Best Italian Restaurants in Chelsea Heights Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Chelsea Heights is growing every year. Start at Ivy’s, then check out Southern Quarter. Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Located 18-41km from the CBD, Chelsea Heights is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Chelsea Heights locals actually recommend.

1. Max’s — 28 Cecil Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

Max’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Bright Pantry — 59 Cecil Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Bright Pantry has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lygon Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Blue Store — 270 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Blue Store has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Stella’s — 1 Plenty Place, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Stella’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($28) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: They source produce from Chelsea Heights farmers market when it runs.

Why Chelsea Heights Is Worth Knowing

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Chelsea Heights Hotel is a local landmark. The best italian food options here reflect Chelsea Heights’s character. If you’re living in or near Chelsea Heights, 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. The Lucky Corner — 164 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Lucky Corner has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Mia Place — 38 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Mia Place has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The space seats about 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lygon Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Gus Place — 101 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Gus Place has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Chelsea Heights roaster — ask which one.

8. River’s — 8 Cecil Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

River’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($27) 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 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. The Tall Place — 202 Plenty Place, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: dates

The Tall Place has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Plenty Place is usually fine.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Chelsea Heights?

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

Is Chelsea Heights good for best italian food?

Yes. Chelsea Heights has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Chelsea Heights known for?

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale.

How far is Chelsea Heights from Melbourne CBD?

Chelsea Heights is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Chelsea Heights 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