Best Italian Restaurants in Lower Plenty Melbourne 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Lena’s | | Best with kids | New Mill | | Hidden spot | Golden Commons | | Bad weather pick | Ruby’s |
We’ve tested every best italian food option in Lower Plenty to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Golden Bench is the one everyone knows. River is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Semi-rural pocket along the Plenty River. Lower Plenty sits in the Outer North corridor, 20km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best italian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Lower Plenty since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Ada’s — 14 Rowan Road, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The house-made relish ($21) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
2. Vera’s — 31 East Crescent, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($12) — solid
3. Ruby — 342 Elizabeth Road, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — solid
4. River Place — 148 Margaret Avenue, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Elizabeth Road is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($24) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Lower Plenty roaster — ask which one.
5. The Humble Store — 48 Elizabeth Road, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Lower Plenty farmers market when it runs.
Why Lower Plenty Is Worth Knowing
Semi-rural pocket along the Plenty River. Large blocks, horse paddocks, and a country feel 20km from the CBD. The best italian food options here reflect Lower Plenty’s character. If you’re living in or near Lower Plenty, 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 Good Pantry — 183 Rowan Road, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The crispy chicken ($20) — solid
7. Pearl — 103 Rowan Road, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Margaret Avenue is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($18) — solid
8. Hazel Cellar — 166 North Avenue, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Nico’s — 250 Elizabeth Road, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Margaret Avenue is usually fine.
Come back for: The fish special ($23) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
10. Ash’s — 209 Rowan Road, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on East Crescent is usually fine.
11. Remy Post — 128 North Avenue, Lower Plenty VIC 3087
What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($18) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Lower Plenty farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Montmorency Best Italian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Lower Plenty Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Lower Plenty Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Lower Plenty Complete Guide — everything about Lower Plenty
- Compare Suburbs — see how Lower Plenty stacks up
- All Lower Plenty Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best italian food options in Lower Plenty?
Ava’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Lower Plenty good for best italian food?
Yes. Lower Plenty has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Lower Plenty known for?
Semi-rural pocket along the Plenty River.
How far is Lower Plenty from Melbourne CBD?
Lower Plenty is 20km, no direct train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Lower Plenty won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026
