Best Italian Restaurants in Nunawading Melbourne 2026

Nunawading has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Theo’s and Theo Store 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. Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Nunawading 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. High Mill — 6 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

High Mill has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. The Half Lane — 372 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Half Lane has been operating in Nunawading 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Nunawading farmers market when it runs.

3. Nina Table — 24 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nina Table has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

4. Golden Cellar — 208 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: dates

Golden Cellar has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Barkly Crescent is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Old Union — 29 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: groups

Old Union has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Otto’s — 53 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: families

Otto’s has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Nunawading Actually Is

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Eastern suburbs retail corridor. The best italian food options here reflect Nunawading’s character. If you’re living in or near Nunawading, 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. Marco Bench — 246 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: solo diners

Marco Bench has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Southern House — 195 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: families

Southern House has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Nico Social — 6 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Nico Social has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Nunawading farmers market when it runs.

10. Hazel’s — 184 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

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

The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Barkly Crescent is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

11. Golden Table — 374 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: families

Golden Table has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($14) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

12. The Bright Works — 293 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: families

The Bright Works has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 space seats about 60 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Nunawading?

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

Is Nunawading good for best italian food?

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

What is Nunawading known for?

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

How far is Nunawading from Melbourne CBD?

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

Look — Nunawading 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