Elwood has a italian food scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs polished, family-friendly, upscale — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every italian food spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money. The cheaper end gets you handmade pasta, the higher end gets you risotto done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. Room — 184 North Road
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $20-34 per person
Room is the benchmark for italian food in Elwood. The osso buco is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The tiramisu is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Rex — 229 Elizabeth Grove
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm Price: $16-29 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Room but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The risotto here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The handmade pasta ($16). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Yard — 32 Johnston Avenue
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $15-28 per person
Yard opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. The Rustic Kitchen — 220 Mary Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $14-30 per person
The takeaway option on this list. The Rustic Kitchen doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Elwood. The osso buco ($14) is the standout.
5. Red Corner — 267 Pine Grove
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $14-25 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The risotto ($26) and the handmade pasta ($25) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a italian food place. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Pine Grove is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Elwood.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: The Rustic Kitchen and Room are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- South Yarra Italian Food
- Prahran Italian Food
- Elwood Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Elwood Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Elwood Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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