Best Italian Restaurants in Collingwood Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Depot |
| Best free option | Commons |
| Best for families | Stella |
| Best local secret | Pearl’s |
| Best for rainy days | Oliver’s |
We’ve tested every best italian food option in Collingwood to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The White Pantry is the one everyone knows. House is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips. Collingwood sits in the Inner East corridor, 3km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best italian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Collingwood since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Hazel Works — 193 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: budget eaters
Hazel Works has been operating in Collingwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.
Capacity is around 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The fish special ($13) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
2. Felix Corner — 135 Albert Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: remote workers
Felix Corner has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($21) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The fish special ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.
3. The Lucky Social — 281 Albert Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The Lucky Social has been operating in Collingwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.
The room holds 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Terrace is usually fine.
Go for: The seasonal special ($16) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. The White Cellar — 348 Bell Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: groups
The White Cellar has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Collingwood roaster — ask which one.
5. Room — 9 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: the whole crew
Room has been operating in Collingwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($26) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The daily soup ($27) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Collingwood roaster — ask which one.
6. Hazel Standard — 137 Cecil Avenue, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: solo diners
Hazel Standard has been operating in Collingwood 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 54 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The house-made relish ($17) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
What Nobody Tells You About Collingwood
Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips. Craft breweries, galleries, and independent bars. The best italian food options here reflect Collingwood’s character. Whether you’re based in Collingwood 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.
7. Old Lane — 233 Albert Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the whole crew
Old Lane has been operating in Collingwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.
The space seats about 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Collingwood farmers market when it runs.
8. Local — 224 Cecil Avenue, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: budget eaters
Local has been operating in Collingwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The seasonal special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Old Union — 21 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Old Union has been operating in Collingwood for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Terrace is usually fine.
Come back for: The house-made relish ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
10. Ash Commons — 49 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: remote workers
Ash Commons has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The seasonal special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
11. Good Post — 154 Bell Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Good Post has been operating in Collingwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.
The room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Albert Terrace is usually fine.
Order this: The seasonal special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
12. Union — 208 Cecil Avenue, Collingwood VIC 3174
What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: budget eaters
Union has been operating in Collingwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Richmond Best Italian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Collingwood Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Collingwood Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Collingwood Complete Guide — everything about Collingwood
- Compare Suburbs — see how Collingwood stacks up
- All Collingwood Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best italian food options in Collingwood?
Depot is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Collingwood good for best italian food?
Yes. Collingwood has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Collingwood known for?
Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips.
How far is Collingwood from Melbourne CBD?
Collingwood is 3km, 10min tram, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.
The truth about Collingwood: 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

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