Best Italian Restaurants in Mulgrave Melbourne 2026

Mulgrave has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. High Lane and Mabel Post lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Home to large corporate offices including Woolworths and Officeworks HQs. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Mulgrave resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. The Little Cellar — 97 Johnston Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Little Cellar has been operating in Mulgrave for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

2. Ruby’s — 193 Creek Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ruby’s has been operating in Mulgrave for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mulgrave roaster — ask which one.

3. Stella’s — 6 Creek Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: groups

Stella’s has been operating in Mulgrave for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) 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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Creek Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mulgrave roaster — ask which one.

4. The Honest Mill — 2 Creek Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

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

Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Finn Bench — 248 Bourke Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

Finn Bench has been operating in Mulgrave for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the best version in Mulgrave Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

6. The Half Room — 195 Smith Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: solo diners

The Half Room has been operating in Mulgrave for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the best version in Mulgrave Insider tip: Parking is free on Creek Street after 6pm.

What Nobody Tells You About Mulgrave

Home to large corporate offices including Woolworths and Officeworks HQs. Waverley Gardens hub. The best italian food options here reflect Mulgrave’s character. If you’re living in or near Mulgrave, 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. Nell’s — 236 Bourke Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: budget eaters

Nell’s has been operating in Mulgrave for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Mulgrave farmers market when it runs.

8. The Honest Quarter — 103 Queen Terrace, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Honest Quarter has been operating in Mulgrave for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. The Green Place — 107 Smith Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Green Place has been operating in Mulgrave for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) 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 53 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 crispy chicken ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Mulgrave farmers market when it runs.

10. The Sunny Local — 102 Bourke Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: dates

The Sunny Local has been operating in Mulgrave for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Creek Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. Oliver Lane — 366 Queen Terrace, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: dates

Oliver Lane has been operating in Mulgrave for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) 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 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Mulgrave farmers market when it runs.

12. Old Mill — 342 Creek Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: families

Old Mill has been operating in Mulgrave for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($10) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Road is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Mulgrave?

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

Is Mulgrave good for best italian food?

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

What is Mulgrave known for?

Home to large corporate offices including Woolworths and Officeworks HQs.

How far is Mulgrave from Melbourne CBD?

Mulgrave is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Mulgrave 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