Best Italian Restaurants in Wantirna Melbourne 2026

The best italian food scene in Wantirna is genuinely worth exploring. Start at The Tall Place, then check out Cleo’s. Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Wantirna 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 locals actually recommend.

1. The White Cellar — 372 Smith Avenue, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: families

The White Cellar has been operating in Wantirna for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 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 Bridge Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. The Sunny Corner — 240 Elm Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Sunny Corner has been operating in Wantirna for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Luna’s — 216 Bridge Parade, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: families

Luna’s has been operating in Wantirna for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($16) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Wantirna roaster — ask which one.

4. Pearl’s — 114 Smith Avenue, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: groups

Pearl’s has been operating in Wantirna for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 64 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 house-made relish ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Makes Wantirna Different

Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail. Close proximity to both Eastlink and the Ranges. The best italian food options here reflect Wantirna’s character. For Wantirna 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. The Lucky Corner — 235 High Drive, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Lucky Corner has been operating in Wantirna for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($25) — the best version in Wantirna Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Otto’s — 139 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (italian food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: groups

Otto’s has been operating in Wantirna for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. The Bright Cellar — 105 Bridge Parade, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Bright Cellar has been operating in Wantirna for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on High Street after 6pm.

8. Southern Union — 262 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (italian food) A local institution Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: dates

Southern Union has been operating in Wantirna for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Wantirna roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best italian food options in Wantirna?

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

Is Wantirna good for best italian food?

Yes. Wantirna has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Wantirna known for?

Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail.

How far is Wantirna from Melbourne CBD?

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

Wantirna 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