for flavorful pizza and freshly baked focaccia. Guests highlight the attentive, efficient service even when the dining room is busy, and appreciate thoughtful touches like complimentary bread. Gluten-free options, including pizza, are praised for their light, fluffy texture, making this a comfortable choice for varied dietary needs and group gatherings.

Tipo 00 offers refined Italian cooking in an intimate space with an open kitchen that brings the energy of the pass into the dining room. Fresh seafood starters and housemade pastas, including rich gnocchi and seasonal specialties, showcase careful preparation and balanced flavors. Attentive, welcoming service completes the experience in this central Melbourne spot.

Capitano Carlton specializes in Italian-inspired pizza and pasta served in a contemporary, upmarket dining room. Guests praise the flavorful antipasti, creative square and round pizzas, and classic desserts such as tiramisu. Attentive staff accommodate dietary needs, and the atmosphere is often bustling and energetic.

Luci offers refined contemporary Italian-inspired cuisine in a striking art deco setting. A focused menu highlights carefully crafted dishes, including house-made fresh pasta and thoughtfully prepared mains. The spacious dining room, high ceilings, and well-spaced tables create an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere, complemented by knowledgeable wine guidance from the sommelier.

Pacinos Italian Family Restaurant offers approachable Italian comfort food, from generously topped pizzas and classic chicken parmigiana to gnocchi and burgers. Guests highlight consistently well-cooked dishes, including garlic bread with a distinctive, rustic-style loaf. The setting is welcoming, and staff are noted for attentive, considerate service both in-house and for delivery.

Gilson South Yarra offers Italian-inspired dishes in a stylish, comfortable space with well-chosen music and a welcoming feel. Guests highlight fresh antipasti, wood-fired flatbreads, seafood pasta, and classic desserts. Shareable plates and a selection of wines make it suited to both casual snacks and leisurely meals.

Funghi e Tartufo offers a fully vegan take on classic Italian cuisine, with dishes such as calamari, lasagne, and cheesecake praised for their rich flavor and satisfying textures. Guests highlight the passionate team, attentive service, and welcoming atmosphere. Set in a lively area ideal for people-watching, it also features housemade lemoncello and orangecello to round out the meal.

Marameo offers contemporary Italian cuisine in a stylish, newly renovated space with both courtyard and indoor seating. Dishes such as truffle-accented pasta, barramundi, and housemade desserts highlight bold, satisfying flavors and generous portions. Attentive, personable service and a well-regarded wine list contribute to a polished yet welcoming dining experience.