Best Italian Restaurants in Mernda Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Mernda is growing every year. Start at The Northern Room, then check out Lucky Commons. End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018). Located 28km from the CBD, Mernda is part of Melbourne’s Outer North region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Mernda locals actually recommend.

1. Common Store — 294 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: the whole crew

Common Store has been operating in Mernda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. The Good Pantry — 308 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Good Pantry has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($22) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Old Kitchen — 129 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Old Kitchen has been operating in Mernda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mernda roaster — ask which one.

4. Max — 13 Oak Crescent, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

Max has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($26) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mernda roaster — ask which one.

5. Luna’s — 219 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: families

Luna’s has been operating in Mernda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Oak Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mernda roaster — ask which one.

6. Lucky Works — 104 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Lucky Works has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Edward Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Locals Stay in Mernda

End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018). Was a tiny rural township; now tens of thousands of new residents. The best italian food options here reflect Mernda’s character. For Mernda locals and anyone in the area, 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.

7. Felix Commons — 207 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: the whole crew

Felix Commons has been operating in Mernda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) 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.

Capacity is around 56 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Thomas Street after 6pm.

8. Oliver’s — 135 King Parade, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Oliver’s has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($17) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.

9. Finn’s — 7 King Parade, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: dates

Finn’s has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 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 space seats about 34 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 charcuterie board ($15) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: They source produce from Mernda farmers market when it runs.

10. Old Yard — 338 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: remote workers

Old Yard has been operating in Mernda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Oak Crescent is usually fine.

Get the: The seasonal special ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. The Tall Kitchen — 337 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Tall Kitchen has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Mernda farmers market when it runs.

12. Hugo Mill — 125 King Parade, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: groups

Hugo Mill has been operating in Mernda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Mernda?

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

Is Mernda good for best italian food?

Yes. Mernda has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Mernda known for?

End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018).

How far is Mernda from Melbourne CBD?

Mernda is 28km, 50min train, 35min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Mernda to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026