Best Italian Restaurants in Surrey Hills Melbourne 2026

Surrey Hills has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The High Commons and Sol’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14-22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Surrey Hills 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. The Southern Place — 103 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: groups

The Southern Place has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Max Lane — 300 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Max Lane has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($9) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Hugo’s — 97 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Hugo’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Surrey Hills farmers market when it runs.

4. Lena’s — 344 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Lena’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on River Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Rex’s — 364 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: dates

Rex’s has been operating in Surrey Hills 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($12) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: They source produce from Surrey Hills farmers market when it runs.

6. Atlas’s — 68 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: the whole crew

Atlas’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elizabeth Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($24) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Surrey Hills Is Worth Knowing

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Strong community identity. The best italian food options here reflect Surrey Hills’s character. If you’re living in or near Surrey Hills, 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.

7. Felix Lane — 159 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: dates

Felix Lane has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 47 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. The New Commons — 258 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The New Commons has been operating in Surrey Hills 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

9. Stella Place — 247 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: dates

Stella Place has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

10. Hugo’s — 150 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: solo diners

Hugo’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($27) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. The Southern Room — 302 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Southern Room has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($12) 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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

12. Cleo Yard — 264 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Cleo Yard has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Surrey Hills roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Surrey Hills?

The Bright Quarter is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Surrey Hills good for best italian food?

Yes. Surrey Hills has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Surrey Hills known for?

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops.

How far is Surrey Hills from Melbourne CBD?

Surrey Hills is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Surrey Hills 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