Best Italian Restaurants in Montrose Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Montrose is genuinely worth exploring. Start at House, then check out Cleo Corner. Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Located 33km from the CBD, Montrose is part of Melbourne’s Outer East 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 Montrose locals actually recommend.

1. Northern Room — 21 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Northern Room has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Commons — 312 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Commons has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($23) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. House — 114 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: remote workers

House has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($20) 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 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The daily soup ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Montrose farmers market when it runs.

4. Hugo Mill — 229 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: families

Hugo Mill has been operating in Montrose 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($26) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Hugo’s — 206 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Hugo’s has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($14) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($16) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Locals Stay in Montrose

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Montrose Main Street has independent shops. Gateway to Silvan Reservoir. The best italian food options here reflect Montrose’s character. For Montrose 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.

6. Humble Cellar — 263 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Humble Cellar has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Theo Store — 182 Willow Place, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Theo Store has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The room holds 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montrose roaster — ask which one.

8. Tall Works — 125 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Tall Works has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($8) 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 space seats about 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montrose roaster — ask which one.

9. The Old Local — 73 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: dates

The Old Local has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Collins Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The daily soup ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montrose roaster — ask which one.

10. The Humble Lane — 186 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Humble Lane has been operating in Montrose for several years 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 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Montrose farmers market when it runs.

11. Nico’s — 70 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nico’s has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Montrose?

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

Is Montrose good for best italian food?

Yes. Montrose has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Montrose known for?

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character.

How far is Montrose from Melbourne CBD?

Montrose is 33km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Montrose 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