Best Italian Restaurants in Kew Melbourne 2026

Kew has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Cleo Cellar and Otto Union 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. Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Kew 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. Cellar — 26 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Cellar has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($25) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($22) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Long Kitchen — 48 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Long Kitchen has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($18) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: Parking is free on King Street after 6pm.

3. Common Standard — 293 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Common Standard has been operating in Kew 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Anderson Road is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. The Honest Post — 241 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Honest Post has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($24) 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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($23) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: They source produce from Kew farmers market when it runs.

5. Nico’s — 212 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Nico’s has been operating in Kew 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

The Kew That Locals Know

Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Studley Park and Yarra Bend Park provide extensive parkland along the Yarra River. The best italian food options here reflect Kew’s character. If you’re living in or near Kew, 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. Old Commons — 241 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Old Commons has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew roaster — ask which one.

7. Gus Corner — 114 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Gus Corner has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Kew farmers market when it runs.

8. Red Mill — 101 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Red Mill has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($11) 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 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew roaster — ask which one.

9. Northern Quarter — 127 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Northern Quarter has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Drive is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Luna Lane — 23 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

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

Luna Lane has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Golden Works — 371 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Golden Works has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Anderson Road is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Kew?

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

Is Kew good for best italian food?

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

What is Kew known for?

Kew Junction and High Street shopping.

How far is Kew from Melbourne CBD?

Kew is 6km, 15min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Kew 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