Best Italian Restaurants in Epping Melbourne 2026

We’ve tested every best italian food option in Epping to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Vera Place is the one everyone knows. Kai’s is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals. Epping sits in the Outer North corridor, 22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best italian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Epping since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Iris’s — 356 Cecil Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Iris’s has been operating in Epping for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Epping roaster — ask which one.

2. Sunny Kitchen — 332 Bay Street, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Sunny Kitchen has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($9) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Hugo — 319 South Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Hugo has been operating in Epping for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Street is usually fine.

Go for: The house-made relish ($15) — the best version in Epping Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. The Honest Works — 25 Cecil Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Honest Works has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($17) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Leo Kitchen — 214 Charles Lane, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Leo Kitchen has been operating in Epping for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. The Lucky Yard — 280 Bay Street, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Lucky Yard has been operating in Epping for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Charles Lane is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Nobody Tells You About Epping

Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals. Northern terminus of the Mernda rail line. The best italian food options here reflect Epping’s character. For Epping locals and anyone in the area, 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. Marco’s — 188 Cecil Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Marco’s has been operating in Epping for over a decade 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 quarterly 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. Street parking on Cecil Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Remy Local — 344 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Remy Local has been operating in Epping for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($25) 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 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($23) — the best version in Epping Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

9. The Northern Room — 335 Cecil Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: groups

The Northern Room has been operating in Epping for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Epping roaster — ask which one.

10. Finn’s — 172 South Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: families

Finn’s has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Cecil Road is usually fine.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Zara Place — 309 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: dates

Zara Place has been operating in Epping for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Epping farmers market when it runs.

12. Felix — 300 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Felix has been operating in Epping for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Epping?

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

Is Epping good for best italian food?

Yes. Epping has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Epping known for?

Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals.

How far is Epping from Melbourne CBD?

Epping is 22km, 42min train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Epping won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026