Best Italian Restaurants in Richmond Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Richmond is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Vera Store, then check out High Yard. Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Located 3km from the CBD, Richmond is part of Melbourne’s Inner 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 Richmond locals actually recommend.

1. The High Room — 51 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The High Room has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Edward Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. New Local — 297 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

New Local has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($23) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.

3. Otto’s — 251 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: dates

Otto’s has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. The Sunny Store — 251 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

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

The room holds 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on North Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Locals Stay in Richmond

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Victoria Street is Melbourne’s Vietnamese food heartland. The best italian food options here reflect Richmond’s character. If you’re living in or near Richmond, 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. Max’s — 115 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Max’s has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Richmond farmers market when it runs.

6. Sol — 107 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: families

Sol has been operating in Richmond 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The daily soup ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on North Street after 6pm.

7. The Sunny Quarter — 320 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Sunny Quarter has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($22) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($22) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The Lucky Depot — 264 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Lucky Depot has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($25) 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 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Richmond?

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

Is Richmond good for best italian food?

Yes. Richmond has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Richmond known for?

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips.

How far is Richmond from Melbourne CBD?

Richmond is 3km, 5min train, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Richmond isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026