Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Melbourne

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Southbank, Melbourne

Price
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

17 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant
1. Cecconi's Flinders Lane
4.8
Exceptional(1306)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 33 times today
Cecconi's Flinders Lane is a "Melbourne institution" that offers an exceptional dining experience with its authentic Contemporary Italian cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne CBD, this sophisticated restaurant has been awarded the prestigious One Hat by The Age Good Food Guide consistently from 2006 to 2023. Diners rave about the "sublime" meals, highlighting dishes like the seafood linguine and veal cotoletta. The restaurant is celebrated for its "impeccable" service and a "wonderful ambience," creating a memorable experience. With a menu that offers real choice and a wine list to match, Cecconi’s stands out as a top destination for Italian fare.
A photo of Funghi E Tartufo restaurant
2. Funghi E Tartufo
4.5
Awesome(233)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 10 times today
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, Funghi E Tartufo offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. This plant-based restaurant, led by Chef Alessandra D'Angelo, masterfully blends traditional Italian flavors with a modern, earth-friendly twist. The pappardelle with mushroom and truffle sauce is a standout, described by diners as “simply not possible to go wrong.” Guests rave about the “amazing plant-based food” and the impeccable service, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether vegan or not, patrons leave with a “new appreciation for food” and a desire to return for more delightful culinary adventures.
A photo of Teatro Gastronomia restaurant
3. Teatro Gastronomia
4.4
Awesome(1216)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Southbank
Booked 24 times today
Teatro Gastronomia, nestled along the vibrant Southbank Promenade, offers an exquisite Contemporary Italian dining experience that captures the true essence of Italy. Guests rave about the “amazing food and even better service,” consistently highlighting the restaurant’s “delicious” offerings, from traditional wood-fired pizzas to delectable pasta dishes. With its fresh, seasonal produce-driven menu, Teatro manages to keep its offerings both authentic and innovative, providing plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The stunning views of the Yarra River add to the atmosphere, making it a perfect pre-show dining spot. Diners consistently praise it as a “highly recommended” destination for Italian cuisine lovers.
A photo of Luci restaurant
4. Luci
4.0
Excellent(234)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 5 times today
Luci offers a delightful journey into the world of Contemporary Italian cuisine, nestled in the heart of Melbourne's historic Equity Chambers Building. This hidden gem is celebrated for its "superb" culinary creations that beautifully blend delicate flavors with light, balanced dishes. Diners rave about the "amazing food," with standout mentions of the chef's selection being "outstanding" and the snapper with mushroom sauce being a particular highlight. The ambience, reminiscent of an old-world charm, provides a "fabulous" and sophisticated backdrop, making it an ideal spot for romantic dinners or intimate gatherings. With attentive service and impeccable presentation, Luci ensures a truly memorable dining experience.
A photo of D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant
5. D.O.C Osteria Carlton
4.7
Exceptional(93)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Carlton
Booked 9 times today
D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.
A photo of Cecconi's Toorak restaurant
6. Cecconi's Toorak
4.8
Exceptional(272)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Toorak
Booked 24 times today
Cecconi's Toorak offers an exquisite experience of Contemporary Italian cuisine, beautifully blending authentic Italian flavors with Melbourne's modern dining landscape. Nestled in the heart of Toorak, this elegant eatery is a “lovely, tucked away gem,” praised for its warm ambiance and impeccable service. Diners consistently rave about the “fantastic food and wine” and the “world-class oysters,” highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and taste. With its luxurious decor and attentive staff, Cecconi's Toorak stands as a premier destination for those seeking a sophisticated and memorable Italian dining experience. “Highly recommended” for its innovative and flavorful menu, it's a must-visit for discerning palates.
A photo of Geppetto Trattoria restaurant
7. Geppetto Trattoria
4.9
Exceptional(219)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • East Melbourne
Booked 15 times today
Geppetto Trattoria, nestled in East Melbourne, is a vibrant beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Since 1981, this family-owned gem has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its authentic home-style Italian cooking. Diners rave about the "delicious home-cooked food" and "superb quality" of dishes like the rich Osso Buco and classic Spaghetti Pescatora. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and attentive service create a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you're savoring a glass of Italian wine or indulging in perfectly cooked seafood, Geppetto Trattoria promises an "authentic, quality dining experience" that you won't soon forget.
A photo of Ciao Cielo restaurant
8. Ciao Cielo
4.4
Awesome(374)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Port Melbourne
Booked 7 times today
Ciao!Set in Port Melbourne's stunning heritage courthouse and gardens, experience exquisite Italian cuisine that will transport you straight to Italy.
A photo of Capitano Carlton restaurant
9. Capitano Carlton
4.8
Exceptional(7)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Carlton
Booked 28 times today
This stylish Italian-American eatery on Rathdowne Street in Carlton brings warmth and flavour to Melbourne’s dining scene. The menu is rooted in the chef’s U.S. heritage, delivering classic dishes like a skilfully made veal parmigiana, fresh-tossed pastas and a standout range of pizzas baked in a stone-floored oven. The interior feels polished yet relaxed – rich timber finishes, bent-wood chairs and a friendly bar set the tone. Service is attentive and the wine list leans natural, with Italian-inspired selections that match the food. One thing to note: the space can get lively and noisy when full, so for a quieter experience you might prefer an earlier or off-peak visit. Whether you’re after a strong slice of pizza, a pasta night or something a bit more special, this place delivers flavour with attitude in a welcoming setting.
A photo of Bar Taralli restaurant
10. Bar Taralli
4.2
Awesome(77)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • North Melbourne
Booked 7 times 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.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • PaulGold
    Victoria •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent food particularly Cotoletta & John Dory
    More info
    Cecconi's Toorak$$$$• Italian• Toorak
    •
    4.8
  • Lesley
    Melbourne •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food was fresh hot and delicious, service fantastic with the lovely young lady that looked after us , can’t wait to go back again
    More info
    Teatro Gastronomia$$$$• Italian• Southbank
    •
    4.4
  • Chris
    Tasmania •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Always a great experience and superb food when we visit.. Staff always deliver great service.
    More info
    Ciao Cielo$$$$• Italian• Port Melbourne
    •
    4.4
  • Jessica
    Victoria •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Apr 24, 2026
    The food was absolutely delicious—full of flavour and perfect portion sizes. Every dish was cooked perfectly, and the quality of the ingredients really stood out, making it an enjoyable and memorable dining experience. I have challenging dietary requirements (no onion and no garlic), which makes it extremely difficult to eat out - particularly Italian. It was no trouble for this restaurant, they were more than happy to accommodate.
    More info
    Funghi E Tartufo$$$$• Vegan• Melbourne CBD
    •
    4.5
  • LEANNE
    Melbourne •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 28, 2026
    A very lovely dining experience. The building and decor are absolutely beautiful. The service was just right and made our family dinner very special. The menu is a Lux without any questionable fancy descriptions. The food was delicious and presented very smartly. Luci offers good value for a lovely dining experience.
    More info
    Luci$$$$• Australian• Melbourne CBD
    •
    4

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Southbank

Discover the vibrant dining scene of Southbank, Melbourne, where the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine comes to life. Nestled in the bustling City Centre, this locale is a hotspot for culinary enthusiasts seeking authentic and innovative Italian dishes. The restaurants in this area specialize in a diverse array of contemporary Italian fare, ranging from artisan wood-fired pizzas to sophisticated pasta dishes crafted with precision and creativity. Each venue offers a unique interpretation of traditional Italian flavors, combined with a modern twist that appeals to a discerning palate. The ambiance across these establishments often mirrors the elegance and charm typical of Italy, enhanced by modern, stylish decor. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and exceptional service, dining in Southbank is an experience that caters to those who appreciate fine food and a delightful atmosphere. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor, the contemporary Italian restaurants in Southbank, Melbourne, promise a memorable gastronomic journey.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo