Best Italian Restaurants in Ashburton Melbourne 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | The Little Depot | | Best with kids | Finn | | Hidden spot | Finn Bench | | Bad weather pick | Rex Press |
The best italian food scene in Ashburton is better than most people realise. Start at Tall Depot, then check out White House. High Street Ashburton has genuine village character. Located 12-18km from the CBD, Ashburton is part of Melbourne’s Middle South region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Ashburton locals actually recommend.
1. Vera — 329 Lake Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
2. Merchant — 178 Margaret Avenue, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 61 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The daily soup ($18) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. White Cellar — 298 Bourke Road, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Margaret Avenue is usually fine.
Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — solid
4. Rosa — 201 Margaret Avenue, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. River — 320 Lake Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.
The Reality of Ashburton
High Street Ashburton has genuine village character. Warner Reserve and Ashburton Park. The best italian food options here reflect Ashburton’s character. If you’re living in or near Ashburton, 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.
6. River — 265 Main Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The charcuterie board ($18) — solid
7. Cleo — 278 Lake Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Ruby — 252 Bourke Road, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Golden Yard — 330 Main Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
10. Rex — 122 Main Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
11. Mabel Mill — 148 High Street, Ashburton VIC 3161
What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: families
The room holds 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Lake Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Malvern East Best Italian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Ashburton Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Ashburton Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Ashburton Complete Guide — everything about Ashburton
- Compare Suburbs — see how Ashburton stacks up
- All Ashburton Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best italian food options in Ashburton?
Cleo Bench is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Ashburton good for best italian food?
Yes. Ashburton has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Ashburton known for?
High Street Ashburton has genuine village character.
How far is Ashburton from Melbourne CBD?
Ashburton is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Ashburton to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.
Last updated: March 2026
