Best Italian Restaurants in Frankston Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Frankston is better than most people realise. Start at The Northern Local, then check out Ruby. Frankston Arts Centre is one of Melbourne’s premier regional arts venues. Located 41km from the CBD, Frankston is part of Melbourne’s Bayside region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Frankston locals actually recommend.

1. Hazel’s — 175 George Place, Frankston VIC 3199

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Hazel’s has been operating in Frankston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($19) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Golden Local — 150 Creek Avenue, Frankston VIC 3199

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Golden Local has been operating in Frankston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($12) 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 47 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. The Humble Bench — 379 George Place, Frankston VIC 3199

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Humble Bench has been operating in Frankston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Golden Lane — 16 Victoria Parade, Frankston VIC 3199

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Golden Lane has been operating in Frankston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on South Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($21) — the best version in Frankston Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

The Frankston That Locals Know

Frankston Arts Centre is one of Melbourne’s premier regional arts venues. 41km from CBD. The best italian food options here reflect Frankston’s character. For Frankston 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.

5. Hazel Pantry — 211 South Avenue, Frankston VIC 3199

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Hazel Pantry has been operating in Frankston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Local — 145 Elm Road, Frankston VIC 3199

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: families

Local has been operating in Frankston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($11) 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Creek Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Luna Mill — 89 Victoria Parade, Frankston VIC 3199

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Luna Mill has been operating in Frankston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on South Avenue is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($16) — the best version in Frankston Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Pearl’s — 166 Victoria Parade, Frankston VIC 3199

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Pearl’s has been operating in Frankston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($11) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Creek Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($14) — the best version in Frankston Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Mia’s — 359 Creek Avenue, Frankston VIC 3199

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mia’s has been operating in Frankston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Frankston?

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

Is Frankston good for best italian food?

Yes. Frankston has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Frankston known for?

Frankston Arts Centre is one of Melbourne’s premier regional arts venues.

How far is Frankston from Melbourne CBD?

Frankston is 41km, 55min train, 47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Frankston 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