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

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Essendon

Price
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tutti Trattoria restaurant
1. Tutti Trattoria
4.4
Awesome(11)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Essendon
Booked 3 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 D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant
2. D.O.C Osteria Carlton
4.8
Exceptional(23)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Carlton
Booked 11 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 TROMBAR restaurant
3. TROMBAR
3.9
Excellent(21)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Ascot Vale
Trombar is a Bar Restaurant where you can spend a wonderful evening whit your friends there is live music where you can dance all night.We got a beautiful Italian restaurant that serve high quality Italian cuisine. Our signature dish is linguine whit lobster or hand made pasta including how testing meat ribeye ,eyes fillet or Salmon on the grill inside there are three bars where you can drink your favorite cocktail and spirits .The atmosphere it’s very electric and fun where you can spend a nice evening in the company of freind and meet other people as well We recommend you come visit us to spend a nice special evening whit your friends. See you soon
A photo of Bar Brillo restaurant
4. 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 Pastificio Sandro restaurant
5. Pastificio Sandro
4.9
Exceptional(21)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Thornbury
Pastificio Sandro in Thornbury offers a delightful journey through Contemporary Italian cuisine that leaves diners raving about their experiences. "Every course was outstanding, packed with flavour and stunning ingredients," one guest exclaimed. The restaurant’s innovative approach includes delicate truffle-based dishes and expertly paired wines, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The intimate setting of the deli transforms into a "very unique restaurant" by night, making it a hidden gem in Melbourne. With its top-notch service and a menu that promises "crazy delicious food," Pastificio Sandro is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian with a contemporary twist.
A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant
6. Cecconi's Flinders Lane
4.8
Exceptional(1188)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 6 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
7. Teatro Gastronomia
4.4
Awesome(1040)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Southbank
Booked 20 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 Cecconi's Toorak restaurant
8. Cecconi's Toorak
4.6
Exceptional(140)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Toorak
Booked 4 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 DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda restaurant
9. DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda
4.5
Awesome(100)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • St Kilda
Booked 8 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.
A photo of Luci restaurant
10. Luci
4.4
Awesome(207)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 1 time 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.
‘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
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - 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