Best Italian Restaurants in Heathmont Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Must-visit | Iris’s |
| No-cost pick | Mia’s |
| Best with kids | The Bright Depot |
| Hidden spot | Stella Social |
| Bad weather pick | The Sunny Table |
The best italian food scene in Heathmont is better than most people realise. Start at Nina, then check out The Little Union. Quiet suburb at base of Dandenong Ranges. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Heathmont is part of Melbourne’s Outer 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 Heathmont locals actually recommend.
1. Blue Local — 103 Edward Drive, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Blue Local has been operating in Heathmont for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.
Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Johnston Terrace is usually fine.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
2. Marco’s — 375 Brunswick Crescent, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Marco’s has been operating in Heathmont for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The daily soup ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Heathmont farmers market when it runs.
3. Commons — 85 Young Street, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Commons has been operating in Heathmont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.
Go for: The crispy chicken ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. The Sunny House — 85 Young Street, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: families
The Sunny House has been operating in Heathmont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The fish special ($14) — the best version in Heathmont Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.
5. Hugo’s — 282 Johnston Terrace, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: groups
Hugo’s has been operating in Heathmont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($15) 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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
What Nobody Tells You About Heathmont
Quiet suburb at base of Dandenong Ranges. Heathmont Village strip has local shops. The best italian food options here reflect Heathmont’s character. For Heathmont 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.
6. Little Table — 11 Johnston Terrace, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: groups
Little Table has been operating in Heathmont for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elm Road is usually fine.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Heathmont farmers market when it runs.
7. The High Depot — 98 Brunswick Crescent, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: dates
The High Depot has been operating in Heathmont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($9) 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 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Road is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
8. Ada Quarter — 168 Elm Road, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Ada Quarter has been operating in Heathmont for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Johnston Terrace is usually fine.
Start with: The daily soup ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
9. Rex’s — 208 Brunswick Crescent, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Rex’s has been operating in Heathmont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($14) 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 38 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 pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
10. New Union — 280 Young Street, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
New Union has been operating in Heathmont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) 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 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
Explore More
- Ringwood East Best Italian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Heathmont Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Heathmont Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Heathmont Complete Guide — everything about Heathmont
- Compare Suburbs — see how Heathmont stacks up
- All Heathmont Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best italian food options in Heathmont?
Iris’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Heathmont good for best italian food?
Yes. Heathmont has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Heathmont known for?
Quiet suburb at base of Dandenong Ranges.
How far is Heathmont from Melbourne CBD?
Heathmont is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Heathmont is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026

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