Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Sunshine

Price

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Regions

City CentreInner City EastInner City NorthInner City SouthNorthern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Albert ParkAscot ValeCarltonClifton HillEast MelbourneEssendon

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Bar Brillo

4.4

Awesome(1)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Niddrie

Our mission with Bar Brillo is to create a place to enjoy awesome local and imported wines as well as small plates designed to share and made with great ingredients.Why Brillo? Brillo means “tipsy” in Italian and also “I shine”. So we hope the food will shine and the drinks won’t get you too Brillo.We can’t wait to have you all back into our venue, and to start cooking some great food.

A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant

2. Cecconi's Flinders Lane

4.8

Exceptional(1199)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 29 times today

Cecconi's Flinders Lane is a "Melbourne institution" that offers an exceptional dining experience with its authentic Contemporary Italian cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne CBD, this sophisticated restaurant has been awarded the prestigious One Hat by The Age Good Food Guide consistently from 2006 to 2023. Diners rave about the "sublime" meals, highlighting dishes like the seafood linguine and veal cotoletta. The restaurant is celebrated for its "impeccable" service and a "wonderful ambience," creating a memorable experience. With a menu that offers real choice and a wine list to match, Cecconi’s stands out as a top destination for Italian fare.

A photo of Teatro Gastronomia restaurant

3. Teatro Gastronomia

4.3

Awesome(1065)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Southbank

Booked 29 times today

Teatro Gastronomia, nestled along the vibrant Southbank Promenade, offers an exquisite Contemporary Italian dining experience that captures the true essence of Italy. Guests rave about the “amazing food and even better service,” consistently highlighting the restaurant’s “delicious” offerings, from traditional wood-fired pizzas to delectable pasta dishes. With its fresh, seasonal produce-driven menu, Teatro manages to keep its offerings both authentic and innovative, providing plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The stunning views of the Yarra River add to the atmosphere, making it a perfect pre-show dining spot. Diners consistently praise it as a “highly recommended” destination for Italian cuisine lovers.

A photo of DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda restaurant

4. DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda

4.5

Awesome(104)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • St Kilda

Booked 16 times today

DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar in St Kilda offers a delightful journey into Contemporary Italian cuisine, seamlessly blending tradition with modern flair. Nestled by the scenic Port Phillip Bay, DOC captures the essence of Italy’s present-day dining. Guests rave about the “outstanding” San Daniele pizza, “absolutely delicious” duck pasta, and the unique Gnudi—a rare Italian treat. The staff, celebrated for their “warm, passionate, and knowledgeable service,” enhance the experience, making diners feel like VIPs. Whether you're savoring a meal with ocean views or enjoying a cozy evening indoors, DOC promises an unforgettable taste of Italy right in Melbourne.

5. Luci

4.5

Awesome(213)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 5 times today

Luci offers a delightful journey into the world of Contemporary Italian cuisine, nestled in the heart of Melbourne's historic Equity Chambers Building. This hidden gem is celebrated for its "superb" culinary creations that beautifully blend delicate flavors with light, balanced dishes. Diners rave about the "amazing food," with standout mentions of the chef's selection being "outstanding" and the snapper with mushroom sauce being a particular highlight. The ambience, reminiscent of an old-world charm, provides a "fabulous" and sophisticated backdrop, making it an ideal spot for romantic dinners or intimate gatherings. With attentive service and impeccable presentation, Luci ensures a truly memorable dining experience.

A photo of D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant

6. D.O.C Osteria Carlton

4.6

Exceptional(34)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Carlton

Booked 15 times today

D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.

7. Tutti Trattoria

4.3

Awesome(12)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Essendon

Booked 2 times today

We grew up on Nonna’s classic pizzas, freshly made pasta and Italian sweets. Noisy family gatherings, a little indulgence and a lot of fun. And everyone was welcome.Now we extend the invitation to you. Tutti Trattoria is the recreation of these family moments, with a little makeover. Our gorgeous interior brings a taste of Italy to the heart of Essendon. Each of our rooms reflects a unique vibe, from our southern Italian trattoria to our decadent and intimate upstairs restaurant.And the food. We believe good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be made fresh, with quality ingredients, and a little love. Come on in and see what all the fuss is about.

A photo of Geppetto Trattoria restaurant

8. Geppetto Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(113)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • East Melbourne

Booked 9 times today

Geppetto Trattoria, nestled in East Melbourne, is a vibrant beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Since 1981, this family-owned gem has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its authentic home-style Italian cooking. Diners rave about the "delicious home-cooked food" and "superb quality" of dishes like the rich Osso Buco and classic Spaghetti Pescatora. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and attentive service create a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you're savoring a glass of Italian wine or indulging in perfectly cooked seafood, Geppetto Trattoria promises an "authentic, quality dining experience" that you won't soon forget.

A photo of La Baia Bar Cucina restaurant

9. La Baia Bar Cucina

new

5.0

Exceptional(2)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Albert Park

At la baia bar-cucina you will receive nothing less than perfection when it comes to mouth watering food, expertly mix cocktails and service that makes you feel as though you have known the team for years. located on the corner of Beaconsfield parade and Kerferd road, this Italian haven boosts the menu brimming with all your favourite Italian dishes that would honestly make nonna proud as punch.

10. Bar Taralli

new

(0)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Melbourne

Booked 7 times today

Lead by renowned Melbourne chef Salvatore Giorgio, Bar Taralli celebrates the rustic flavours and traditions from the South of Italy.Inspired by the regions simple yet bold approach to food, Bar Taralli focuses on bringing out authentic flavours in every dish.Creating a warm and inviting space for patrons to gather, this is Salvatore's love letter to his homeland, a region that deeply shaped his culinary philosophy. Salvatore welcomes you to his new home, a place to share his rich food culture with Melbourne foodies.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Emily
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing service from as soon as we entered to the time we left. Fantastic to die for meals that leave you wanting more..perfectly cooked and no faults from entree to dessert. Was a very special dinner out with my husband that we won't forget and will definitely be going back. Thankyou Cecconi's !!!
More info
Cecconi's Flinders LanePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
E
Ellen
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The Valentine’s Day experience was incredible. The live violinist was a such a vibe (felt like we were on an episode of Bridgerton). Staff were so friendly and attentive and the food was absolutely divine. So glad we booked.
More info
LuciPrice: Expensive• Australian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.5
C
Claire
Melbourne •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great spot for a pre-theatre bite. We shared a charcuterie plate and some arancini balls and had enough to satisfy two older women.
More info
Teatro GastronomiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Southbank
•
4.3
MO
MarkO
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 7, 2025
One of our favourite places to eat, literally can't fault DOC.
More info
DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St KildaPrice: Expensive• Italian• St Kilda
•
4.5
V
Vivian
Melbourne •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 29, 2024
Amazing food and atmosphere! Lovely place for a date night :)
More info
Bar BrilloPrice: Expensive• Wine Bar• Niddrie
•
4.4

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