Best Italian Restaurants in Ringwood Melbourne 2026

We’ve tested every best italian food option in Ringwood to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Half Works is the one everyone knows. The Old Room is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Major transport interchange connecting Belgrave and Lilydale lines. Ringwood sits in the Outer East corridor, 24km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best italian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Ringwood since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Pearl Room — 194 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: budget eaters

Pearl Room has been operating in Ringwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($20) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. The Old Works — 208 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Old Works has been operating in Ringwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Creek Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. High Mill — 338 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

High Mill has been operating in Ringwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($21) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Railway Terrace is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ringwood roaster — ask which one.

4. Oliver Commons — 74 River Avenue, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Oliver Commons has been operating in Ringwood 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Leo’s — 200 River Avenue, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Leo’s has been operating in Ringwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 55 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 daily soup ($14) — the best version in Ringwood Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ringwood roaster — ask which one.

What Ringwood Actually Is

Major transport interchange connecting Belgrave and Lilydale lines. Eastland is a major retail centre. The best italian food options here reflect Ringwood’s character. If you’re living in or near Ringwood, 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. Hugo’s — 21 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: families

Hugo’s has been operating in Ringwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on River Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Hazel’s — 292 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: families

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

The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. High Quarter — 57 Creek Crescent, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

High Quarter has been operating in Ringwood for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Oliver’s — 288 Creek Crescent, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Oliver’s has been operating in Ringwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 61 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($25) — the best version in Ringwood Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Hugo’s — 297 Railway Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

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

Hugo’s has been operating in Ringwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. The Long Commons — 86 High Parade, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: families

The Long Commons has been operating in Ringwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on High Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Ringwood?

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

Is Ringwood good for best italian food?

Yes. Ringwood has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Ringwood known for?

Major transport interchange connecting Belgrave and Lilydale lines.

How far is Ringwood from Melbourne CBD?

Ringwood is 24km, 36min train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Ringwood 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