Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne (2026 Guide)

Florentino

80 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD

Ravioli Doppio — a signature at Florentino's Café downstairs. Photo: Florentino / Edition Group.

An icon located on Bourke Street in the heart of Melbourne, Florentino stands as one of the city's most enduring culinary landmarks. We believe this restaurant is an icon but has recently been taken to new heights under new leadership. A touch of class, full of authentic dishes, and the dining spaces bring a sense of occasion. Established in 1928, the heritage-listed venue has witnessed nearly a century of dining evolution, from its origins as an Italian institution to its latest chapter under Edition Group. This transition, rolled out in early 2026, marks not a drastic overhaul but a thoughtful reinvigoration — honouring the legacy while embracing seasonality, precision, and the exceptional quality of Australian produce.

The precinct operates as three interconnected spaces: the historic Florentino Dining Room upstairs, Café Florentino with its wood-fired grill and Josper oven downstairs, and the timeless Cellar Bar — Melbourne's original all-day wine and pasta bar. Group Culinary Director Michael Greenlaw and Executive Chef Brendan Katich lead a kitchen that delivers everything from showstopping house-made pastas to the legendary chocolate soufflé (now elevated with Melbourne's Cuvée Chocolate). The wine program, curated by sommelier Steve Senturk, features over 1,100 bottles, 30–40 by the glass, with a particular focus on Piemonte and Sicily. We have enjoyed several sumptuous dinners here recently - the Ravioli Doppio is a showstopper dish with the two delicious fillings, the 1kg O'Connor Gippsland T-bone is steak perfection, and even snacks enjoyed outside at tables on Bourke St is a serious vibe. 

Our Verdict: Melbourne’s most iconic Italian restaurant, combining nearly a century of history with refined service, exceptional pasta, and true sense of occasion.

Ladro

224 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

The legendary Badabing pizza — fennel salsiccia, provolone, tomato and chilli — on the menu since 2003.

When it comes to the best pizza in Melbourne, few venues command the same respect and longevity as Ladro. Sitting confidently on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, Ladro has been a cornerstone of Melbourne's Italian dining scene for over 20 years. We have visited several times over the years but under recent new ownership it has never been more impressive. Conviviality central! This isn't a venue chasing trends or reinventing itself for relevance. Ladro has stayed firmly in its lane — and perfected it. Wood-fired pizza, classic Italian technique, and a deep understanding of balance and flavour define the experience. Service is impeccable.

The Badabing pizza (fennel salsiccia, provolone, tomato, chilli — on the menu since 2003) is non-negotiable. Some of the best pizza in Melbourne. The 100 Layer Lasagna is widely regarded as one of the best in Melbourne — meticulously layered, deeply flavoured, comfort food elevated. One of the best lasagnes I've ever enjoyed! Nonna would approve! Ladro has also recently launched a beautifully designed private dining room for intimate celebrations and corporate events. 

Our Verdict: A Fitzroy institution delivering some of Melbourne’s best wood-fired pizza and one of the city’s most memorable lasagnas.

Pepe's Italian & Liquor

Melbourne CBD

Pepe's stylish interiors channel old-school Italian-American energy with a distinctly Melbourne edge.

Pepe's Italian & Liquor has made a large impression with its stylish fit-out and bold Italian-American menu. Having visited several times I love the style of this restaurant. Kind of a New York vibe. Pasta is top-notch — standout Tortellini and Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, or the epic Bucatini All'Amatriciana (guanciale, napoli, chilli). The Veal Parmigiana is equally iconic. Pepe's brings bold charisma, nostalgic Italian flavours, and vibrant hospitality, delivering a dining experience that is playful and polished. 

Our Verdict: Stylish, energetic and full of personality, Pepe’s nails bold Italian-American classics in a glamorous CBD setting.

Da Guido La Pasta

130 Lygon Street, Carlton

Da Guido's ravioli wagyu - check out their recently renovated interior on Lygon Street — sophisticated, warm and authentically Italian.

Located in the heart of Melbourne's vibrant Lygon Street in Carlton, Da Guido La Pasta is a beacon of authentic Italian dining, blending tradition, elegance, and culinary artistry. A hidden gem this restaurant is underrated in my opinion and we believe it to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne. Recently renovated, this chic restaurant, led by the charismatic owner Mirco Cossavella, has elevated its 40-year legacy into a modern masterpiece. Certified with the prestigious Ospitalità Italiana seal from the Italian Government, this Carlton gem is a must-visit. Often when we have visited we have spotted Italian chefs and personalities from other Melbourne Italian restaurants.

The standout pastas are decadent (menu may change) including the Fettuccine Moreton Bay Bug — hand-cut pasta in a luxurious lobster bisque — and the striking Linguine al Nero di Seppia with prawns, clams and a vibrant white sauce. The Ravioli Wagyu da Guido (Sher Wagyu, marble score 8, rosemary-infused butter, New Zealand black truffle) is a signature dish and pure decadence. The iconic 40-year-old Tiramisu recipe remains unchanged (and is also served in their sister restaurant near Venice). The intimate terrace with views of Lincoln Square's greenery is perfect for a romantic dinner. 

Our Verdict: A Carlton gem serving sophisticated Venetian-inspired cuisine with impeccable service, and some of the most decadent pasta on Lygon Street.

Scopri

Carlton, Melbourne

Scopri is a destination restaurant — rustic, soulful and deeply seasonal, sourcing from a biodynamic farm in the Macedon Ranges.

A restaurant like a warm hug. The Feed Me menu is the way to go here — a journey that the owner describes as simplicity done to perfection with maximum flavour and attention to detail. So much sustainable produce comes from Scopri's biodynamic farm in the Macedon Ranges — true farm-to-plate dining. Kicking goals for 15 years, with the owner still personally greeting diners at their tables and at Bar Orlo next door. Service on an outdoor summer table was exceptional. We were impressed by the Carpaccio di pesce crudo with salmon roe, the Roasted Gippsland quail, the Capesante grigliate Hervey Bay scallops, and the legendary Agnolotti del pin with roasted rabbit. Rustic heaven! Kid goat cooked on the bone was a triumph and rave reports over the hand cut chips. May business deals are done here and it's no surprise given the quality and popularity of this restaurant. 

Our Verdict: Soulful, farm-driven Italian dining with rustic style, where seasonal produce and warm hospitality create one of Melbourne’s most rewarding experiences.

Il Bacaro

168–170 Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD

Il Bacaro exudes classic, romantic atmosphere in one of Melbourne's finest laneways.

Tucked down a Melbourne laneway, Il Bacaro remains one of the city's enduring Italian dining gems, delivering elegance, warmth, and polished hospitality in equal measure. Expect standout dishes crafted with premium seasonal produce — from silky house-made pasta to exceptional seafood and rich, comforting mains. Signature dishes include Spaghettini with Moreton Bay Bugs, Octopus Risotto, Rabbit Ragu, and Braised Goat with Porcini. Their curated wine list is a serious highlight. Il Bacaro's ability to combine timeless charm with culinary precision makes it a standout in Melbourne's competitive Italian dining scene. 

Our Verdict: Romantic laneway dining with polished service, outstanding seafood, and timeless Italian elegance.

Bottega

Bourke Street Hill, Melbourne CBD

Bottega's house-made pasta and rustic setting in the heart of Bourke Street make it a Melbourne icon.

Bottega is a Melbourne institution that continues to set the benchmark for sophisticated Italian dining in the CBD. This is one of the original Italian restaurants we visited years ago. House-made pasta and a rustic setting make this a popular destination we've dined at several times, considering it an icon with a high degree of authenticity. Dishes such as the Squid Ink Tagliolini, Wild Clover Slow-Cooked Lamb, and the Sangiovese Slow Braise Short Rib are consistently triumphant. The upstairs terrace is one of Melbourne's most coveted settings for a long lunch. 

Our Verdict: A Bourke Street institution that continues to deliver dependable excellence and classic Italian sophistication.

Il Solito Posto

Melbourne CBD

Il Solito Posto — a CBD institution beloved for its approachable sophistication and genuine Italian hospitality. Image: Il Solito Posto

Il Solito Posto has earned its place as one of Melbourne's most beloved Italian dining destinations by mastering the art of approachable sophistication. We've visited several times - equally impressed by the cocktails as well as the food. They make a great Vesper Martini. The menu features a well-executed lineup of traditional favourites — from perfectly cooked pasta and risotto to premium steaks and fresh seafood, all crafted with quality produce. The inviting atmosphere is ideal for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners. Their wine list offers strong Italian representation alongside excellent Australian choices. 

Our Verdict: Consistently excellent CBD dining with polished hospitality, superb cocktails, and broad crowd appeal.

Grill Americano

Melbourne CBD

Grill Americano redefines luxury Italian dining in Melbourne with theatrical elegance and world-class execution.

Grill Americano redefines Melbourne's luxury Italian dining scene with theatrical elegance, premium ingredients, and world-class execution. Helmed by renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas, this grand venue blends Italian culinary tradition with old-world glamour. Signature wood-fired steaks, hand-crafted pasta, and premium seafood are executed with remarkable precision. Grill Americano's extensive wine cellar is among Melbourne's finest. For those seeking elevated dining with grandeur, sophistication, and unforgettable flavour, it delivers on every level. Image credit: Grill Americano. 

Our Verdict: The pinnacle of luxury Italian dining in Melbourne, perfect for milestone celebrations and power dinners.

Bar Carolina

South Yarra, Melbourne

Bar Carolina brings the best of rustic Italian.

Bar Carolina brings contemporary Italian glamour to South Yarra with striking design, refined flavours, and a distinctly modern edge. The menu showcases elevated Italian classics through a fresh lens, with beautifully plated dishes highlighting premium produce, delicate pasta work, and expertly prepared seafood and meats. We recently attended an exclusive product dinner here and enjoyed four sumptuous courses including Burrata, Risotto ai Funghi, Barramundi in Crosta, Pollo Arrosto, and Torta al Ricotta, all paired with exceptional wines. 

Our Verdict: South Yarra glamour meets refined contemporary Italian cooking in a venue that feels effortlessly stylish.

Rosa's Canteen

Carlton, Melbourne

Rosa's Canteen — a warm, intimate Carlton institution committed to simple, honest Italian cooking.

Rosa's Canteen is a charming Carlton institution that captures the soul of simple, honest Italian dining. Warm, intimate, and deeply authentic, this neighbourhood favourite has built a loyal following through its commitment to traditional recipes, seasonal produce, and heartfelt hospitality. The menu focuses on rustic Italian classics — beautifully prepared pasta, comforting mains and share-friendly dishes that celebrate regional flavours. Every plate feels crafted with genuine care, evoking the comfort of a family-run trattoria. 

Our Verdict: Honest, heartfelt Italian cooking that captures the warmth and comfort of a true neighbourhood trattoria.

The Hardware Club

Hardware Lane, Melbourne CBD

The Hardware Club offers polished, contemporary Italian dining in Melbourne's vibrant Hardware Lane precinct.

The Hardware Club offers a polished, contemporary take on Italian dining in Melbourne's bustling Hardware Lane precinct. We've visited a couple of times and love the rustic dishes and cool Melbourne vibe. Italian culinary traditions are front and centre, with standout antipasti, premium steaks, fresh seafood, and expertly crafted pasta showcasing both classic flavours and modern refinement. Their extensive wine program is a major strength, featuring a broad range of Italian and Australian varietals. Service is attentive, knowledgeable, and consistently professional. 

Our Verdict: A sophisticated Hardware Lane favourite with strong wines, polished service, and reliable Italian classics.

Cecconi's

Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD

Cecconi's is a perennial favourite — heart and soul Italian, a labour of love in a superb basement setting on Flinders Lane.

Cecconi's is a perennial favourite where The World Loves Melbourne has dined with several friends and always been inspired. Cecconi's has heart and soul — a labour of love, a superb dining ambience downstairs in a basement style. Nonna Olimpia Bortolotto has been an Italian cooking sensation for decades. Diners love this place for its rustic and rewarding fare. Professional service is impressive and the decor is fitting of a hatted fine dining restaurant with a homely air. Classics include John Dory, Lamb Shoulder, Pork Rump — always satisfying. 

Our Verdict: A long-standing Flinders Lane favourite where hatted dining still feels warm, generous and deeply authentic.

Cafe Di Stasio

31 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Cafe Di Stasio — a St Kilda icon serving classic lux Italian with artistic fine decor and top-notch service. Linen cloths and bow ties beckon.

Cafe Di Stasio is another Melbourne Italian institution serving classic lux food. To dine here is an experience — not just the traditional Italian food but a sophisticated ambience with artistic fine decor and top-notch service. Linen cloths and bow ties beckon. Check out Scallops Oven Baked in the Shell, Char Grilled Quail, Linguine with Prawns, and the Pan Fried Escalope of Baby Veal. A St Kilda icon with no parallel. 

Our Verdict: One of Melbourne’s great dining institutions, blending classic Italian luxury with unmistakable St Kilda character.

Ciao Cielo

Port Melbourne

Ciao Cielo occupies a magnificent 165-year-old heritage courthouse in Port Melbourne — soaring ceilings, open fire, and electric atmosphere.

In the heart of Port Melbourne, Ciao Cielo stands as a beacon of Italian excellence within the walls of a 165-year-old heritage-listed courthouse. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, this iconic restaurant captures the essence of la dolce vita with a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation. From the moment you step into the grand dining room with its soaring ceilings and crackling open fire, the atmosphere is electric.

The experience is a masterclass in hospitality, led by co-owner Kate Dickins, whose Italian heritage (rooted in Vicenza) shines through every dish. This restaurant captured our imagination as a beacon in Port Melbourne and high standards. Standouts include the Inked Spaghetti with spanner crab, the wood-fired mortadella pizza with stracciatella and pistachio, and the showstopping Algherese Paella di Catalan — fregola with fresh scampi, prawns, mussels, calamari and fish in saffron and tomato. Nonna's tiramisu (cream-free, true to its roots) is a coffee-soaked dream. Housemade limoncello is served as a digestif. 

Our Verdict: A spectacular Port Melbourne destination where exceptional food and a stunning heritage setting create a memorable night out.

Bar Idda

Brunswick East, Melbourne

Bar Idda in Brunswick East — coming here is like visiting an old friend, with cosy Sicilian warmth and sharing dishes built for lingering.

For casual Sicilian cuisine, enjoy an authentic experience at local legend Bar Idda in Brunswick East. Coming here is like visiting an old friend. Visited here for a family birthday. Dishes are made to share and the decor is not stiff or formal in the slightest, but cosy and welcoming. Bar owner Alfredo La Spina serves up tasty Sicilian fare with heart and generosity. Don't miss the wine served in carafes, the shared banquet, and the Maccaruni twirled pasta with ragu. 

Our Verdict: Rustic Sicilian cooking served with heart, generosity and the feeling of dining in a family home.

98 Lygon St Bar & Bistro

98 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

98 Lygon St's newly refreshed courtyard — with a 50-year-old olive tree and Aperitivo Hour — evokes Marseille and Corsica on Lygon Street.

Brunswick East's neighbourhood bar and bistro, 98 Lygon St, has launched a European-inspired Aperitivo Hour (4–6pm daily) and newly refreshed courtyard that evokes the relaxed vibes of Marseille or Corsica, with white-washed walls, linen-draped tables, and the shade of a 50-year-old olive tree. This restaurant has a European bistro vibe and level of elevation. I enjoyed my dinner visit in the courtyard where dishes were of the highest quality. Head Chef Brian Macalister (Michelin-starred Ynyshir, Cutler & Co) delivers highlights including Shell-Baked Scallops with wild garlic butter, Shallot Tart Tatin, and Cape Grim Côte de Boeuf with béarnaise. 

Our Verdict: A beautifully refreshed neighbourhood bistro delivering European charm and elevated produce-driven cooking.

Little Black Pig & Sons

Heidelberg, Melbourne

Owner and chef David Lakhi not only makes the hand-cut pasta in-house but crafted the restaurant's pottery plates and custom lighting.

A hidden gem in Heidelberg. Owner and chef David Lakhi's artisan touch is everywhere at Little Black Pig & Sons — he not only makes the hand-cut pasta in-house but crafted the restaurant's pottery plates and custom lighting. For David, pasta is an art form: "You don't get the feel from a machine." The moody renovated dining room with black walls, white tablecloths, and soft spotlighting sets the stage. A biweekly-changing tasting menu features extraordinary dishes — from oysters with caviar and gin-cured kingfish to the signature Cavatelli with Flinders Ranges venison ragu. We rate this restaurant as one of the best Italian restaurants in the suburbs of Melbourne - and indeed holds its own on the Melbourne Italian dining scene. David got out a special aged iconic wine from Barossa Valley which he shared with us - a generous touch. 

Our Verdict: One of Melbourne’s most exciting suburban restaurants, offering deeply personal and highly creative Italian dining.

Al Dente Enoteca

Carlton, Melbourne

Al Dente Enoteca — exceptional pasta and curated Italian wines in an intimate Carlton setting. We've been twice and both times the experience was exceptional.

Al Dente Enoteca is a refined Carlton favourite that perfectly captures Melbourne's love affair with authentic Italian dining. We've enjoyed several visits to this restaurant and believe it has the X factor in terms of staying true to tradition but also a modern interpretation and loads of creativity. Combining the warmth of a traditional neighbourhood trattoria with the sophistication of a curated wine bar, this beloved venue delivers pasta as an art form - expertly crafted dishes that celebrate regional Italian traditions through exceptional technique and bold flavours. Chef Andrea Vignali is a rock star in the kitchen. From agnolotti filled with Provolone Valpadana PDO dolce with earthy morels, to guancia di manzo (beef cheek) - indulgence personified. 

Our Verdict: Exceptional pasta, thoughtful wines and a strong sense of craftsmanship make this one of Carlton’s finest.

Stella Restaurant & Bar

South Yarra, Melbourne

Stella radiates style across four glorious levels in South Yarra — a hotspot that never fails to deliver on food, cocktails and vibes.

Looking for a restaurant with great vibes, top-notch cocktails and superb dining? Stella Restaurant and Bar stretches across four glorious levels in South Yarra. Named after the owners' daughter, this hotspot radiates style and sophistication. Having visited multiple times it has never failed to deliver. The O'Connor scotch fillet (600g, grass-fed, 14-day aged) was a triumph. The Wagyu rump cap, rich and buttery, was pure decadence paired with Henschke Five Shillings Shiraz. 

Our Verdict: Stylish, energetic and consistently impressive, Stella is ideal for celebrations and glamorous nights out.

400 Gradi

Brunswick East, Crown Melbourne & Eastland

400 Gradi — ranked #8 in the World's Top 50 Artisan Pizza Chains and winner of the Maistà Award for Best Customer Satisfaction 2025.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Melbourne's culinary scene, few establishments have left as indelible a mark as 400 Gradi. We've visited many times for world class pizza but also other dishes shine. Johnny Di Francesco elevated the humble pizza to an art form, importing the soul of Naples to our shores. In 2025, the world took notice: 400 Gradi soared to #8 in the prestigious 50 Top Pizza's World Top 50 Artisan Pizza Chains, while claiming the Maistà Award for Best Customer Satisfaction. An unwavering commitment to authenticity defines everything — chefs trained in Naples under the AVPN, San Marzano tomatoes, flawless dough.

The Diavola (San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, hot salami, fresh rocket) is a spicy triumph. The Portofino (prawns, cherry tomatoes, chilli, garlic oil) delivers a vibrant seafood punch. The non-pizza standout is the Porchetta Romana — slow-cooked with crackling, braised lentils, pork jus and salsa verde. Finish with tiramisu that arrives like a dreamy crescendo. 

Our Verdict: A world-renowned pizza destination that continues to set the benchmark for authentic Neapolitan pizza in Melbourne.

Matteo's

Fitzroy, Melbourne

Matteo's has captivated Melbourne for years — a touch of class in Fitzroy with Modern Australian meets Italian inspired cuisine.

Matteo's is another iconic Italian-inspired restaurant that has captivated Melbourne for years, with Matteo Pignatelli at the helm. The menu evolves with a Modern Australian touch, but European cuisine and Italian classics are always at the fore. Current menu features Tuna Rillettes, Romsey Ranges Lamb, and Poached Veal Fillet. A touch of class in Fitzroy. 

Our Verdict: A Fitzroy icon delivering polished, Italian-inspired dining with enduring sophistication.

Roccella Italian Restaurant

East Melbourne (also Bundoora)

Roccella's Francesco — 24 years of pizza mastery, from a 48-hour sourdough base to a mind-blowing charcoal black base with prawn and roe.

Looking for extraordinary pizza by a legit maestro pizzaiolo? Pizza legend Francesco, with 24 years of mastery, takes you on a jaw-dropping journey through creative, trend-defying pizzas — from his iconic 48-hour sourdough base to the multigrain Romana and a mind-blowing charcoal black base with prawn and roe. Having visited a couple of times, I feel this is true pizza artistry from an iconic artisan. The Smokey Ananas (smoked pineapple, 24-month prosciutto, stracciatella, vincotto glaze) is a flavour explosion. Australia's first Accademia Pizza DOC-certified restaurant. Coeliac-accredited with extensive gluten-free options. 

Our Verdict: Serious pizza artistry and outstanding gluten-free options make Roccella a standout for pizza lovers, and their range and quality of pasta and other dishes is exceptional.

Shop 225

Pascoe Vale South, Melbourne

Shop 225 — the first certified gluten-free pizzeria in Australia, and a gem in Melbourne's north that made the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific list.

Shop 225 in Pascoe Vale is the first certified gluten-free pizzeria in Australia — a gem in the suburbs making some of the best pizza in Melbourne and the Asia-Pacific region (having made the 50 Top Pizza Awards list). What an experience to visit this restaurant several times - a pizza and pasta haven that is world class in the Melbourne suburbs. Owned by Lorenzo Thone, it specialises in vegan and gluten-free pizza and pasta, dairy-free options, and is Coeliac Australia Accredited. The wood-fired oven pizza is a revelation. Leave room for the dessert menu - Cannoli Siciliani, Cassata, and a Nutella pizza, all available gluten-free. 

Our Verdict: A suburban superstar with award-winning world class pasta and pizza.

DOC Osteria

Lygon Street, Carlton

DOC Osteria — a glamorous 46-seat osteria gleaming with marble tops, gold accents and a stylish courtyard. Authentic vibes, top-notch service.

Aperitivi dreams come alive at DOC Osteria, a refreshed Lygon Street gem where a popular espresso bar (celebrating 20 years) has transformed into a glamorous 46-seat osteria with marble tops, gold accents, and a stylish courtyard. The new menu balances tradition and innovation from antipasto and cicchetti to house-made pasta. The focaccia (80% hydration, 48-hour fermentation) paired with 'nduja & green olive butter is extraordinary. The pipe rigate ragu Senese with pork belly, Wagyu chuck, and DOC Deli salsiccia is rich, complex, and unforgettable. We enjoyed a sensational evening dining in this icon of Lygon St. 

Our Verdict: One of Carlton’s hottest tables, combining aperitivo culture, exceptional pasta and stylish Lygon Street energy.

Da Noi

South Yarra, Melbourne

Da Noi — raved upon by Melbourne's best Italian foodies for its Sardinian paddock-to-plate philosophy and produce from their Yarck farm.

Da Noi is raved upon by some of the best Italian foodies in Melbourne. A Sardinian standout, there's no formal menu as such - just enjoy the ride and put your faith in the kitchen. We love paddock-to-plate dining and Da Noi takes this seriously, sharing ingredients direct from their Yarck farm. You can only operate this way if you're genuinely exceptional - and Da Noi is. 

Our Verdict: Unique and deeply authentic Sardinian dining where the kitchen’s trust-me approach rewards adventurous diners.

Tipo 00

Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD

Tipo 00 — a hatted pasta bar in Little Bourke St that became a sensation in its first year, taking rustic Italian to another level. 

Tipo 00 is a sensation, having earned a hat in its first year of operation. It takes rustic Italian to another level. A small, chic restaurant in Little Bourke St, it is a pasta bar using quality traditional flour in its cooking. Pasta is hand-made of course. I've enjoyed epic business lunches here. Bentwood chairs and marble tops give it a refined ambience. Indulge in Duck Ragu Gnocchi, Tagliolini al Nero, or the Tipomisu — a delightful take on Tiramisu. The Chef's menu at $60 is great value. 

Our Verdict: Still one of Melbourne’s best pasta destinations, with hatted credentials and consistently outstanding dishes.

Pizzicotto

Strathmore, Melbourne

Pizzicotto in Strathmore — a genuine local hero delivering masterclass Italian cooking with fresh, high-quality ingredients and impeccable service.

In the heart of Melbourne suburbia, Pizzicotto Strathmore emerges as a genuine local hero, delivering a masterclass in traditional Italian cuisine. Helmed by the passionate Sergio, every dish is crafted with heart and soul. We enjoyed a recent visit where we left satiated from classic Italian dishes. The Arancini Siciliani are nothing short of delectable — golden saffron rice balls with beef ragù, peas, and mozzarella in bolognese. The Parmigiana di Melanzane claimed the crown as one of the finest eggplant parmigianas encountered anywhere. The Cotoletta di Vitello (veal with truffle mashed potatoes) is the undisputed standout of the menu. 

Our Verdict: A beloved Strathmore local hero delivering authentic Italian comfort food with genuine heart.

Decca

Yarra Bends, Alphington

Decca — Chef Adam D'Sylva's vibrant bistro in Alphington's Yarra Bends precinct, blending Italian heritage with Asian and French influences.

Located in the vibrant Yarra Bends precinct of Alphington, Decca is helmed by acclaimed chef Adam D'Sylva (formerly of Coda and Tonka). We imbibed a fabulous dinner where Decca felt decadent but approachable. This 80-seat bistro celebrates Italian heritage infused with Asian and French influences. Pasta lovers swoon over the Gigli with Lobster Tail Bisque (crafted with a state-of-the-art $30,000 pasta machine). The 400g Scotch Fillet grilled on the Mibrasa Parrilla with chimichurri is a must. Adam himself moves between kitchen and dining room, ensuring every plate delivers his signature "golden touch." 

Our Verdict: Adam D’Sylva’s Alphington bistro combines creativity, premium produce and serious technical skill.

Rossi

Prahran, Melbourne

Rossi — Good Company Bar Group's flagship Italian venue in Prahran, celebrating five years of memorable dining and vibrant Melbourne nightlife.

Rossi in Prahran is a touch of class and we have enjoyed several rewarding visits where menu highlights have included Tuna Crudo with smoked crème fraîche, pillowy Gnocchi in mushroom cream with pancetta and hazelnuts, Salsiccia Pizza, and an elevated Tiramisu. Wine curated by sommelier legend Laurent Rospars (Michelin-starred Maxim's, Tour d'Argent Paris). Settle near the cosy fireplace, check out the appealing artwork, and enjoy the somewhat elevated Italian dining experience at Rossi, a soul-satisfying gem. 

Our Verdict: Prahran sophistication with excellent food, exceptional wine and a warm, polished atmosphere.