Best Italian Restaurants in Blackburn Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Nina’s |
| Free highlight | Ruby Union |
| Family-friendly | Remy’s |
| Locals only | Yard |
| Indoor option | Otto Lane |
The best italian food scene in Blackburn is better than most people realise. Start at Ruby, then check out Nell. 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
Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 48 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Blackburn farmers market when it runs.
What Nobody Tells You About Blackburn
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
Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The seasonal special ($16) — solid
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
The space seats about 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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?
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
