Best Italian Restaurants in Hughesdale Melbourne 2026

Hughesdale has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Red Press and Ivy lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Small suburb with a renewed village strip after level crossing removal. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Hughesdale 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. The Honest Table — 228 William Grove, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Honest Table has been operating in Hughesdale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The room holds 36 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 charcuterie board ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Hughesdale farmers market when it runs.

2. Post — 221 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

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

Post has been operating in Hughesdale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($20) — the best version in Hughesdale Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Kai — 48 Ash Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: solo diners

Kai has been operating in Hughesdale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($25) 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 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Canvas — 82 James Parade, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Canvas has been operating in Hughesdale for since the early 2020s 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 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. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

5. The Green Place — 24 Rowan Lane, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Green Place has been operating in Hughesdale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

What Nobody Tells You About Hughesdale

Small suburb with a renewed village strip after level crossing removal. Poath Road shops. Close to Chadstone Shopping Centre. The best italian food options here reflect Hughesdale’s character. If you’re living in or near Hughesdale, 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. The Blue Store — 161 Rowan Lane, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Blue Store has been operating in Hughesdale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($26) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The fish special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Theo Commons — 228 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: dates

Theo Commons has been operating in Hughesdale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($9) 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 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Collective — 88 Rowan Lane, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: families

Collective has been operating in Hughesdale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hughesdale roaster — ask which one.

9. Mia’s — 152 Ash Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Mia’s has been operating in Hughesdale for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Union — 149 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: solo diners

Union has been operating in Hughesdale for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The seasonal special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hughesdale roaster — ask which one.

11. Pearl — 144 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Pearl has been operating in Hughesdale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Ash Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Hughesdale?

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

Is Hughesdale good for best italian food?

Yes. Hughesdale has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Hughesdale known for?

Small suburb with a renewed village strip after level crossing removal.

How far is Hughesdale from Melbourne CBD?

Hughesdale is 14km, 24min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Hughesdale: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026