Best Italian Restaurants in Hawthorn East Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Hawthorn East is growing every year. Start at Gus, then check out Otto’s. Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Hawthorn East is part of Melbourne’s Middle East 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 Hawthorn East locals actually recommend.

1. Iris Standard — 235 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Iris Standard has been operating in Hawthorn East for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Mia Room — 371 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mia Room has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Ash Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($17) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Max’s — 296 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Max’s has been operating in Hawthorn East 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($17) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Zara — 263 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

Zara has been operating in Hawthorn East for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elizabeth Drive is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Why Locals Stay in Hawthorn East

Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. The best italian food options here reflect Hawthorn East’s character. If you’re living in or near Hawthorn East, 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. The Humble Room — 113 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Humble Room has been operating in Hawthorn East for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. High Local — 360 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

High Local has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($18) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Long Commons — 35 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Long Commons has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 64 — 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 pumpkin risotto ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

8. Red Depot — 314 South Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Red Depot has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hawthorn East roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Hawthorn East?

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

Is Hawthorn East good for best italian food?

Yes. Hawthorn East has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Hawthorn East known for?

Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops.

How far is Hawthorn East from Melbourne CBD?

Hawthorn East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Hawthorn East 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