Best Italian Restaurants in Templestowe Melbourne 2026

Templestowe has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Rosa’s and Nell’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. Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Templestowe 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. Quarter — 123 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Quarter has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($24) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Cleo — 240 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: remote workers

Cleo has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Mabel’s — 12 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: families

Mabel’s has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Go for: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Oliver Store — 315 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Oliver Store has been operating in Templestowe for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Half Corner — 380 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Half Corner has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. The Old Standard — 19 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Old Standard has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

The Reality of Templestowe

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Tikalara Park and Westerfolds Park. The best italian food options here reflect Templestowe’s character. If you’re living in or near Templestowe, 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. The Bright Lane — 152 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Bright Lane has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($24) 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. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

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

8. Common Kitchen — 202 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Common Kitchen has been operating in Templestowe 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Rosa — 320 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: families

Rosa has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Sydney Street after 6pm.

10. Nell — 12 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Nell has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

11. White Union — 204 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

White Union has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Elm Street after 6pm.

12. Finn Press — 149 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Finn Press has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Templestowe?

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

Is Templestowe good for best italian food?

Yes. Templestowe has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe known for?

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

How far is Templestowe from Melbourne CBD?

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

The truth about Templestowe: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026