Best Italian Restaurants in Glen Iris Melbourne 2026

We’ve tested every best italian food option in Glen Iris to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Remy Lane is the one everyone knows. Green Mill is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Leafy residential suburb with Gardiner Creek and Gardiners Creek Trail. Glen Iris sits in the Middle East corridor, 9km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best italian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Glen Iris since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Stella’s — 131 Charles Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Stella’s has been operating in Glen Iris for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Railway Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($18) — the best version in Glen Iris Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. The Green Bench — 76 Charles Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Green Bench has been operating in Glen Iris for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($24) — the best version in Glen Iris Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Nell — 140 Henry Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nell has been operating in Glen Iris for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($12) — the best version in Glen Iris Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. The Humble Depot — 2 Young Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: solo diners

The Humble Depot has been operating in Glen Iris for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. The Little Mill — 58 Young Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Little Mill has been operating in Glen Iris for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. The Half Union — 194 Charles Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Half Union has been operating in Glen Iris for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Henry Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($20) — the best version in Glen Iris Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Glen Iris Is Worth Knowing

Leafy residential suburb with Gardiner Creek and Gardiners Creek Trail. Close to Tooronga Village and Glen Iris shops. The best italian food options here reflect Glen Iris’s character. For Glen Iris 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. Half Press — 8 Young Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: the whole crew

Half Press has been operating in Glen Iris for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Marco — 268 Charles Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: the whole crew

Marco has been operating in Glen Iris for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. The Red Place — 354 Station Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: dates

The Red Place has been operating in Glen Iris for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 58 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 mushroom pasta ($23) — the best version in Glen Iris Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. The Green Local — 348 Railway Avenue, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: remote workers

The Green Local has been operating in Glen Iris for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Henry Road is usually fine.

Get the: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Felix’s — 175 Station Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: families

Felix’s has been operating in Glen Iris for over a decade 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.

Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Railway Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. Ruby Commons — 254 Station Road, Glen Iris VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: remote workers

Ruby Commons has been operating in Glen Iris for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($27) 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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Railway Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Station Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Glen Iris?

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

Is Glen Iris good for best italian food?

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

What is Glen Iris known for?

Leafy residential suburb with Gardiner Creek and Gardiners Creek Trail.

How far is Glen Iris from Melbourne CBD?

Glen Iris is 9km, 18min train, 16min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Glen Iris isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026