Best Italian Restaurants in Burwood Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Remy |
| Zero-cost winner | Zara Corner |
| Kid-approved | The White Local |
| Under the radar | Iris |
| Wet day saviour | Felix Table |
The best italian food scene in Burwood is better than most people realise. Start at Finn Room, then check out Ash. Deakin University Burwood campus anchors the suburb. Located 12-18km from the CBD, Burwood is part of Melbourne’s Middle South 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 Burwood locals actually recommend.
1. River Cellar — 311 Lygon Lane, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
2. Iris Pantry — 344 Henry Drive, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 52 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. The Northern Press — 55 Lygon Lane, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 38 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The house-made relish ($28) — solid
4. Oliver’s — 211 Henry Drive, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 38 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — solid
5. Finn Bench — 147 Henry Drive, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 43 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Burwood roaster — ask which one.
6. Otto’s — 219 James Grove, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Why Burwood Is Worth Knowing
Deakin University Burwood campus anchors the suburb. Toorak Road strip for retail. The best italian food options here reflect Burwood’s character. For Burwood 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. Archive — 173 Henry Drive, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Blake Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Burwood farmers market when it runs.
8. Oliver Lane — 330 Blake Parade, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Cecil Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
9. The High Press — 135 Henry Drive, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 44 — 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.
10. Nina — 16 Cecil Avenue, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Blake Parade is usually fine.
Get the: The mushroom pasta ($15) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
11. New Local — 181 Blake Parade, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
12. Iris — 57 Cecil Avenue, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Lygon Lane is usually fine.
Try this: The daily soup ($15) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Burwood farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Ashwood Best Italian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Burwood Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Burwood Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Burwood Complete Guide — everything about Burwood
- Compare Suburbs — see how Burwood stacks up
- All Burwood Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best italian food options in Burwood?
Remy is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Burwood good for best italian food?
Yes. Burwood has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Burwood known for?
Deakin University Burwood campus anchors the suburb.
How far is Burwood from Melbourne CBD?
Burwood is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
