Our Favourite Italian Restaurants in Melbourne

By AQUILA

We take food recommendations very seriously here in the AQUILA office – we are from Melbourne after all. That means when we gathered to write a list of our favourite local Italian restaurants for this blog, the debate was heated, feelings were hurt, and victories were sweet. But the result is a list of places to eat that will have you sampling our favourite Italian spots this city has to offer.

1800 - LASAGNE

When you put the name of a dish in the name of your restaurant, you better hope it lives up to the hype. 1800 Lasagne serves an epic lasagne, no doubts about it, but it delivers on so much more too. Buzzy dining room, buttery garlic bread, and stand out drinks are all excellent accompaniments to the cheesy Italian staple at the heart of this local gem. Check them out.

LEFT: @@phoebepowellphoto Instagram; RIGHT @buffet.digital @nik_to Instagram.

BAR IDDA

A google search will tell you Lygon St is the place to find authentic Italian food in Melbourne. Our recommendation is to bypass the crowds and Italian flags, as we think a little part of Sicily can be found further north than the tourists will venture, at Bar Idda. This place is all about authentic Sicilian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. Book here.

LAGOTTO

Pasta with friends – do you need more of a sell than that? Opposite the San Remo Ballroom, a nostalgic Italian institution in its own right, Lagotto brings a fresh take on classic Italian flavours. Head over on Sunday for their ‘Pasta with Friends’ – a set menu where pasta is the star and the vibe is warm and friendly. Don't skip out on the focaccia. Check them out.

TIPICO

Located on High Street in Windsor, Tipico is a polished pizza and cocktail bar serving authentic, modern Italian cuisine. Somehow rustic yet hip, Tipico has quickly become a local favourite, with dishes like 'Sardine and Polenta (fried sardines with polenta chips), gnocchi mushroom ragu, salsiccia pizza, and patata pizza dominating the menu. Book here.

ROCCO'S BOLOGNA DISCOTECA

The sandwich/panini scene in Melbourne is heaving at the moment - you can't cross the road without stumbling on some new haunt popping cold meats and cheese between bread. If you find yourself wandering down Gertrude on a sunny (or not so sunny) Melbourne afternoon, our suggesting is to pop into Rocco's for your fix. We are torn between two suggestions - the meatball sub with nonna's polpette, or their Bologna Sandwich with mustard and smoked scamorza cheese. Check them out.

OSTERIA ILARIA

A CBD gem, Osteria Ilaria is tucked away on Little Bourke Street, offering modern Italian cuisine in a relaxing, chic environment. This place is the little sibling of the famous Tipo 00 (another of our top Melbourne recommendations), but while Tipo 00 is all about pasta, Osteria Ilaria is obviously shooting for a modern osteria. It’s thoughtful, cosy and tantalising, perfect for date night or a traditional Italian meal with a modern twist. Book here.