Best Italian Restaurants in Preston Melbourne 2026

Preston has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Mabel’s and The Good Store lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 8km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Preston 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. Corner — 102 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Corner has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Oak Place is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The Half Social — 22 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

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

Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Preston roaster — ask which one.

3. Golden Bench — 323 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Golden Bench has been operating in Preston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($8) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Preston farmers market when it runs.

4. Pilgrim — 210 Oak Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Pilgrim has been operating in Preston for since 2019 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.

Capacity is around 52 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 sourdough bread ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Nell — 139 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: dates

Nell has been operating in Preston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Makes Preston Different

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Rapidly gentrifying with cafes and bars opening monthly. The best italian food options here reflect Preston’s character. Whether you’re based in Preston 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. House — 107 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: solo diners

House has been operating in Preston for over a decade 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 room holds 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Ash Street after 6pm.

7. Remy — 82 Oak Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Remy has been operating in Preston for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($19) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. The Green Press — 299 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Green Press has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Ruby — 65 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Ruby has been operating in Preston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 46 — 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 ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Kai’s — 256 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Kai’s has been operating in Preston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Preston?

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

Is Preston good for best italian food?

Yes. Preston has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Preston known for?

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips.

How far is Preston from Melbourne CBD?

Preston is 8km, 18min train, 15min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Preston 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