Best Italian Restaurants in Croydon Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Rex |
| Best free option | House |
| Best for families | Humble Mill |
| Best local secret | Vera Kitchen |
| Best for rainy days | The Little Lane |
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
Capacity is around 57 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Ash Street is usually fine.
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
The room holds 58 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Elizabeth Avenue is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 43 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Main Lane is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The crispy chicken ($18) — solid 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
Capacity is around 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Elizabeth Avenue is usually fine.
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 room holds 40 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 51 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bay Place is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
