Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Sunshine

Price

££
£££
££££

Regions

Inner CityInner City NorthInner EastInner SouthNorthern Suburbs

Areas

Ascot ValeCarltonClifton HillEast MelbourneEssendonMelbourne CBD

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

16 restaurants available nearby

1. Bar Brillo

4.5

Awesome(2)

££££Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Niddrie

Booked 6 times today

Our mission with Bar Brillo is to create a place to enjoy awesome local and imported wines as well as small plates designed to share and made with great ingredients.Why Brillo? Brillo means “tipsy” in Italian and also “I shine”. So we hope the food will shine and the drinks won’t get you too Brillo.We can’t wait to have you all back into our venue, and to start cooking some great food.

A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant

2. Cecconi's Flinders Lane

4.8

Exceptional(1205)

££££Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 25 times today

Cecconi's Flinders Lane is a "Melbourne institution" that offers an exceptional dining experience with its authentic Contemporary Italian cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne CBD, this sophisticated restaurant has been awarded the prestigious One Hat by The Age Good Food Guide consistently from 2006 to 2023. Diners rave about the "sublime" meals, highlighting dishes like the seafood linguine and veal cotoletta. The restaurant is celebrated for its "impeccable" service and a "wonderful ambience," creating a memorable experience. With a menu that offers real choice and a wine list to match, Cecconi’s stands out as a top destination for Italian fare.

A photo of Teatro Gastronomia restaurant

3. Teatro Gastronomia

4.4

Awesome(1078)

££££Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Southbank

Booked 43 times today

Teatro Gastronomia, nestled along the vibrant Southbank Promenade, offers an exquisite Contemporary Italian dining experience that captures the true essence of Italy. Guests rave about the “amazing food and even better service,” consistently highlighting the restaurant’s “delicious” offerings, from traditional wood-fired pizzas to delectable pasta dishes. With its fresh, seasonal produce-driven menu, Teatro manages to keep its offerings both authentic and innovative, providing plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The stunning views of the Yarra River add to the atmosphere, making it a perfect pre-show dining spot. Diners consistently praise it as a “highly recommended” destination for Italian cuisine lovers.

A photo of DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda restaurant

4. DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda

4.5

Awesome(108)

££££Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • St Kilda

Booked 22 times today

DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar in St Kilda offers a delightful journey into Contemporary Italian cuisine, seamlessly blending tradition with modern flair. Nestled by the scenic Port Phillip Bay, DOC captures the essence of Italy’s present-day dining. Guests rave about the “outstanding” San Daniele pizza, “absolutely delicious” duck pasta, and the unique Gnudi—a rare Italian treat. The staff, celebrated for their “warm, passionate, and knowledgeable service,” enhance the experience, making diners feel like VIPs. Whether you're savoring a meal with ocean views or enjoying a cozy evening indoors, DOC promises an unforgettable taste of Italy right in Melbourne.

5. Bar Taralli

new

4.6

Exceptional(4)

££££Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Melbourne

Booked 7 times today

Lead by renowned Melbourne chef Salvatore Giorgio, Bar Taralli celebrates the rustic flavours and traditions from the South of Italy.Inspired by the regions simple yet bold approach to food, Bar Taralli focuses on bringing out authentic flavours in every dish.Creating a warm and inviting space for patrons to gather, this is Salvatore's love letter to his homeland, a region that deeply shaped his culinary philosophy. Salvatore welcomes you to his new home, a place to share his rich food culture with Melbourne foodies.

6. Luci

4.4

Awesome(214)

££££Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 6 times today

Luci offers a delightful journey into the world of Contemporary Italian cuisine, nestled in the heart of Melbourne's historic Equity Chambers Building. This hidden gem is celebrated for its "superb" culinary creations that beautifully blend delicate flavors with light, balanced dishes. Diners rave about the "amazing food," with standout mentions of the chef's selection being "outstanding" and the snapper with mushroom sauce being a particular highlight. The ambience, reminiscent of an old-world charm, provides a "fabulous" and sophisticated backdrop, making it an ideal spot for romantic dinners or intimate gatherings. With attentive service and impeccable presentation, Luci ensures a truly memorable dining experience.

A photo of D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant

7. D.O.C Osteria Carlton

4.5

Awesome(39)

££££Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Carlton

Booked 16 times today

D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.

A photo of Geppetto Trattoria restaurant

8. Geppetto Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(122)

££££Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • East Melbourne

Booked 13 times today

Geppetto Trattoria, nestled in East Melbourne, is a vibrant beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Since 1981, this family-owned gem has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its authentic home-style Italian cooking. Diners rave about the "delicious home-cooked food" and "superb quality" of dishes like the rich Osso Buco and classic Spaghetti Pescatora. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and attentive service create a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you're savoring a glass of Italian wine or indulging in perfectly cooked seafood, Geppetto Trattoria promises an "authentic, quality dining experience" that you won't soon forget.

9. Tutti Trattoria

4.3

Awesome(12)

££££Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Essendon

We grew up on Nonna’s classic pizzas, freshly made pasta and Italian sweets. Noisy family gatherings, a little indulgence and a lot of fun. And everyone was welcome.Now we extend the invitation to you. Tutti Trattoria is the recreation of these family moments, with a little makeover. Our gorgeous interior brings a taste of Italy to the heart of Essendon. Each of our rooms reflects a unique vibe, from our southern Italian trattoria to our decadent and intimate upstairs restaurant.And the food. We believe good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be made fresh, with quality ingredients, and a little love. Come on in and see what all the fuss is about.

10. Funghi E Tartufo

4.4

Awesome(113)

££££Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 24 times today

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, Funghi E Tartufo offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. This plant-based restaurant, led by Chef Alessandra D'Angelo, masterfully blends traditional Italian flavors with a modern, earth-friendly twist. The pappardelle with mushroom and truffle sauce is a standout, described by diners as “simply not possible to go wrong.” Guests rave about the “amazing plant-based food” and the impeccable service, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether vegan or not, patrons leave with a “new appreciation for food” and a desire to return for more delightful culinary adventures.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
SamVIP
Gold Coast •7 reviews
5.0
Dined today
The special lunch of pasta and wine for $25 was excellent value and the pasta was delicious. The service was very attentive.
More info
Bar TaralliPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Melbourne
•
4.6
A
Adam
Perth •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing food - daughter said pasta was the best she ever had and she has lived on pasta basically for 18yrs.
More info
Cecconi's Flinders LanePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
R
Rowena
Victoria •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was delicious. Service was excellent at every stage, from the greeting to us leaving. Atmosphere is great, but noisy so difficult to chat. But we were there to eat so we chatted later. I would return and would recommend.
More info
Teatro GastronomiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Southbank
•
4.4
L
Laura
Tasmania •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing!! The service was so good and we got our food incredibly fast and it was all incredible! The best pizza I’ve ever had but it was all lovely from the calamari to that fabulous focassia with their home made butter! You have to check this place out if you’re in Melbourne and surrounds!
More info
DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St KildaPrice: Expensive• Italian• St Kilda
•
4.5
V
Voula
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on 5 Mar 2025
Delicious imaginative food curated with care. Friendly atmosphere and nice cosy vibe. The wines are always good, my favourite is one of the orange ones. Our server was friendly and attentive.
More info
Bar BrilloPrice: Expensive• Wine Bar• Niddrie
•
4.5

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