Best Italian Restaurants in Lilydale Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Store |
| Zero-cost winner | Lena |
| Kid-approved | Oliver |
| Under the radar | The Tall Commons |
| Wet day saviour | Nell |
1. Max Works — 301 Main Drive, Lilydale VIC 3171
What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Railway Lane is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
2. Otto’s — 53 Elizabeth Street, Lilydale VIC 3171
What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
3. High Standard — 340 Railway Lane, Lilydale VIC 3171
What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — solid
4. Store — 217 Charles Crescent, Lilydale VIC 3171
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 57 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Main Drive is usually fine.
5. High Lane — 135 Park Street, Lilydale VIC 3171
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 36 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($18) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
What Lilydale Actually Is
Traditional gateway to the Yarra Valley wine region. End of the Lilydale rail line. The best italian food options here reflect Lilydale’s character. If you’re living in or near Lilydale, 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. Nell’s — 321 Railway Lane, Lilydale VIC 3171
What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($25) — solid
7. Max Bench — 87 Park Street, Lilydale VIC 3171
What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($21) — solid
8. Lena Corner — 1 Railway Lane, Lilydale VIC 3171
What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. The White Lane — 215 Charles Crescent, Lilydale VIC 3171
What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 49 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
10. Ruby Mill — 280 Railway Lane, Lilydale VIC 3171
What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Explore More
- Mooroolbark Best Italian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Lilydale Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Lilydale Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Lilydale Complete Guide — everything about Lilydale
- Compare Suburbs — see how Lilydale stacks up
- All Lilydale Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best italian food options in Lilydale?
Store is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Lilydale good for best italian food?
Yes. Lilydale has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Lilydale known for?
Traditional gateway to the Yarra Valley wine region.
How far is Lilydale from Melbourne CBD?
Lilydale is 35km, 52min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Lilydale 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
