Best Italian Restaurants in Cheltenham Melbourne 2026

Cheltenham has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Otto Mill and Max Standard lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 18km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Cheltenham resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Sol — 207 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Sol has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Otto Mill — 254 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: families

Otto Mill has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Otto’s — 306 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: remote workers

Otto’s has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($23) 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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Nico Local — 368 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nico Local has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Crescent is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Cheltenham That Locals Know

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Southland shopping centre nearby. Bayside beach access close. The best italian food options here reflect Cheltenham’s character. Whether you’re based in Cheltenham or visiting from nearby, 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. Old Place — 84 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Old Place has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($27) 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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. The Old Quarter — 279 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Old Quarter has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($13) 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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Cheltenham farmers market when it runs.

7. Society — 35 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Society has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Green Works — 328 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Green Works has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Park Street after 6pm.

9. Ivy’s — 91 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ivy’s has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($10) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Cheltenham?

Theo’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Cheltenham good for best italian food?

Yes. Cheltenham has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Cheltenham known for?

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination.

How far is Cheltenham from Melbourne CBD?

Cheltenham is 18km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Cheltenham: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026