Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Melbourne

Price

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$$$
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Regions

City CentreInner City EastInner City NorthInner City South

Neighborhoods

CarltonEast MelbourneMelbourne CBDNorth MelbournePort MelbourneSouthbank

Top Rated

CharmingGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine winesGreat for outdoor diningHot spot

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

GFG

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

16 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Funghi E Tartufo

4.5

Awesome(233)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 9 times today

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, Funghi E Tartufo offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. This plant-based restaurant, led by Chef Alessandra D'Angelo, masterfully blends traditional Italian flavors with a modern, earth-friendly twist. The pappardelle with mushroom and truffle sauce is a standout, described by diners as “simply not possible to go wrong.” Guests rave about the “amazing plant-based food” and the impeccable service, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether vegan or not, patrons leave with a “new appreciation for food” and a desire to return for more delightful culinary adventures.

2. Ciao Cielo

4.4

Awesome(373)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Port Melbourne

Booked 14 times today

Ciao!Set in Port Melbourne's stunning heritage courthouse and gardens, experience exquisite Italian cuisine that will transport you straight to Italy.

A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant

3. Cecconi's Flinders Lane

4.8

Exceptional(1306)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 10 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

4. Teatro Gastronomia

4.4

Awesome(1213)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Southbank

Booked 31 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.

5. Cecconi's Toorak

4.8

Exceptional(269)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Toorak

Booked 9 times today

Cecconi's Toorak offers an exquisite experience of Contemporary Italian cuisine, beautifully blending authentic Italian flavors with Melbourne's modern dining landscape. Nestled in the heart of Toorak, this elegant eatery is a “lovely, tucked away gem,” praised for its warm ambiance and impeccable service. Diners consistently rave about the “fantastic food and wine” and the “world-class oysters,” highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and taste. With its luxurious decor and attentive staff, Cecconi's Toorak stands as a premier destination for those seeking a sophisticated and memorable Italian dining experience. “Highly recommended” for its innovative and flavorful menu, it's a must-visit for discerning palates.

A photo of D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant

6. D.O.C Osteria Carlton

4.6

Exceptional(93)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Carlton

Booked 14 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. Luci

4.0

Excellent(234)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 3 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 Geppetto Trattoria restaurant

8. Geppetto Trattoria

4.9

Exceptional(219)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • East Melbourne

Booked 4 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.

9. Bar Taralli

4.2

Awesome(77)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • North Melbourne

Booked 1 time today

Nestled in the heart of North Melbourne, Bar Taralli brings the rustic charm and bold flavours of Southern Italy to Melbourne.This inviting restaurant is a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine, offering a warm and welcoming space for food lovers to gather.Whether you are craving handmade pasta, fresh seafood, or a glass of fine wine, Bar Taralli promises a dining experience that’s both memorable and delicious.

10. Capitano Carlton

4.8

Exceptional(6)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Carlton

Booked 15 times today

This stylish Italian-American eatery on Rathdowne Street in Carlton brings warmth and flavour to Melbourne’s dining scene. The menu is rooted in the chef’s U.S. heritage, delivering classic dishes like a skilfully made veal parmigiana, fresh-tossed pastas and a standout range of pizzas baked in a stone-floored oven. The interior feels polished yet relaxed – rich timber finishes, bent-wood chairs and a friendly bar set the tone. Service is attentive and the wine list leans natural, with Italian-inspired selections that match the food. One thing to note: the space can get lively and noisy when full, so for a quieter experience you might prefer an earlier or off-peak visit. Whether you’re after a strong slice of pizza, a pasta night or something a bit more special, this place delivers flavour with attitude in a welcoming setting.

‘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

B
Brett
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Had a late dinner after a show at the Arts Centre. Staff were very efficient and professional. Food was excellent.
More info
Teatro Gastronomia$$$$• Italian• Southbank
•
4.4
C
Chris
Tasmania •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always a great experience and superb food when we visit.. Staff always deliver great service.
More info
Ciao Cielo$$$$• Italian• Port Melbourne
•
4.4
S
Simon
Victoria •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Consistently excellent food, service and ambiance.
More info
Cecconi's Toorak$$$$• Italian• Toorak
•
4.8
J
Jessica
Victoria •1 review
4.0
Dined on Apr 24, 2026
The food was absolutely delicious—full of flavour and perfect portion sizes. Every dish was cooked perfectly, and the quality of the ingredients really stood out, making it an enjoyable and memorable dining experience. I have challenging dietary requirements (no onion and no garlic), which makes it extremely difficult to eat out - particularly Italian. It was no trouble for this restaurant, they were more than happy to accommodate.
More info
Funghi E Tartufo$$$$• Vegan• Melbourne CBD
•
4.5
L
LEANNE
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 28, 2026
A very lovely dining experience. The building and decor are absolutely beautiful. The service was just right and made our family dinner very special. The menu is a Lux without any questionable fancy descriptions. The food was delicious and presented very smartly. Luci offers good value for a lovely dining experience.
More info
Luci$$$$• Australian• Melbourne CBD
•
4

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