Best Italian Restaurants in Ferntree Gully Melbourne 2026

Ferntree Gully has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Honest Place and The Old Depot lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Ferntree Gully 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. Cleo’s — 257 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Cleo’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.

2. Cleo — 73 Blake Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: families

Cleo has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Finn’s — 38 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: remote workers

Finn’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.

4. Corner — 363 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Corner has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($25) — the best version in Ferntree Gully Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Bright Social — 4 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: solo diners

Bright Social has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 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.

The space seats about 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Makes Ferntree Gully Different

Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. The best italian food options here reflect Ferntree Gully’s character. Whether you’re based in Ferntree Gully 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.

6. Rex’s — 131 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Rex’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($26) — the best version in Ferntree Gully Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Remy’s — 358 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Remy’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($22) — the best version in Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Depot — 354 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Depot has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Humble Social — 90 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Humble Social has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($14) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. The Bright Post — 108 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: dates

The Bright Post has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Ferntree Gully?

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

Is Ferntree Gully good for best italian food?

Yes. Ferntree Gully has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Ferntree Gully known for?

Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks.

How far is Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?

Ferntree Gully is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Ferntree Gully to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026