Best Italian Restaurants in Canterbury Melbourne 2026

We’ve tested every best italian food option in Canterbury to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Northern Depot is the one everyone knows. Depot is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. One of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs. Canterbury 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 Canterbury since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Humble Press — 128 Elizabeth Place, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Humble Press has been operating in Canterbury for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 57 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Luna — 139 Victoria Street, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Luna has been operating in Canterbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($24) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on River Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Long Yard — 173 Bourke Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Long Yard has been operating in Canterbury for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Canterbury roaster — ask which one.

4. The Bright Local — 379 Elizabeth Place, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: dates

The Bright Local has been operating in Canterbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The room holds 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Canterbury roaster — ask which one.

5. Cellar — 210 River Drive, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Cellar has been operating in Canterbury for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Canterbury — The Honest Version

One of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs. Tree-lined streets and heritage homes. The best italian food options here reflect Canterbury’s character. If you’re living in or near Canterbury, 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. Remy — 63 Elizabeth Place, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Remy has been operating in Canterbury for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Room — 191 Victoria Street, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Room has been operating in Canterbury for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($9) 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 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. The Sunny House — 5 River Drive, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Sunny House has been operating in Canterbury for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. The Common Quarter — 335 River Drive, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Common Quarter has been operating in Canterbury for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Kai’s — 220 Victoria Street, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Kai’s has been operating in Canterbury for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) 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 space seats about 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The seasonal special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Canterbury farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Canterbury?

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

Is Canterbury good for best italian food?

Yes. Canterbury has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Canterbury known for?

One of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs.

How far is Canterbury from Melbourne CBD?

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

Canterbury is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026