Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Moonee Ponds

Price

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Regions

BaysideCity CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City South

Neighborhoods

ArmadaleAscot ValeBalwyn NorthBrightonBrunswickCarlton

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

26 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Il Caminetto

4.7

Exceptional(17)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Moonee Ponds

Booked 22 times today

Il Caminetto, a family-owned Italian restaurant in Moonee Ponds, has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 2018, earning a reputation as one of Melbourne's best. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the menu features traditional dishes like homemade pasta, 72-hour rested wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood, and options for vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free diners. Guests enjoy an extensive wine list and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with attentive service, making Il Caminetto perfect for romantic dinners, family celebrations, or group events. Experience the true taste of Italy at Il Caminetto!

A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant

2. Cecconi's Flinders Lane

4.8

Exceptional(1231)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 15 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.

3. Bar Taralli

4.7

Exceptional(45)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Melbourne

Booked 6 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.

A photo of Teatro Gastronomia restaurant

4. Teatro Gastronomia

4.4

Awesome(1119)

$$$$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 Geppetto Trattoria restaurant

5. Geppetto Trattoria

4.9

Exceptional(156)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • East Melbourne

Booked 10 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.

6. TROMBAR

3.9

Excellent(23)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Ascot Vale

Booked 3 times today

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 D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant

7. D.O.C Osteria Carlton

4.6

Exceptional(48)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Carlton

Booked 16 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 Caterina's Cucina e Bar restaurant

8. Caterina's Cucina e Bar

new

5.0

Exceptional(3)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 8 times today

If you're unable to find your preferred time slot or availability for your party size, we kindly encourage you to contact the restaurant directly. We'll be more than happy to assist you further.Caterina’s is is a cherished Melbourne institution, testament that pure flavours and simplicity go hand in hand. Chef Marcello, a northerner, ensures authenticity by also drawing upon central and southern dishes.Enter the underground dining room via large Art Deco gates where the wait staff, known for their discretion, look after a corporate clientele, as well as foodies. Lunch can be an all day affair or done simply 'espresso' style.Vitello tonnato is a classic, baccala' mantecato is a must and wet roasted capretto and duck tortelli mirrors regional food. Vegetarian dishes are given respect, relying on varying risotti and polente. Nonna Stella's obligatory grappino and crostoli sets the tone.Over 550 Italian, French and Australian wines are offered.

9. Luci

4.4

Awesome(220)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 2 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.

10. Bar Brillo

4.6

Exceptional(6)

$$$$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.

‘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

C
ClarisseVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
As always, very excellent. My guest first time there and fully agreed.
More info
Cecconi's Flinders LanePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
V
Vicki
Tasmania •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great food and service. Excellent pre theatre experience
More info
Teatro GastronomiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Southbank
•
4.4
C
craigVIP
Melbourne •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jul 8, 2025
Good Italian food that has a combination of traditional favourites and new dishes.
More info
Bar TaralliPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Melbourne
•
4.7
D
Darren
Melbourne •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 28, 2025
Great service.. as I'm Ceoliac and need GF food, was plenty of GF or GFO on the menu
More info
Il CaminettoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Moonee Ponds
•
4.7
M
Maria
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 1, 2025
The food was mouth watering. We had ordered salmon, pasta and pizza and every meal was not only beautifully presented, it was delicious. Dessert was also amazing. The panna cotta hit the spot after a beautiful meal. We look forward to returning to Trombar soon.
More info
TROMBARPrice: Expensive• Italian• Ascot Vale
•
3.9

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