Local Review of Italian Restaurants in Melbourne Central
Why Italian Cuisine Thrives in Melbourne
Italian immigrants have been coming to Australia for about 200 years, and when they arrived, they brought pieces of home with them as well, and that is through their cooking.
It was because of the Italians that Melbourne loves their share of pizza, pasta, and even gelato which can be found almost everywhere. With Italian food also comes a sense of comfort, fun and family that many Italian restaurants in Melbourne try to achieve. And we listed some of our favourites.
Top Italian Restaurants in Melbourne Central
1. Classic Italian Trattorias in Melbourne Central
Trattoria Emilia
If you’re looking for a traditional Italian restaurant in Melbourne Central, look no further than Trattoria Emilia.
Quality and tradition are the cornerstone of this establishment and you can expect delicious food made with sustainable and carefully sourced ingredients. They offer delicious starters like their Farinata and Burrata as well as their homemade pasta like their signature tortellini in brodo (which only chef Luca knows how to make).
So if you want to feel like you’re in an Italian Trattoria and you’re welcomed like family, this is the place to be.
Address: 360 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Business Hours: Lunch: 12 PM-3 PM from Tuesday to Friday, Dinner: 5 PM-10 PM from Tuesday to Saturday
Website: https://www.emiliamelbourne.com.au/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 9-min walk
Pellegrini’s
Since 1954, Pellegrini’s has been an establishment in Melbourne. Their interiors take you back in time with their large neon sign, red vinyl stools and chequerboard tiles. Their menu also features some classics such as their spaghetti bolognese, lasagne and their iconic tiramisu while making you feel like you’re right at home.
Fun, traditional and quick service are just a few of the reasons people love Pellgrini’s.
Address: 66 Bourke St., Melbourne
Business Hours: 8 AM-9 PM from Monday to Thursday and 8 AM-10 PM on Friday & Saturday
Website: Pellegrini Espresso Bar
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 20-min walk
Johnny, Vince & Sam’s Ristorante
Lygon Street in Carlton is known for a string of delicious Italian restaurants. But since we can’t talk about all of them in this article, we had to choose one.
Owned by comedy trio Sooshi Mango, Johnny, Vince & Sam’s came from the idea of eating at your nonna’s house. With authentic Italian dishes and matching decor, it makes you nostalgic for a simpler time.
Their Pasta with de meatballs, eggplant parmigiana and Real Burrata D.O.P. are just some of the delicious dishes to try when you step into this restaurant.
Address: 306-308 Lygon St., Carlton
Business Hours: 12 PM-11 PM from Monday to Sunday
Website: https://www.johnnyvinceandsams.com/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 20-min tram
2. Modern Italian Bistros for a Contemporary Twist
Tipo 00
Named after the flour famously used to make pasta and pizza dough, Tip 00 has become an establishment when it comes to Italian restaurants in Melbourne CBD.
From the mind of Andreas Papadakis, Alberto Fava and Luke Skidmore, they have come up with a menu inspired by finding dining but with a more casual approach.
With bestsellers such as their al dente asparagus and sage tortellini, squid-ink tagliolini and gnocchi with porchini mushrooms and braised duck, Tipo 00 will definitely tickle your tastebuds.
Bookings are essential in this restaurant as they always have a full house, no matter the day.
Address: 361 Little Bourke St., Melbourne
Business Hours: 11:30 AM-10 PM from Monday to Saturday
Website: https://www.tipo00.com.au/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 5-min walk
Rocco’s Bologna DiscotecaI
If you’re looking for THE meatball sub, might we suggest you try Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca.
Started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 as a pop-up takeaway shop, Rocco’s quickly turned into a popular go-to. Rocco’s has now become a must visit in Fitzroy for their take on Italian cuisine in Melbourne.
Other than the Rocco’s Original Meatball Sub, don’t miss out on their Albacore Tuna Crudo and their house soft serve paired with their cosy interiors makes for a perfect spot that will keep you coming back.
Address: 15 Gertrude St., Fitzroy
Business Hours:
Lunch: 12 PM-4 PM from Thursday to Sunday
Dinner: 5 PM-10 PM on Wednesday, 5 PM-11 PM from Thursday to Saturday
Website: https://www.roccosbologna.com/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 17-min tram
Tippy-Tay
A nod to the classic Italian trattoria that decided to bend the rules a little bit.
With interiors inspired by the coastlines of Italy with bright colors and hidden inside the iconic Garden State Hotel, Tippy-Tay brings you delicious Italian dishes like their cacio e pepe arancini and their signature Last Night’s Lasange!
Combine these with their signature cocktails like the limoncello spritz and the coconut & water margarita or indulge with the Fountana Negroni. Tippy-Tay will ensure that you have a good time!
Address: Garden State Hotel, 101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Business Hours:
Lunch: 12 PM-2:30 PM from Monday to Sunday
Dinner: 5:30 PM-11 PM from Monday to Sunday
Website: https://tippytay.com.au/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 22-min walk
3. Romantic Italian Restaurants for Date Nights
Grossi Florentino
Want to impress your date with a restaurant where the staff still open the door, hang your jacket, and pull you a chair? Grossi Florentino might just be what you’re looking for.
Opened in 1928 with major renovations and changes in 2013, Grossi Florentino uses top quality ingredients to make dishes that exude the fine dining experience.
Their simple yet elegant interiors make for an intimate setting that is perfect for a romantic evening. With a minimum menu of three courses and their Gran Tour menu with a total of 5 courses allows you to enjoy the food with your loved ones to its fullest.
Address: 80 Bourke St. Melbourne 3000
Business Hours: 12 PM -11 PM from Monday to Friday and 6 PM -11 PM on Saturday
Website: https://www.florentino.com.au/florentino/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 20-min walk
Bar Idda
If your idea for a date is something a little more casual, head on over to Brunswick and try Bar Idda.
Nestled on Lygon St, this cozy Sicilian restaurant is guaranteed to make you and your date feel the love with their homey interiors that make you want to get comfortable there for hours.
With delicious sharing plates, including the mulinciani which will have you fighting for the last piece, you will definitely make your date a memorable one.
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity though, Bar Idda is extremely popular, and we would definitely recommend booking in.
Address: 132 Lygon St. Brunswick East
Business Hours:
Lunch: 12 PM - 2:30 PM from Friday to Sunday
Dinner: 6 PM -10 PM everyday
Website: https://www.baridda.com.au/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 30-min tram ride
Grill Americano
There’s nothing like a gorgeous Florentine steak to make the date memorable.
Another masterpiece of the LUCAS group (alongside restaurants such as Kisume and Society), Grill Americano prides itself in their on their top-quality grill classics and handmade pasta. Together with an ambiance that brings modern elegance, you have a restaurant that will take your breath away.
And make sure to leave room for dessert because you don’t want to miss out on their iconic tiramisu that is definitely going to impress your date.
If you want to give this place a try for a special occasion, don’t forget to book in advance as walking is going to be difficult!
Address: 112 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Business Hours: 12 PM-12 AM Monday to Sunday
Website: https://grillamericano.com/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 20-min walk
Dining Tips for Italian Cuisine Lovers
- If you’re lost in what to order, the best way to find out what’s the best would be to ask the staff for their opinions of the dishes.
- And if you’ve got a little extra cash to spend for dinner, you can always go for the feed me menu and try all the favourites in one go.
Where to stay near Melbourne Central
After having a hearty meal in one of these restaurants, you’ll definitely end up with a food coma, and there’s nothing like passing out in a cozy bed in the heart of Melbourne to end your night.
Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central is the ideal location for all foodie adventures in the city, and since it’s so close to public transport, it can even help you get to those outside the city easily as well. Make the most of your stay in the city and have a good night’s rest in one of our rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Italian Restaurants in Melbourne Central are family-friendly?
Italians are very family-oriented, and many of the restaurants on this list are family-friendly, such as Johnny, Vince & Sam’s and Trattoria Emilia.
Do you need to make a booking for these restaurants?
We always recommend making a booking for any restaurant, especially when you’re over 4 people, because walking in, especially on the weekends, is not easy.
How far is Lygon St to Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central?
Lygon St. is half an hour away by tram. But the good news is, you only need to take one tram to go there! Hop on the 19 tram, which is only a 3-min walk away and head on straight to Lygon St., and you’ll have a million restaurants to choose from!