Best Italian Restaurants in Vermont South Melbourne 2026

We’ve tested every best italian food option in Vermont South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Iris’s is the one everyone knows. Lena’s is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best italian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Vermont South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Iris House — 337 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Iris House has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Ava’s — 56 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ava’s has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Vera Union — 317 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: solo diners

Vera Union has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Parking is free on Thomas Street after 6pm.

4. Nina’s — 119 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nina’s has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

5. Ivy’s — 24 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: groups

Ivy’s has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. Sol’s — 41 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: families

Sol’s has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

The Reality of Vermont South

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. The best italian food options here reflect Vermont South’s character. If you’re living in or near Vermont South, 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. Northern Cellar — 242 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Northern Cellar has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. The White Lane — 79 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The White Lane has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade 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.

Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Lane — 93 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Lane has been operating in Vermont South for several years 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.

Capacity is around 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($16) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Hugo — 180 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hugo has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The space seats about 38 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The seasonal special ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Atlas Local — 161 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: groups

Atlas Local has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s 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.

Capacity is around 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. Ava — 84 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ava has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Vermont South?

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

Is Vermont South good for best italian food?

Yes. Vermont South has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Vermont South 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