Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne 2026

Written by: Ask Melbourne Team

Italian dining in Melbourne goes far beyond the classics, with restaurants across the city putting their own spin on traditional flavours and techniques. Meat Flour Wine has become a go-to for diners wanting authentic Italian food paired with a relaxed yet polished atmosphere.

To help narrow down the options, we have rounded up the top Italian restaurants in Melbourne that consistently deliver on food, service, and experience.

Meat Flour Wine

Meat Flour Wine is a family-led restaurant built on Italian roots, over 30 years of hospitality experience and a strong focus on food, wine and warm service. The Braeside venue gives local diners a polished yet welcoming place for date nights, long lunches, family dinners, business meals and special occasions.

Meat Flour Wine gives diners a clear and reliable restaurant experience. Guests can expect:

  • Premium steak from respected Australian producers
  • Handmade pasta inspired by Italian cooking
  • Wood-fired pizza made with care
  • Italian and Australian wines
  • Warm service without pretence
  • A venue suited to casual meals and special occasions

Meat Flour Wine has built its identity around consistency, care and community. After a fire affected the restaurant in January 2024, the team reopened on 5 June 2025 with renewed focus and strong local support. This experience strengthened the restaurant’s connection with its guests and showed its commitment to serving the community.

For diners looking for one of the best restaurant experiences in Melbourne’s South East, Meat Flour Wine offers quality ingredients, skilled preparation, warm service and a setting that feels special without feeling formal.

Core Service Offerings:

  • Premium Australian steak
  • Handmade pasta
  • Wood-fired pizza
  • Italian-inspired dining
  • Curated wine list
  • Date night dining
  • Long lunches
  • Group dinners
  • Birthday and milestone celebrations
  • Business lunches and company celebrations

Website: https://meatflourwine.com.au/

La Cucina Melbourne

La Cucina Melbourne offers a menu inspired by traditional Italian cooking. The restaurant aims to provide meals that are fresh, satisfying, and suitable for different dining occasions.

The kitchen team prepares meals for both casual dining and special occasions. Guests can enjoy Italian dishes in a welcoming restaurant environment that values quality service and customer satisfaction.

The restaurant operates across lunch and evening service hours throughout the week, making it a convenient option for weekday meals, after-work dinners, and weekend dining in Melbourne CBD.

La Cucina Melbourne provides clear booking information, direct customer contact options, and a straightforward reservation process. Customers can contact the restaurant by phone or email for reservations, enquiries, and dining information.

Core Service Offerings

  • Italian restaurant dining
  • Traditional Italian food
  • Lunch service
  • Dinner service
  • Dine-in restaurant bookings
  • Online table reservations
  • Takeaway food orders
  • Group dining bookings
  • Family dining
  • Gift cards
  • Customer reservation support
  • Melbourne CBD restaurant dining

Email: info@lacucinamelbourne.com.au
Phone: 0384567682
Website: https://www.lacucinamelbourne.com.au/

Tipo 00

Tipo 00 is a Melbourne Italian restaurant that specialises in handmade pasta and modern Italian dining. The restaurant takes its name from “Tipo 00” flour, which is traditionally used to make fine Italian pasta. This focus on pasta is at the centre of the dining experience and reflects the team’s passion for Italian cooking and hospitality.

Located in Melbourne CBD, Tipo 00 offers a menu built around seasonal ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and balanced flavours. Guests can enjoy fresh pasta, seafood, premium meats, desserts, and carefully matched wines in a comfortable and inviting restaurant setting.

The team values welcoming service, fresh ingredients, and authentic dining experiences. Guests can book for casual lunches, dinners, celebrations, and special occasions throughout the week.

Core Service Offerings

  • Handmade pasta restaurant
  • Italian dining
  • Seasonal Italian menu
  • Chef’s tasting menus
  • Wine and beverage service
  • Seafood and meat dishes
  • Desserts and Italian sweets
  • Restaurant reservations
  • Gift vouchers
  • Italian cookbook sales
  • Lunch and dinner dining

Email: eat@tipo00.com.au
Phone: +61 3 9942 3946
Website: https://www.tipo00.com.au/

Il Solito Posto

Located beneath Collins Street in the heart of Melbourne CBD, Il Solito Posto has built a strong reputation as one of Melbourne’s favourite Italian dining destinations. Known for its warm atmosphere, quality seasonal produce, and traditional Italian cooking, the restaurant offers both casual and formal dining experiences across its lively Caffeteria, elegant Trattoria, and welcoming bar area. With decades of hospitality experience behind the team, Il Solito Posto continues to provide memorable dining experiences for locals, workers, couples, and visitors to Melbourne. 

Il Solito Posto is recognised for its seasonal menus and carefully selected wine list. The team focuses on delivering consistent quality food and attentive service in a relaxed setting. Guests can expect fresh produce, classic Italian flavours, and a vibrant atmosphere that keeps people returning.

The restaurant’s friendly waitstaff and bar team work hard to create a positive dining experience for every guest. From quick lunches to long dinners, the team aims to make every visit enjoyable and memorable.

Core Service Offerings

  • Italian restaurant dining
  • Casual dining in the cafeteria
  • Formal dining in the Trattoria
  • Breakfast service
  • Lunch service
  • Dinner service
  • Italian wine selection
  • Bar and antipasti service
  • Seasonal Italian menu
  • Takeaway meals
  • Gift vouchers
  • Group dining
  • Romantic dining experiences
  • Corporate and business dining

Phone: (03) 9654 4466
Website: https://ilsolitoposto.com.au/

Osteria Ilaria

Osteria Ilaria is a Melbourne Osteria located on Little Bourke Street in the heart of the CBD. The restaurant focuses on modern Italian cuisine made with seasonal ingredients and thoughtful cooking techniques. Guests can enjoy a relaxed yet elegant dining experience supported by attentive service, curated wine selections, and a menu that changes with the seasons. Osteria Ilaria welcomes diners for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday and also offers private dining, wine dinners, and gift vouchers.

Osteria Ilaria focuses on delivering consistent quality across food, wine, and customer service. The team creates a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy thoughtful dining experiences in a comfortable setting.

The restaurant also acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land and pays respect to Elders past and present.

Core Service Offerings

  • Modern Italian restaurant dining
  • Seasonal Italian cuisine
  • À la carte dining
  • Express lunch menu
  • Chef’s tasting menu
  • Wine pairing experiences
  • International wine selection
  • Vintage wine cellar
  • Private dining room bookings
  • Cellar Series wine dinners
  • Group dining bookings
  • Lunch and dinner service
  • Walk-in dining
  • Gift vouchers
  • Event and celebration dining

Email: eat@osteriailaria.com
Phone: +61 3 9642 2287
Website: https://www.osteriailaria.com/

Trattoria Emilia

Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD, Trattoria Emilia brings people together through authentic Italian food, genuine hospitality, and a welcoming dining experience. Led by owners and chefs Francesco and Dino, alongside front-of-house owners Matteo and Van, the restaurant combines traditional recipes, quality produce, and skilled cooking techniques to create rustic yet refined Italian dishes made from scratch. Guests are welcomed like family and encouraged to relax, share food, and enjoy the atmosphere inspired by classic Italian dining culture.

Trattoria Emilia works closely with local suppliers and farmers to source fresh produce and quality ingredients. Many products are sourced locally, including seasonal vegetables supplied by farms such as Ramarro Farm.

The team also focuses on reducing waste in the kitchen by using more than 90% of their ingredients and resources wherever possible. Years of testing, travel, and kitchen experience have helped shape a cooking approach that supports both quality food and environmentally responsible practices.

Core Service Offerings

  • Traditional Italian restaurant dining
  • Handmade pasta dishes
  • Lunch and dinner service
  • Italian wine selection
  • Functions and group bookings
  • Reservations
  • Seasonal menus
  • Traditional tortellini dishes
  • Italian condiments and specialty products
  • Gift cards
  • Private dining experiences
  • Authentic Italian hospitality

Email: info@emiliamelbourne.com.au
Phone: +61 3 9670 7214
Website: https://www.emiliamelbourne.com.au/

Roccella

Roccella is a family-inspired Italian restaurant group in Melbourne with locations in East Melbourne, Bundoora, Frankston, and Dromana. The restaurant brings people together through traditional southern Italian food, warm hospitality, and recipes passed down through generations. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, desserts, and catering in a welcoming dining environment that celebrates authentic Italian culture and flavour.

The restaurant is open seven days a week and welcomes both locals and visitors looking for traditional Italian food in a comfortable setting. Customers can dine in, order online, book functions, arrange catering, or purchase gift vouchers for family and friends.

Core Service Offerings

  • All-day Italian dining
  • Breakfast service
  • Lunch service
  • Dinner service
  • Wood-fired pizza
  • Handmade pasta
  • Italian desserts and pastries
  • Coffee and beverages
  • Wine service
  • Gluten-free dining options
  • Vegan dining options
  • Catering services
  • Corporate catering
  • Private functions
  • Wedding functions
  • Engagement parties
  • Birthday celebrations
  • Group dining
  • Event packages
  • Online ordering
  • Takeaway meals
  • Gourmet Italian delicacies
  • Gift vouchers
  • Function venue hire

Email: eastmelbourne@roccellaitalian.com.au
Phone: (03) 9416 1700
Website: https://www.roccellamelbourne.com.au/

Bacco Wine Cafe

Bacco Wine Cafe offers authentic Italian food inspired by the traditions of the Liguria region on the Italian Riviera. Owners Loris and Raffaella moved from Italy to the United States in 1999 and opened the restaurant the following year. Their goal was simple: bring real Italian flavours and family recipes to the local community.

Today, Bacco Wine Cafe continues to serve customers who appreciate traditional Italian cooking, quality wine, and personal service.

Core Service Offerings

  • Authentic Italian restaurant dining
  • Traditional Italian cuisine
  • Fresh pasta dishes
  • Seafood meals
  • Italian salads
  • Italian desserts
  • Italian wine selection
  • Wine pairing recommendations
  • Dinner service
  • Family-owned restaurant experience
  • Northern Italian-inspired dishes
  • Dine-in restaurant service
  • Special occasion dining
  • Fine wine and food pairing experience

Phone: 321 259-3456
Website: https://baccowinecafe.com/

Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana

Maccaroni has been part of Melbourne’s dining scene for more than 15 years, bringing authentic Sicilian flavours to the heart of the CBD. Founded by Mauro Bisignano and now led alongside his son Gabriele, the restaurant continues to serve traditional Italian food made with care, experience, and family recipes passed down through generations. From its original Manchester Lane trattoria to its Bourke Street venue, Maccaroni is known for genuine hospitality, fresh pasta, and a welcoming dining experience.

Maccaroni focuses on simple, high-quality Italian food made properly. The kitchen prepares dishes using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques that highlight flavour, texture, and authenticity. The restaurant continues to use the same passion and approach that helped establish the original trattoria more than a decade ago. From pasta preparation to customer service, the team values consistency, care, and attention to detail in every service.

With two Melbourne CBD locations, Maccaroni provides convenient dining options while maintaining the same welcoming atmosphere and family values that customers have trusted for years.

Core Service Offerings

  • Italian restaurant dining
  • Sicilian cuisine
  • Handmade pasta
  • Lunch service
  • Dinner service
  • Group dining
  • Function bookings
  • Event hosting
  • Family-style Italian meals
  • Casual dining
  • Traditional Italian food
  • Venue bookings
  • Hospitality services
  • Restaurant reservations

Email: bookings@maccaroni.com.au
Phone: (03) 9191 3442
Website: https://www.maccaronitrattoria.com/

Mondo Di Pasta

Mondo Di Pasta is a Melbourne pasta bar with locations in Balaclava, QV Melbourne, and Thornbury. The business focuses on hot, fresh pasta that is made to order and served in a fast, simple, and enjoyable way.

The team gives customers control over their meals. Each customer can choose their pasta, select a sauce, add extras, and pair the meal with a drink. This makes Mondo Di Pasta a strong choice for lunch, dinner, takeaway meals, work breaks, family meals, and casual catch-ups.

Mondo Di Pasta shows clear experience through its focused pasta bar model. The menu includes popular sauce choices such as Bolognese, Napoli, pesto, carbonara, alla vodka, marinara, amatriciana, and chilli and garlic. These options help customers find a classic favourite or try something different.

The business also supports group dining and event catering. Its catering service provides pasta trays, sides, and food for office events, birthdays, weddings, and other Melbourne functions.

Core Service Offerings

  • Made-to-order pasta
  • Pasta bar dine-in service
  • Takeaway pasta
  • Online pickup orders
  • Uber Eats delivery
  • DoorDash delivery
  • Pasta catering
  • Corporate catering
  • Birthday catering
  • Wedding catering
  • Pasta trays
  • Sides for events
  • Drinks menu
  • Beer, wine, and Spritz options
  • Gift cards

Email: pasta@mondodipasta.com.au
Phone: 1300 539 192
Website: https://www.mondodipasta.com.au/

Table of Contents
    logo-ask-melbourne

    Introducing AskMelbourne, your ultimate guide to exploring the vibrant culture and thriving business scene of Australia's most dynamic city. With our expertly curated content, you'll discover the hidden gems and local favorites that make Melbourne truly unique.

    Scroll to Top