Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Watsonia

Price

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Regions

City CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthNorthern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Ascot ValeBalwyn NorthCarltonClifton HillEast MelbourneEpping

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

16 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant

1. Cecconi's Flinders Lane

4.8

Exceptional(1212)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 9 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 Tesoro Gastronomia restaurant

2. Tesoro Gastronomia

4.6

Exceptional(356)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Balwyn North

Booked 10 times today

Tesoro Gastronomia in Balwyn North captures the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine with flair, offering a dining experience that is nothing short of "Italy without the airfare!" The restaurant skillfully presents Italian classics with a modern twist, utilizing the finest local seasonal ingredients to enhance each dish. Diners rave about the "amazing food & service," and the regionally inspired set menu is described as "beautifully balanced" and "outstanding value for money." The warm and welcoming atmosphere, complemented by "charming and attentive staff," makes Tesoro Gastronomia a standout destination for those seeking authentic and heartfelt Italian dining.

3. Cecconi's Toorak

4.7

Exceptional(169)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Toorak

Booked 13 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 Teatro Gastronomia restaurant

4. Teatro Gastronomia

4.3

Awesome(1099)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Southbank

Booked 14 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

4.8

Exceptional(145)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• 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.

6. Bar Taralli

4.6

Exceptional(30)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • North Melbourne

Booked 10 times today

Lead by renowned Melbourne chef Salvatore Giorgio, Bar Taralli celebrates the rustic flavours and traditions from the South of Italy.Inspired by the regions simple yet bold approach to food, Bar Taralli focuses on bringing out authentic flavours in every dish.Creating a warm and inviting space for patrons to gather, this is Salvatore's love letter to his homeland, a region that deeply shaped his culinary philosophy. Salvatore welcomes you to his new home, a place to share his rich food culture with Melbourne foodies.

A photo of La Famiglia Italian Restaurant restaurant

7. La Famiglia Italian Restaurant

new

4.0

Excellent(2)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Epping

Booked 4 times today

La Famiglia Restaurant, a local favourite serving modern and traditional Italian cuisine since 2001. At La Famiglia we pride ourselves on creating a joyful family atmosphere, quality freshly prepared food at affordable prices. We welcome kids, large groups, functions of all sizes and intimate dinners for customers of all ages. We hope you enjoy your dining experience and look forward to seeing you again. We serve the best food in town, always value for money, with a fast and friendly service

8. Luci

4.4

Awesome(217)

$$$$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.

A photo of D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant

9. D.O.C Osteria Carlton

4.5

Awesome(42)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Carlton

Booked 21 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.

10. Osteria 20

4.1

Excellent(94)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hawthorn

Booked 14 times today

Osteria 20 in Hawthorn, Melbourne, is a beacon of authentic Italian flavors, serving some of the finest Pizza Bar cuisine in the area. Guests rave about the “fantastic pizzas” with “quality pizza dough,” making it a must-visit for pizza lovers. The vibrant ambiance and impeccable service add to the charm, as noted by a diner who praised the “exceptional service from our waiter” on a bustling Saturday night. Located conveniently near Glenferrie Railway Station, this stylish dining spot is perfect for both locals and visitors. Experience what one reviewer described as “the best pizza in the area” at Osteria 20!

‘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

S
Stacey
Victoria •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great service, delicious food and a lovely atmosphere. Loved it and will be back!
More info
Geppetto TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Melbourne
•
4.8
M
michelle
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Fantastic night. Great food and definitely will return. Got so carried away we forgot to take photos of the desert. We shared four main course and loved every dish. Then the tiramisu was absolutely delicious. Wonderful vibe. You have to try this place. Explore Italy right here.
More info
Tesoro GastronomiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Balwyn North
•
4.6
S
SimonVIP
Melbourne •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Love this place. Outstanding food and service. Awesome.
More info
Cecconi's Flinders LanePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
G
Glen
Melbourne •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Lovely friendly restaurant. Food was very good accompanied by a good wine and beverage list. The service we had was exceptional. The position by the vibrant riverside creates a great atmosphere.
More info
Teatro GastronomiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Southbank
•
4.3
E
Eros
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 7, 2025
Had a very nice lunch at Cecconi’s Toorak. Food was excellent. The experience was even more fantastic with the great service from the team. Many thanks!
More info
Cecconi's ToorakPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Toorak
•
4.7

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