Best Italian Restaurants in Upper Ferntree Gully Melbourne 2026

Upper Ferntree Gully has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Cleo and Room lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 30km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Upper Ferntree Gully 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. Half Cellar — 137 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: groups

Half Cellar has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Upper Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

2. White Bench — 40 Victoria Avenue, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

White Bench has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

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.

Try this: The daily soup ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Upper Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

3. Atlas Pantry — 359 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Atlas Pantry has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 61 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Ash Road is usually fine.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Depot — 202 Bridge Drive, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: solo diners

Depot has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Ash Street after 6pm.

5. Mabel’s — 231 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Mabel’s has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Ash Street after 6pm.

6. Anchor — 330 Victoria Avenue, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Anchor has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Why Upper Ferntree Gully Is Worth Knowing

Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Access to Dandenong Ranges National Park. The best italian food options here reflect Upper Ferntree Gully’s character. Whether you’re based in Upper Ferntree Gully or visiting from nearby, 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. Cleo’s — 181 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: families

Cleo’s has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($11) 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 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Drive is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($14) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Parking is free on Ash Street after 6pm.

8. High Pantry — 356 Creek Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

High Pantry has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bridge Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Half Local — 325 Creek Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

Half Local has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for over a decade 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 space seats about 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Drive is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. White Depot — 236 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

White Depot has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Leo’s — 3 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Leo’s has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($27) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. Remy House — 122 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Remy House has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Ash Road is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($18) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Upper Ferntree Gully?

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

Is Upper Ferntree Gully good for best italian food?

Yes. Upper Ferntree Gully has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Upper Ferntree Gully known for?

Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges.

How far is Upper Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?

Upper Ferntree Gully is 30km, 48min train, 35min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Upper Ferntree Gully: 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