Best Italian Restaurants in Box Hill Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Box Hill is growing every year. Start at Local, then check out Stella. One of Melbourne’s best collections of Asian restaurants outside the CBD. Located 14km from the CBD, Box Hill is part of Melbourne’s Middle 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 Box Hill locals actually recommend.

1. Blue Bench — 320 Smith Grove, Box Hill VIC 3139

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: groups

Blue Bench has been operating in Box Hill for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Park Road is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Bright Kitchen — 147 Smith Grove, Box Hill VIC 3139

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Bright Kitchen has been operating in Box Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Nico’s — 370 Anderson Parade, Box Hill VIC 3139

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Nico’s has been operating in Box Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Common Bench — 286 Smith Grove, Box Hill VIC 3139

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Common Bench has been operating in Box Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($9) 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 48 — 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 lamb shoulder ($13) — the best version in Box Hill Insider tip: Parking is free on Park Street after 6pm.

Why Locals Stay in Box Hill

One of Melbourne’s best collections of Asian restaurants outside the CBD. Box Hill Central is a significant food precinct. The best italian food options here reflect Box Hill’s character. For Box Hill 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.

5. Sunny Table — 166 Park Road, Box Hill VIC 3139

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: groups

Sunny Table has been operating in Box Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Anderson Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Ruby’s — 307 Anderson Parade, Box Hill VIC 3139

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ruby’s has been operating in Box Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Remy’s — 266 Lygon Drive, Box Hill VIC 3139

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Remy’s has been operating in Box Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($16) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Zara — 201 Anderson Parade, Box Hill VIC 3139

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Zara has been operating in Box Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($24) — the best version in Box Hill Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

Long Depot is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Box Hill good for best italian food?

Yes. Box Hill has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Box Hill known for?

One of Melbourne’s best collections of Asian restaurants outside the CBD.

How far is Box Hill from Melbourne CBD?

Box Hill is 14km, 26min train, 22min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Box Hill 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