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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Essendon

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18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tutti Trattoria restaurant
1. Tutti Trattoria
4.3
Awesome(10)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Essendon
Booked 3 times today
Tutti Trattoria in the heart of Essendon is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, where the essence of Italian family dining meets modern culinary excellence. Celebrated for its "mouthwatering pizza and vodka pasta" and "delicious arancini," the restaurant offers a menu that dazzles with simplicity and quality. Guests rave about the "amazing Italian food" and the ambiance, which is both "stylish" and "intimate." The dedication to fresh, quality ingredients and the craft of Italian cooking shines through in dishes like the "bolognese gnocchi," which has been described as so authentic, "you couldn't tell it was gluten-free." Tutti Trattoria is not just a meal; it's an experience where every dish promises a taste of Italy crafted with love and flair.
A photo of TROMBAR restaurant
2. TROMBAR
3.9
Excellent(20)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Ascot Vale
Booked 1 time today
Trombar, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Ascot Vale, stands out as a pinnacle of Mediterranean cuisine, particularly renowned for its authentic Italian offerings. Diners rave about the "exceptional" dishes, from the hand-made pasta to the perfectly grilled salmon. Trombar's linguine with lobster has become a signature delight, encapsulating the essence of high-quality Italian fare. Reviewers consistently highlight the "amazing food" and atmosphere, making it a top recommendation for anyone craving Mediterranean flavors. With glowing testimonials about both the food and the lively setting, Trombar promises an unforgettable dining experience that echoes the culinary spirit of the Mediterranean.
A photo of D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant
3. D.O.C Osteria Carlton
4.8
Exceptional(9)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Carlton
Booked 20 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 Bar Brillo restaurant
4. Bar Brillo
4.4
Awesome(0)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Niddrie
Booked 4 times today
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
new
4.9
Exceptional(18)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Thornbury
Booked 5 times today
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Thornbury, p r o v a offers an authentic Italian dining experience that is both intimate and unique. Hosted within Pastificio Sandro, this gem is accessible via a quaint rear laneway, providing a hidden retreat for lovers of fine Italian cuisine. The restaurant's seasonal set menu brims with creativity and features exquisitely crafted dishes that showcase the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques. Guests rave about the "exceptional food" and the "top-notch service," highlighting the homemade focaccia, fresh pasta, and the divine saffron cultured butter as unforgettable. With glowing reviews like "the best fresh pasta in Melbourne" and dishes described as "little parcels of heaven," p r o v a stands out as a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuinely superior Italian meal.
A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant
6. Cecconi's Flinders Lane
4.7
Exceptional(1182)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 42 times today
Cecconi's Flinders Lane is a gem nestled in Melbourne's CBD, celebrated for elevating Contemporary Italian cuisine. Awarded consistently from 2006 to 2023 with One Hat by THE AGE GOOD FOOD GUIDE, the restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere where every detail contributes to a memorable dining experience. Diners rave about the "fabulous food" and "outstanding friendly service," highlighting dishes like Seafood Linguine and Veal Cotoletta. The expansive drink list complements the refined menu perfectly. A patron sums it up: "This restaurant always delivers a high-quality meal and service...the eye fillet was one of the best steaks I’ve had this year." Whether for a special occasion or a delightful meal, Cecconi's promises an unrivaled dining encounter in the heart of Melbourne.
A photo of Cecconi's Toorak restaurant
7. Cecconi's Toorak
4.6
Exceptional(128)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Toorak
Booked 21 times today
Cecconi's Toorak in the charming neighborhood of Toorak Village stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an exceptional dining experience that combines modern flair with authentic Italian tastes. It's not just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that invites diners to indulge in dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Italian tradition. Guests rave about their experiences, highlighting the "excellent service" and "delicious food" that make every visit memorable. The ambiance is described as "warm and inviting," perfect for everything from casual dinners to special occasions. The menu, featuring items like the praised truffle linguine and freshly shucked oysters, showcases a sophisticated interpretation of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Cecconi's Toorak is highly recommended for anyone looking to savor the essence of Italy right in the heart of Toorak.
A photo of Teatro Gastronomia restaurant
8. Teatro Gastronomia
4.3
Awesome(1022)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Southbank
Booked 18 times today
Teatro Gastronomia, located on the vibrant Southbank Promenade in Melbourne, offers a truly authentic Bistro experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy. Celebrated for its "phenomenal food" and "amazing service," Teatro stands out as a culinary theater where each dish performs spectacularly. From traditional wood-fired pizzas to exquisite pasta dishes, the menu showcases a fresh, seasonal produce-driven approach, constantly evolving yet consistently delightful. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked" lamb ragu and the homemade lasagna, which are just a few highlights of the diverse offerings. With its stunning views of the Yarra River and a lively atmosphere, Teatro Gastronomia is a must-visit for anyone craving an exceptional Bistro dining experience.
A photo of DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda restaurant
9. DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda
4.5
Awesome(89)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • St Kilda
Booked 12 times today
DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar in St Kilda is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a refreshing take on classic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Nestled by Port Phillip Bay, this restaurant not only promises enchanting seaside views but also delivers an authentic Italian dining experience. Patrons rave about the "absolutely delicious" Campanelle with duck ragu and the "outstanding" porcini pizza, highlighting DOC's commitment to quality and authenticity. The glowing reviews consistently praise the "warm welcoming" atmosphere and "excellent service," making it clear why DOC is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Italy in the heart of St Kilda.
A photo of Luci restaurant
10. Luci
4.3
Awesome(201)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 4 times today
Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of Melbourne’s historic Equity Chambers building.Its art deco styled dining room – designed by Bates Smart – provides a sophisticated backdrop to a contemporary Australian menu with Italian accents.Celebrating Melbourne’s history of Italian immigrants and its evolution into a cosmopolitan culinary city, Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant housed within the grand hall of the historic Equity Chambers Building.
‘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.

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