Best Italian Restaurants in Malvern Melbourne 2026

We’ve tested every best italian food option in Malvern to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Gus’s is the one everyone knows. Nina is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining. Malvern sits in the Inner South corridor, 8km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best italian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Malvern since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Red Depot — 244 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Red Depot has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Finn’s — 262 Brunswick Avenue, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Finn’s has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Malvern farmers market when it runs.

3. Nico’s — 69 Brunswick Avenue, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Nico’s has been operating in Malvern for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Humble Mill — 61 Brunswick Avenue, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Humble Mill has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The space seats about 54 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 crispy chicken ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Theo’s — 355 Brunswick Avenue, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Theo’s has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Makes Malvern Different

Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining. Malvern Gardens. Established family suburb in Stonnington. The best italian food options here reflect Malvern’s character. If you’re living in or near Malvern, 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. Long Lane — 264 Rowan Parade, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Long Lane has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s 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.

The room holds 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($24) — the best version in Malvern Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Finn’s — 330 Brunswick Avenue, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: dates

Finn’s has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($14) — the best version in Malvern Insider tip: They source produce from Malvern farmers market when it runs.

8. Golden Cellar — 375 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: families

Golden Cellar has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) 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 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. White Cellar — 67 Rowan Parade, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

White Cellar has been operating in Malvern for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Ruby Lane — 318 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: families

Ruby Lane has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Malvern?

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

Is Malvern good for best italian food?

Yes. Malvern has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Malvern known for?

Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining.

How far is Malvern from Melbourne CBD?

Malvern is 8km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Malvern 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