Best Italian Restaurants in Kew East Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Kew East is better than most people realise. Start at Pearl’s, then check out The Northern Table. Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Kew 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 Kew East locals actually recommend.

1. The Sunny Mill — 115 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: dates

The Sunny Mill has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($24) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. High Lane — 8 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

High Lane has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($14) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Society — 26 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Society has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

4. Theo Place — 37 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Theo Place has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($22) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($26) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Kew East — The Honest Version

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. The best italian food options here reflect Kew East’s character. If you’re living in or near Kew 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. Nico’s — 215 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Nico’s has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Golden Pantry — 55 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Golden Pantry has been operating in Kew East for over a decade 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 room holds 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The daily soup ($20) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: They source produce from Kew East farmers market when it runs.

7. The Lucky Social — 115 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Lucky Social has been operating in Kew East 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 50 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew East roaster — ask which one.

8. Ada’s — 274 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ada’s has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Street is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Iris Depot — 143 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Iris Depot has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Kew East good for best italian food?

Yes. Kew East has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Kew East known for?

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops.

How far is Kew East from Melbourne CBD?

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

Kew East 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