Best Italian Restaurants in Toorak Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Toorak is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Remy Standard, then check out Nico. Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb. Located 5km from the CBD, Toorak is part of Melbourne’s Inner South 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 Toorak locals actually recommend.

1. Common Pantry — 296 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: groups

Common Pantry has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Toorak farmers market when it runs.

2. Zara Local — 20 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: families

Zara Local has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Remy’s — 284 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: remote workers

Remy’s has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The daily soup ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Toorak roaster — ask which one.

4. Ava — 44 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

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

Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($22) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

The Reality of Toorak

Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb. Toorak Road and Toorak Village have luxury retail. Median house price over $4 million. The best italian food options here reflect Toorak’s character. For Toorak locals and anyone in the area, 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. Bright Pantry — 49 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Bright Pantry has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($15) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Stella’s — 303 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: families

Stella’s has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Toorak roaster — ask which one.

7. Lena’s — 142 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Lena’s has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Kitchen — 206 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Kitchen has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Lena’s — 356 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

Lena’s has been operating in Toorak for over a decade 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.

Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Toorak?

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

Is Toorak good for best italian food?

Yes. Toorak has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Toorak known for?

Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.

How far is Toorak from Melbourne CBD?

Toorak is 5km, 10min tram, 10min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Toorak 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