Best Italian Restaurants in Niddrie Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Niddrie is growing every year. Start at Zara’s, then check out Honest Post. Near Essendon Airport. Located 9-20km from the CBD, Niddrie is part of Melbourne’s Middle 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 Niddrie locals actually recommend.

1. The Green Mill — 186 West Parade, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Green Mill has been operating in Niddrie for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Gus — 108 West Parade, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Gus has been operating in Niddrie for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($17) 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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Lucky Kitchen — 64 East Street, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Lucky Kitchen has been operating in Niddrie for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($23) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Cleo Bench — 100 West Parade, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: families

Cleo Bench has been operating in Niddrie 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on East Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Mill — 284 West Parade, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: solo diners

Mill has been operating in Niddrie for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Niddrie roaster — ask which one.

What Niddrie Actually Is

Near Essendon Airport. Keilor Road strip has cafes and Greek bakeries. The best italian food options here reflect Niddrie’s character. Whether you’re based in Niddrie or visiting from nearby, 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. Union — 170 Queen Road, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Union has been operating in Niddrie for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Pilgrim — 90 East Street, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Pilgrim has been operating in Niddrie for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($19) 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 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on West Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the best version in Niddrie Insider tip: They source produce from Niddrie farmers market when it runs.

8. Red Bench — 247 Main Road, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: groups

Red Bench has been operating in Niddrie for several years 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 monthly 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. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($21) — the best version in Niddrie Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. The Honest House — 157 Barkly Place, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Honest House has been operating in Niddrie for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The room holds 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($22) — the best version in Niddrie Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.

10. The Bright Press — 97 Main Road, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Bright Press has been operating in Niddrie for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The space seats about 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on East Street is usually fine.

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

11. Leo Table — 249 West Parade, Niddrie VIC 3077

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: solo diners

Leo Table has been operating in Niddrie for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Niddrie?

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

Is Niddrie good for best italian food?

Yes. Niddrie has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Niddrie known for?

Near Essendon Airport.

How far is Niddrie from Melbourne CBD?

Niddrie is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Niddrie is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026