Best Italian Restaurants in Blackburn Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Blackburn is better than most people realise. Start at Ruby, then check out Nell. Blackburn Lake Sanctuary — 26 hectares of native bush in the heart of suburbia. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Blackburn is part of Melbourne’s Outer East 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 Blackburn locals actually recommend.

1. Yard — 298 Plenty Lane, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Yard has been operating in Blackburn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Tall Store — 92 Plenty Lane, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Tall Store has been operating in Blackburn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Marco — 360 Plenty Lane, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: dates

Marco has been operating in Blackburn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 48 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Atlas — 237 Bay Parade, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Atlas has been operating in Blackburn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($21) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($20) — the best version in Blackburn Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Iris Place — 192 Plenty Lane, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: families

Iris Place has been operating in Blackburn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) 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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Blackburn farmers market when it runs.

What Nobody Tells You About Blackburn

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary — 26 hectares of native bush in the heart of suburbia. The best italian food options here reflect Blackburn’s character. If you’re living in or near Blackburn, 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. The Good Press — 94 Bay Parade, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: families

The Good Press has been operating in Blackburn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Nell’s — 309 Bay Parade, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nell’s has been operating in Blackburn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

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

8. Oliver’s — 59 Plenty Lane, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Oliver’s has been operating in Blackburn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($15) 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 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Leo Commons — 300 Henry Parade, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Leo Commons has been operating in Blackburn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) 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 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Zara — 261 Plenty Lane, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Zara has been operating in Blackburn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Blackburn?

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

Is Blackburn good for best italian food?

Yes. Blackburn has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Blackburn known for?

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary — 26 hectares of native bush in the heart of suburbia.

How far is Blackburn from Melbourne CBD?

Blackburn is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Blackburn 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