Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne
When it comes to Italian restaurants, Melbourne has plenty to choose from! With so many trendy pizza bars and wholesome mama and papa eateries dotted throughout the cosmopolitan city, you could almost be led to believe you are in Europe.
If you’re unsure where to go, Melbourne’s Lygon Street in the inner city suburb of Carlton is a great place to start. Known by locals as Melbourne’s Little Italy, this cultural hub is sure to delight. With high-end Italian establishments and more budget-friendly pasta bars lining the popular strip of shops, you are guaranteed to find an Italian eatery you love.
Of course, when you are new to Melbourne, you may not know that Italian dining is not only limited to the suburb of Carlton. Indeed, many other areas of Melbourne offer the option of good quality Italian eating. Let us show you where!
Etto Pasta Bar
Located in inner-city South Melbourne, Etto Pasta Bar is a popular Italian eatery focused, perhaps unsurprisingly, on delivering fresh and flavoursome pasta dishes.
From firm favourites of lasagna al forno and creamy carbonara to more obscure and even vegan options, the pasta menu is extensive. Of course, while Etto does offer other menu options - such as thin-crust pizzas and cheesy garlic bread - pasta dishes are its drawcard.
Another drawcard, of course, is its price point. Its Italian founders were famously quoted as saying - “‘Why shouldn’t you be able to get the goodness of a home-cooked meal with the flavours of an Italian trattoria for the price and convenience of a burger?” And indeed, why not? Etto Pasta Bar proudly provides diners with quality pasta dishes at a fraction of the cost of a more fancy establishment, without compromising on flavour.
Grossi Florentino
The institution that is Grossi Florentino has been touted by many as Melbourne’s number-one Italian eatery. The old-school establishment’s take on traditional techniques sits well with Melburnian diners, and the opulent dining room setting only serves to set the tone.
As for the dishes that grace its white-napkined table tops? Delectable. Diners can choose from several different dishes, or, if they’re in the mood for a long lunch, lingering over the extravagant set menu is delightful. Luxury ingredients such as suckling pig and venison serve up a dining experience that is virtually unsurpassed. There’s no wonder Grossi Florentino remains a firm favourite in the eyes of many Melburnians.
Tipo 00
The central CBD favourite Tipo 00 is, certainly, not the newest kid on the block. But that doesn’t stop it from being one of those places Melburnians can’t seem to stop going back to.
Serving up steaming hot bowls of ragu pappardelle, amongst other cream-laden, carb-loaded delights, it’s no wonder the restaurant has a solid repeat client base. The best thing? It’s arguably not even that expensive (when compared to other fine dining fooderies)! You can even just duck in for a quick midweek pasta and wine on the way home from work.
If you want a more lavish experience, however, Tipo 00 can deliver this too. Save room for the extravagant dessert menu, especially their now-famous ‘Tipomisu’, which features licks of salted caramel to elevate the traditional dish. You won’t regret it!
Pepe’s Italian & Liquor
Ultra-glamorous city hotspot Pepe’s Italian and Liquor draws quite the trendy crowd, and Melbourne’s dining divas of the foodie scene are sure to be found here.
Reminiscent of a New York-style Italian bistro and serving up decadent dishes paired with cool cocktail concoctions, Pepe’s sure knows how to deliver a good time. Most suited to people who like to share, the plates are generously portioned and always delicious. Choose from the huge selection of antipasto platters. Or, try one of their many specialty pizzas. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Given the many varied options we have at our disposal, choosing the best Italian restaurant in Melbourne is quite a challenge! Ultimately though, it will come down to how you prefer to dine. Are you seeking a quick, casual bite? Try South Melbourne’s Etto Pasta Bar, or Tipo 00 in the CBD. After a more decadent dining experience? Grossi Florentino and Pepe’s Italian Liquor are sure to please. Regardless of which restaurant you choose, you will be in for a treat!
