Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Melbourne, Victoria, there is no doubt that you would have heard of many of the Italian restaurants in the city. Nevertheless, not all of these are top-notch, and there are many more that you can try if you want to find a place that serves the best pasta and pizza in Melbourne. Luckily, we have prepared a list of some of the best Italian restaurants in the city to help you out.
Tipo 00
The Tipo 00 Italian Restaurant in Melbourne Victoria is one of the best places to eat in the city. It’s not a massive restaurant but there’s something here for everyone. From house-made pasta to risotto and decadent desserts, you’ll find it all here.
Located on Little Bourke Street, Tipo 00 is named after the flour used in making pasta. This finely ground wheat is used to make a variety of dishes, including squid ink taglioni, spaghetti with mussels and friulano, chargrilled calamari with tomato butter, and the signature ‘tipomisu’ dessert.
Tipo 00 is a small but stylish Italian restaurant with a focus on finely crafted handmade pasta. The menu features a variety of house-made pasta and pizzas, along with an array of wine and local and Italian beer.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate lunch or an elegant dinner, Tipo 00 can’t be beaten. The food and service are impressive, and the location is perfect for a romantic meal.
Il Solito Posto
Il Solito Posto is a hidden gem in Melbourne’s CBD. This European-style cafe offers delicious and authentic Italian cuisine. With an extensive wine list, a bar, and a dining room, it’s the ideal spot for a cosy meal, a quick drink, or a special occasion.
It’s one of the city’s most loved Italian restaurants, attracting lifelong customers. With a range of delicious dishes, it’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner, an Italian-inspired lunch, or a casual catch-up with friends.
The food at Il Solito Posto is authentic and incredibly fresh. Choose from a selection of pastas, seafood, meatballs, and more. They also offer risotto and traditional Italian desserts. Their wine list is also top-notch, with over 25 varieties of wine by the glass.
Another stalwart in the CBD is Bottega. Their cosy dining room has old-school service and a huge wine list. Guests can enjoy a Bellini, or sip on a Parmesan Martini.
Cafe di Stasio
There are many Italian restaurants in Melbourne, but this list highlights some of the best. A few of these have been around for a while, while others have only recently opened. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner or a quick lunch with friends, you will find it here.
The menu at Cafe di Stasio is extensive. You can choose from a range of house specialties, including gnocchi, arancini, pasta, and more. It also offers a two-course lunch, which includes a glass of wine, for just $25.
While the food may not be as inventive as some of the newer Italian restaurants in Melbourne, there are plenty of old classics to enjoy here. You can order pizzas like the ‘Polpette’, which is topped with meatballs and pecorino. Or try the ‘Lasagne’, which is made with perfectly al dente pasta and gooey bechamel.
Capitano
Capitano, located at the corner of Palmerston and Rathdowne, is an Italian restaurant that is part of the Bar Liberty crew. The restaurant was originally located at The Beaufort but changed its name when Fitzroy’s Bar Liberty swooped in and took over.
This restaurant serves some of the best Italian cuisine in Melbourne. From pizza to soul-hugging pasta, the menu has a variety of dishes. There are plenty of drinks to pair with the dishes, too.
Capitano is a great place for a casual meal with friends. It has a cosy atmosphere and has white-clothed tables with bentwood chairs. They also have a wine list. One of their signatures is the Blood Orange Negroni.
If you want to try some great Italian cuisine without paying a fortune, Capitano is the place to go. They offer classic pizzas, such as the Roni square pizza, which is squared with tomato and pepperoni. But they also have a couple of specialty pizzas, including the Herb Salad Pizza and Vodka-pasta.
Via Torino
If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant in Melbourne, Via Torino on Grange Road in Toorak is a good bet. This is an authentic Italian dining experience with a warm, polished timber interior and patterned stain glass storefront.
There’s also a great selection of drinks. Wines from Italy, Australia and elsewhere are paired with regional dishes.
The menu at Cicciolina is a favourite among locals, and tourists, alike. You’ll find traditional pastas like spaghetti and pappardelle, as well as modern Italian-Australian fare. And it’s all surrounded by contemporary, art-plastered walls.
For something a little more off the beaten path, you can try La Vetta. Opened in 2022, this restaurant is nestled in the natural landscape of Victoria. It has a small terrace and offers an extensive menu of pastas and entrees.
Another Melbourne Italian restaurant to consider is Tipo 00. Its pastas are some of the best in the city, with the famous rabbit braised in white wine being a top choice.
La Vetta
La Vetta is a contemporary Italian restaurant in Victoria. It opened in 2022 and is based in Marnong Estate. The restaurant features traditional cooking techniques and modern flavours.
The menu is influenced by lesser known Italian dishes. A number of dishes are prepared with locally sourced produce. Some highlight dishes include spaghetti alle vongole, gnocchi alla sorrentina and vitello tonnato.
Wine lovers will appreciate the extensive wine list. There are a number of Estate wines, as well as Italian varietals.
La Vetta is open from noon until 3pm for lunch. For dinner, the restaurant is open from 6pm until late. You can enjoy a bespoke menu created by Executive Chef Salvatore Giorgio.
Located in the Macedon Ranges, La Vetta offers a range of local produce. You can opt for Italian varietals produced in Victoria or select from a selection of estate wines.
Ms Frankie
Ms Frankie is an Italian restaurant in Melbourne Victoria that opened in February 2017. Located in the former Thresherman’s Bakehouse site on Faraday Street, Cremorne, it’s an A-grade cocktail and pasta bar. It’s a family restaurant with a little bit of an urban twist.
Whether you’re in the market for a cocktail, a light bite, a full dinner or a decadent dessert, Ms Frankie has it all. You can enjoy a drink in their bar, which has a sleek, black wire interior. Or you can choose to sit outside on their lane-way alfresco area.
Ms Frankie’s menu is a blend of classic Italian dishes with a modern, urban twist. The owners are descendants of an Italian family and have a passion for good food.
There’s a curated selection of starters, artisan salumi boards and a delicious Roman-style roast porchetta. The main course is pasta. All of the pasta is handmade in a temperature controlled room.
Grossi Florentino
Grossi Florentino is a Melbourne institution and a world class Italian restaurant. This famous dining room opened in 1928, and has been serving traditional Italian cuisine ever since. The menu is a testament to Guy Grossi’s culinary skills. There is an extensive wine list, featuring a variety of wines from Italy.
It is not difficult to see why Florentino has been a favourite for many years. It is a great place to go for a special occasion. Their staff are expertly trained, and their service is impeccable.
While it might not be as high end as some other establishments, Florentino is still a good value. You can choose from a three-course dinner or a five-course menu. If you choose the five-course meal, you’ll enjoy dishes such as a grilled steak with a grilled tomato and balsamic dressing, or the classic Veal Parmigana.
Rosa’s Canteen
Rosa’s Canteen is one of Melbourne’s best Italian restaurants. The cafe is named after owner Rosa Mitchell, who was born in Sicily and emigrated to Australia as a child. She opened a trattoria on Punch Lane and has since expanded her food empire.
Rosa’s Canteen offers Italian cuisine in a warm, rustic setting. The menu features classic Sicilian dishes as well as rustic Italian pastas. Among its best-known dishes are grilled chicken livers with fat cubes of fried bread, and cauliflower fritters. Guests can also enjoy a range of tasty gelato.
Rosa’s Canteen’s menu changes depending on seasonality, but always emphasizes the highest quality ingredients. Locally-sourced salumi plates are served as an antipasti. For the main course, guests can choose between a traditional Italian stew and a variety of pastas. There are a number of great desserts on offer, too, including a Tiramisu-inspired sundae.
1800 Lasagne
If you are looking for the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne Victoria, then look no further. The Italian restaurants in Melbourne have a great reputation for providing high-quality food and drinks. Whether you want to enjoy a romantic meal with a loved one or have a large group of friends, there are plenty of Italian restaurants that will suit your needs.
A good way to find the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne is to pay attention to the theme of the restaurant. Some Italian restaurants focus on using only the best ingredients while others prefer a more relaxed environment. However, regardless of the type of restaurant, it is important to be aware of the ingredients used in each dish.
Tipo 00 is an Italian restaurant in Melbourne that has gained a strong reputation. It is located in the heart of the CBD and offers a number of Italian dishes. One of its popular dishes is linguine al mare.
