Best Italian Restaurants in Aintree Melbourne 2026

Aintree has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Honest Room and Stella lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 28km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer West region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Aintree resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. White Bench — 130 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

White Bench has been operating in Aintree for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($9) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Otto’s — 50 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Otto’s has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. The Southern Quarter — 350 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: solo diners

The Southern Quarter has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

4. Cleo’s — 146 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Cleo’s has been operating in Aintree for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 57 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Lane is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Why Locals Stay in Aintree

Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton. Opened in 2018. The best italian food options here reflect Aintree’s character. If you’re living in or near Aintree, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Finn Store — 370 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Finn Store has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Place is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Aintree farmers market when it runs.

6. Iris’s — 241 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Iris’s has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 58 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Otto Table — 121 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Otto Table has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Old Quarter — 45 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: families

Old Quarter has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The daily soup ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Craigieburn South Best Italian Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Aintree Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Aintree Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Aintree Complete Guide — everything about Aintree
• Compare Suburbs — see how Aintree stacks up
• All Aintree Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Aintree?

Golden Yard is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Aintree good for best italian food?

Yes. Aintree has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Aintree known for?

Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton.

How far is Aintree from Melbourne CBD?

Aintree is 28km, no direct train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Aintree is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026