Best Italian Restaurants in Wantirna South Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Wantirna South is growing every year. Start at Vera, then check out Works. Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Wantirna South is part of Melbourne’s Outer East 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 Wantirna South locals actually recommend.

1. Hazel Local — 146 River Drive, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: dates

Hazel Local has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Bright Room — 213 Creek Road, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

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

Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Collective — 305 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Collective has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s 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.

Capacity is around 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($22) — the best version in Wantirna South Insider tip: Parking is free on River Street after 6pm.

4. Ivy’s — 93 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ivy’s has been operating in Wantirna South for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Victoria Lane is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Why Wantirna South Is Worth Knowing

Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls. Westfield Knox. The best italian food options here reflect Wantirna South’s character. Whether you’re based in Wantirna South 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.

5. The Green Cellar — 57 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Green Cellar has been operating in Wantirna South for over a decade 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Wantirna South roaster — ask which one.

6. Remy Works — 290 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: budget eaters

Remy Works has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($22) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($28) — the best version in Wantirna South Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. The Red Room — 378 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Red Room has been operating in Wantirna South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($23) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bell Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Wantirna South roaster — ask which one.

8. River Pantry — 303 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

River Pantry has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on River Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. The Bright Room — 37 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Bright Room has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Wantirna South good for best italian food?

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

What is Wantirna South known for?

Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls.

How far is Wantirna South from Melbourne CBD?

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

The truth about Wantirna South: 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