Best Italian Restaurants in Hawthorn Melbourne 2026

Hawthorn has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Assembly and The Green Works lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 6km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Hawthorn 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. Felix Local — 6 Maple Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Felix Local has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hawthorn roaster — ask which one.

2. Rex’s — 284 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Rex’s has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. The White Bench — 276 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The White Bench has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Stella Mill — 276 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Stella Mill has been operating in Hawthorn 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.

Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Ada’s — 205 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ada’s has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($23) 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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

6. The Sunny Works — 376 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: dates

The Sunny Works has been operating in Hawthorn for several years 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.

The space seats about 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Maple Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Why Hawthorn Is Worth Knowing

Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University. Hawthorn Arts Centre. The best italian food options here reflect Hawthorn’s character. If you’re living in or near Hawthorn, 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. Ivy — 366 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ivy has been operating in Hawthorn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn farmers market when it runs.

8. Hazel’s — 54 Maple Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: families

Hazel’s has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. The New House — 103 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: remote workers

The New House has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($15) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

10. The White Pantry — 235 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The White Pantry has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Terrace is usually fine.

Get the: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn farmers market when it runs.

11. Gus Commons — 139 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Gus Commons has been operating in Hawthorn 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($20) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

12. Blue Lane — 206 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Blue Lane has been operating in Hawthorn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($23) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($22) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Hawthorn?

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

Is Hawthorn good for best italian food?

Yes. Hawthorn has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Hawthorn known for?

Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University.

How far is Hawthorn from Melbourne CBD?

Hawthorn is 6km, 12min train, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Hawthorn 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