Best Italian Restaurants in Mentone Melbourne 2026

We’ve tested every best italian food option in Mentone to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Mabel is the one everyone knows. Oliver is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Mentone sits in the Bayside 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 Mentone since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Stella House — 116 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Stella House has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Mabel — 220 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mabel has been operating in Mentone 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

3. Atlas — 329 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Atlas has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Gus’s — 241 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Gus’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

Why Mentone Is Worth Knowing

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. The best italian food options here reflect Mentone’s character. If you’re living in or near Mentone, 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. Max — 379 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Max has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. The Common Local — 125 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Common Local has been operating in Mentone for several years 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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. The Half Works — 367 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Half Works has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($8) 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 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

8. Bright Room — 271 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: groups

Bright Room has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Mentone?

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

Is Mentone good for best italian food?

Yes. Mentone has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Mentone 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