Best Italian Restaurants in Box Hill South Melbourne 2026

We’ve tested every best italian food option in Box Hill South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Kai’s is the one everyone knows. The Old Standard is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Quiet residential area between Box Hill and Burwood. Box Hill South sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best italian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Box Hill South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Ruby — 260 Margaret Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ruby has been operating in Box Hill South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($12) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Box Hill South farmers market when it runs.

2. Zara Commons — 306 Margaret Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Zara Commons has been operating in Box Hill South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Ivy’s — 343 Bourke Drive, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ivy’s has been operating in Box Hill South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($17) — the best version in Box Hill South Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Lena’s — 370 Bourke Drive, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: families

Lena’s has been operating in Box Hill South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) 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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Marco Union — 270 Bourke Drive, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Marco Union has been operating in Box Hill South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. Stella — 41 Bridge Place, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: dates

Stella has been operating in Box Hill South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

The Box Hill South That Locals Know

Quiet residential area between Box Hill and Burwood. Strong schools. The best italian food options here reflect Box Hill South’s character. For Box Hill South 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.

7. The Sunny Store — 139 Rowan Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Sunny Store has been operating in Box Hill South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Sunny House — 57 Bay Road, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: dates

Sunny House has been operating in Box Hill South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Rowan Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($14) — the best version in Box Hill South Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

9. Stella Press — 231 Bay Road, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Stella Press has been operating in Box Hill South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($12) 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Remy’s — 328 Rowan Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Remy’s has been operating in Box Hill South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bridge Place is usually fine.

Get the: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Marco Commons — 223 Bridge Place, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Marco Commons has been operating in Box Hill South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Road is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($12) — the best version in Box Hill South Insider tip: They source produce from Box Hill South farmers market when it runs.

12. Finn Store — 276 Rowan Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Finn Store has been operating in Box Hill South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($11) 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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Rowan Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Box Hill South?

The Half Yard is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Box Hill South good for best italian food?

Yes. Box Hill South has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Box Hill South known for?

Quiet residential area between Box Hill and Burwood.

How far is Box Hill South from Melbourne CBD?

Box Hill South is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Box Hill South won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026