Best Italian Restaurants in Patterson Lakes Melbourne 2026

We’ve tested every best italian food option in Patterson Lakes to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Vera’s is the one everyone knows. Remy is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Built around man-made lakes and canal system. Patterson Lakes 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 Patterson Lakes since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Zara’s — 357 Church Road, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Zara’s has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Cecil Street is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Patterson Lakes roaster — ask which one.

2. Cellar — 20 Cecil Street, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Cellar has been operating in Patterson Lakes 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. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Church Road is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Cecil Street after 6pm.

3. Iris Store — 378 Cecil Street, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Iris Store has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since the early 2020s 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

4. Felix’s — 55 Cecil Street, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: dates

Felix’s has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the best version in Patterson Lakes Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Rex’s — 145 Church Road, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Rex’s has been operating in Patterson Lakes for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.

Why Locals Stay in Patterson Lakes

Built around man-made lakes and canal system. Popular for boating and waterside living. The best italian food options here reflect Patterson Lakes’s character. For Patterson Lakes 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.

6. The Lucky Corner — 264 Murray Grove, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Lucky Corner has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Blue Store — 298 Cecil Street, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Blue Store has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. House — 329 Church Road, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

House has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Brunswick Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Patterson Lakes roaster — ask which one.

9. Lena Store — 119 Cecil Street, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Lena Store has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Patterson Lakes roaster — ask which one.

10. Long Pantry — 119 Market Crescent, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Long Pantry has been operating in Patterson Lakes for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Patterson Lakes?

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

Is Patterson Lakes good for best italian food?

Yes. Patterson Lakes has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Patterson Lakes known for?

Built around man-made lakes and canal system.

How far is Patterson Lakes from Melbourne CBD?

Patterson Lakes is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Patterson Lakes 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