Best Italian Restaurants in Notting Hill Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Notting Hill is growing every year. Start at Stella House, then check out Oliver Place. Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Notting Hill is part of Melbourne’s Middle 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 Notting Hill locals actually recommend.

1. The Lucky Room — 121 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: solo diners

The Lucky Room has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Nina Post — 159 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Nina Post has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Golden Depot — 22 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Golden Depot has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 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.

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

Go for: The crispy chicken ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Lena’s — 322 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Lena’s has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 55 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 pumpkin risotto ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Bright Corner — 229 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: dates

Bright Corner has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($23) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. The High Post — 256 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The High Post has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($16) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($15) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

What Nobody Tells You About Notting Hill

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Mix of residential and light industrial. The best italian food options here reflect Notting Hill’s character. For Notting Hill 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. Mabel Table — 364 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Mabel Table has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($23) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Lucky Store — 64 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Lucky Store has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($8) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on West Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Mia Post — 247 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mia Post has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($8) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Notting Hill roaster — ask which one.

10. Ada’s — 329 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ada’s has been operating in Notting Hill 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Lane — 69 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Lane has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 room holds 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. Zara Yard — 376 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Zara Yard has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Notting Hill?

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

Is Notting Hill good for best italian food?

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

What is Notting Hill known for?

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent.

How far is Notting Hill from Melbourne CBD?

Notting Hill is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Notting Hill 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