Best Italian Restaurants in Parkdale Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Nico |
| Zero-cost winner | Ava Post |
| Kid-approved | Mia |
| Under the radar | Rosa House |
| Wet day saviour | Otto |
We’ve tested every best italian food option in Parkdale to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Remy is the one everyone knows. The Old Store is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Quiet bayside suburb with direct beach access. Parkdale sits in the Bayside corridor, 18-41km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best italian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Parkdale since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Honest Room — 97 Edward Grove, Parkdale VIC 3201
What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Honest Room has been operating in Parkdale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Parkdale roaster — ask which one.
2. Rosa Table — 4 Collins Parade, Parkdale VIC 3201
What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: families
Rosa Table has been operating in Parkdale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.
Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The daily soup ($21) — the best version in Parkdale Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
3. Vera’s — 192 Brunswick Lane, Parkdale VIC 3201
What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: remote workers
Vera’s has been operating in Parkdale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The lamb shoulder ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Marco’s — 133 Brunswick Lane, Parkdale VIC 3201
What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: dates
Marco’s has been operating in Parkdale for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Station Grove is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The daily soup ($23) — the best version in Parkdale Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
What Makes Parkdale Different
Quiet bayside suburb with direct beach access. Parkdale Plaza for daily shopping. The best italian food options here reflect Parkdale’s character. For Parkdale 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.
5. Stella’s — 196 King Drive, Parkdale VIC 3201
What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Stella’s has been operating in Parkdale for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 61 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Edward Grove is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($26) — the best version in Parkdale Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
6. Hazel’s — 261 Brunswick Lane, Parkdale VIC 3201
What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: budget eaters
Hazel’s has been operating in Parkdale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($11) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Station Grove is usually fine.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.
7. Room — 137 King Drive, Parkdale VIC 3201
What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: dates
Room has been operating in Parkdale for several years 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 room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The fish special ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Parkdale roaster — ask which one.
8. Luna’s — 366 Brunswick Lane, Parkdale VIC 3201
What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Luna’s has been operating in Parkdale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Parkdale farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Beaumaris Best Italian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Parkdale Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Parkdale Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Parkdale Complete Guide — everything about Parkdale
- Compare Suburbs — see how Parkdale stacks up
- All Parkdale Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best italian food options in Parkdale?
Nico is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Parkdale good for best italian food?
Yes. Parkdale has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Parkdale known for?
Quiet bayside suburb with direct beach access.
How far is Parkdale from Melbourne CBD?
Parkdale is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Parkdale 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

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