Best Italian Restaurants in Croydon Melbourne 2026

Croydon has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Hazel Cellar and Remy lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 27km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Sits at the base of the Dandenong Ranges. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Croydon 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. Union — 347 Ash Street, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Union has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) 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 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Ash Street is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Lucky Works — 23 Main Lane, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: groups

Lucky Works has been operating in Croydon for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($14) 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 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Nell Local — 89 Ash Street, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: dates

Nell Local has been operating in Croydon for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Honest Place — 176 Elizabeth Avenue, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: dates

Honest Place has been operating in Croydon for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($12) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Ash Cellar — 231 Bay Place, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: groups

Ash Cellar has been operating in Croydon for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Main Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($18) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: They source produce from Croydon farmers market when it runs.

6. Ruby — 308 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ruby has been operating in Croydon for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Why Locals Stay in Croydon

Sits at the base of the Dandenong Ranges. Main Street retains genuine village character. The best italian food options here reflect Croydon’s character. Whether you’re based in Croydon 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. The Little Press — 212 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Little Press has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Avenue is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. The Blue Local — 331 Ash Street, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: families

The Blue Local has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Nina’s — 328 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: families

Nina’s has been operating in Croydon for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Finn Depot — 13 Ash Street, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: groups

Finn Depot has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Place is usually fine.

Get the: The seasonal special ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Golden Standard — 200 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Golden Standard has been operating in Croydon for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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.

Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. Finn — 174 Elizabeth Avenue, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Finn has been operating in Croydon for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Croydon?

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

Is Croydon good for best italian food?

Yes. Croydon has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Croydon known for?

Sits at the base of the Dandenong Ranges.

How far is Croydon from Melbourne CBD?

Croydon is 27km, 42min train, 33min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Croydon 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