Best Italian Restaurants in Bentleigh Melbourne 2026

Bentleigh has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Lucky Mill and Felix Place lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Centre Road dining strip has diverse restaurants. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Bentleigh 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. Ivy — 122 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ivy has been operating in Bentleigh for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Murray Road is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Maple Street after 6pm.

2. The Long Quarter — 198 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Long Quarter has been operating in Bentleigh for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Anderson Road is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($20) — the best version in Bentleigh Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. The High Press — 27 Anderson Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The High Press has been operating in Bentleigh for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Murray Road is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Store — 292 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Store has been operating in Bentleigh for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 47 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Luna’s — 89 Anderson Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Luna’s has been operating in Bentleigh for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($16) 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 room holds 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Anderson Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. The Bright Store — 314 Murray Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: remote workers

The Bright Store has been operating in Bentleigh 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Reality of Bentleigh

Centre Road dining strip has diverse restaurants. Bentleigh station on Frankston line. The best italian food options here reflect Bentleigh’s character. Whether you’re based in Bentleigh or visiting from nearby, 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.

7. Ruby Press — 290 Maple Parade, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ruby Press has been operating in Bentleigh for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Lucky Lane — 285 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Lucky Lane has been operating in Bentleigh for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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.

Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Road is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Rex Union — 206 Anderson Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: budget eaters

Rex Union has been operating in Bentleigh for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Maple Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Bentleigh farmers market when it runs.

10. Gus Union — 5 Murray Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Gus Union has been operating in Bentleigh for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($24) 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. Street parking on West Street is usually fine.

Get the: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Bentleigh Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bentleigh roaster — ask which one.

11. Gus Store — 69 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: remote workers

Gus Store has been operating in Bentleigh for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($26) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Murray Street after 6pm.

12. Leo House — 375 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: groups

Leo House has been operating in Bentleigh for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Bentleigh?

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

Is Bentleigh good for best italian food?

Yes. Bentleigh has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Bentleigh known for?

Centre Road dining strip has diverse restaurants.

How far is Bentleigh from Melbourne CBD?

Bentleigh is 14km, 25min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Bentleigh 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