Best Italian Restaurants in Vermont South Melbourne 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Honest Kitchen | | Best with kids | Ruby | | Hidden spot | The Good Mill | | Bad weather pick | White Post |
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
The space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
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
The room holds 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
Ask for: The charcuterie board ($20) — solid
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
The space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — solid
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
Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 38 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 30 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The crispy chicken ($25) — solid 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
