Best Italian Restaurants in Footscray Melbourne 2026

We’ve tested every best italian food option in Footscray to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Common Local is the one everyone knows. The Southern Room is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. One of Melbourne’s most exciting food suburbs. Footscray sits in the Inner West corridor, 5km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best italian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Footscray since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Ada Yard — 122 Elizabeth Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ada Yard has been operating in Footscray for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Ash Street after 6pm.

2. Finn’s — 371 Elm Crescent, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Finn’s has been operating in Footscray for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elizabeth Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Stella Kitchen — 225 Ash Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Stella Kitchen has been operating in Footscray for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elm Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Merchant — 358 Elizabeth Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: families

Merchant has been operating in Footscray for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($12) 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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Gus’s — 258 Maple Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Gus’s has been operating in Footscray for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($12) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Railway Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

What Nobody Tells You About Footscray

One of Melbourne’s most exciting food suburbs. Vietnamese, Ethiopian, African, and South Asian cuisines. Footscray Market. The best italian food options here reflect Footscray’s character. Whether you’re based in Footscray 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. Society — 157 Maple Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Society has been operating in Footscray for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($26) 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. The Old Store — 358 Maple Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Old Store has been operating in Footscray for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Drive is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Nell — 273 Elm Crescent, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Nell has been operating in Footscray for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Maple Street after 6pm.

9. Ada’s — 25 Elizabeth Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ada’s has been operating in Footscray for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Railway Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($26) — the best version in Footscray Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Mabel’s — 140 Maple Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Mabel’s has been operating in Footscray for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elm Crescent is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Leo’s — 127 Elizabeth Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Leo’s has been operating in Footscray 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 room holds 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Footscray?

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

Is Footscray good for best italian food?

Yes. Footscray has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Footscray known for?

One of Melbourne’s most exciting food suburbs.

How far is Footscray from Melbourne CBD?

Footscray is 5km, 8min train, 10min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Footscray 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