Best Italian Restaurants in Highett Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Highett is better than most people realise. Start at Luna’s, then check out Theo’s. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Located 15km from the CBD, Highett 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 Highett locals actually recommend.

1. The Common Press — 361 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Common Press has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. The Golden Works — 324 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: families

The Golden Works has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Lucky Corner — 124 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Lucky Corner has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($11) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

4. The Northern Corner — 81 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: groups

The Northern Corner has been operating in Highett for several years 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 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

Why Highett Is Worth Knowing

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best italian food options here reflect Highett’s character. For Highett 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. The Honest Mill — 29 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: families

The Honest Mill has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($28) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

6. The White Bench — 323 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The White Bench has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. The New Corner — 70 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: budget eaters

The New Corner has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Hazel’s — 225 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: remote workers

Hazel’s has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Post — 16 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: remote workers

Post has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Highett?

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

Is Highett good for best italian food?

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

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?

Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Highett 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