Best Italian Restaurants in Box Hill South Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | The Half Yard |
| Zero-cost winner | Otto Cellar |
| Kid-approved | Lucky Lane |
| Under the radar | Marco Bench |
| Wet day saviour | Marco’s |
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
Capacity is around 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bourke Drive is usually fine.
Order this: The daily soup ($16) — solid 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
Capacity is around 53 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The lamb shoulder ($11) — solid 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
Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($12) — solid 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
The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bourke Drive is usually fine.
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 space seats about 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Rowan Parade is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The fish special ($18) — solid
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
Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Place is usually fine.
Get the: The seasonal special ($17) — solid
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
The space seats about 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Bay Road is usually fine.
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
The room holds 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Rowan Parade is usually fine.
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
