Best Italian Restaurants in Templestowe Lower Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Templestowe Lower is growing every year. Start at Felix, then check out Iris’s. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Templestowe Lower is part of Melbourne’s Middle 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 Templestowe Lower locals actually recommend.

1. The Bright Cellar — 15 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Bright Cellar has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Parking is free on Park Street after 6pm.

2. The Green Cellar — 357 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Green Cellar has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. The Northern Press — 35 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Northern Press has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($12) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. The Long Cellar — 34 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: dates

The Long Cellar has been operating in Templestowe Lower 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.

Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Nobody Tells You About Templestowe Lower

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. The best italian food options here reflect Templestowe Lower’s character. If you’re living in or near Templestowe Lower, 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. Otto — 78 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: remote workers

Otto has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.

6. The Honest Place — 72 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Honest Place has been operating in Templestowe Lower 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 room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

7. Canvas — 180 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Canvas has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($26) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Blue Social — 218 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Blue Social has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($18) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Templestowe Lower?

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

Is Templestowe Lower good for best italian food?

Yes. Templestowe Lower has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe Lower known for?

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.

How far is Templestowe Lower from Melbourne CBD?

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

If you’re comparing Templestowe Lower to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026