Best Italian Restaurants in Aspendale Gardens Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Aspendale Gardens is growing every year. Start at Gus Depot, then check out New Yard. Planned residential estate with lakes and parks. Located 18-41km from the CBD, Aspendale Gardens is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Aspendale Gardens locals actually recommend.

1. Finn — 145 Margaret Road, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: budget eaters

Finn has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($11) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Aspendale Gardens farmers market when it runs.

2. Sol Pantry — 80 East Crescent, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Sol Pantry has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. High Place — 355 South Terrace, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

High Place has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The room holds 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Grove is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. The Common Yard — 210 South Terrace, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: dates

The Common Yard has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aspendale Gardens roaster — ask which one.

The Reality of Aspendale Gardens

Planned residential estate with lakes and parks. Family-friendly with good open spaces. The best italian food options here reflect Aspendale Gardens’s character. For Aspendale Gardens locals and anyone in the area, 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. Social — 146 Cecil Drive, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: dates

Social has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on South Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on South Street after 6pm.

6. Pilgrim — 290 Margaret Road, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: remote workers

Pilgrim has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on South Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Mabel Works — 195 Margaret Road, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Mabel Works has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Anchor — 297 Margaret Road, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: groups

Anchor has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 room holds 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Cellar — 119 Cecil Drive, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: families

Cellar has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on South Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Aspendale Gardens?

Luna’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Aspendale Gardens good for best italian food?

Yes. Aspendale Gardens has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Aspendale Gardens known for?

Planned residential estate with lakes and parks.

How far is Aspendale Gardens from Melbourne CBD?

Aspendale Gardens is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Aspendale Gardens isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026