Best Authentic Restaurants in Watsonia

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BallaratCity CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City West

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordBalwyn NorthBlackburnBox HillBrunswickCamberwell

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

174 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. TAVOLATA

4.8

Exceptional(359)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Preston

Booked 8 times today

Italian Pizzeria and pasta restaurant. Take a seat at the table and enjoy some homemade dishes, the best pizzas and Italian food, with some of the best wines from Italy and cocktails too! Showcasing our love for good food and good wine! A friendly environment for all to enjoy in Preston!

2. Kuzina

4.6

Exceptional(428)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Greek • Eltham

Booked 11 times today

KUZINA- A greek restaurant created from the love of Greek Cypriot food and hospitality, serving traditional recipes in a warm and welcoming environment. Our menu has even created by curating family favourite recipes, many of those passed down through generations which we hope you'll enjoy. Along with a welcoming environment, our dedicated team serve you with an excellent service which we hope will make your visit to Kuzina one of many and a memorable experience every time. EVENTS- KUZINA is also available for sit down and cocktail events offering private space options. If you don't find a booking online, drop us a line as we always keep tables available for walk min or last minute bookings

3. Farm Vigano

4.6

Exceptional(951)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Morang

Booked 10 times today

Farm Vigano was previously the home of iconic Melbourne restauranteur Mario Vigano. The contributions of Mario and his wife towards hospitality and the arts have made Farm Vigano heritage listed. Today, Farm Vigano continues to embrace that true Italian way of eating by specialising in antipasti, pizze and share plates making it an ideal venue for group gatherings of all sizes. Conveniently located in Melbourne's Northern suburbs, Farm Vigano has become a popular destination for a wide range of functions, gatherings and events. From beautiful weddings, christenings, communions, engagements, birthdays and corporate functions, Farm Vigano delivers events with style and finesse.

A photo of L'Artigiano Ivanhoe restaurant

4. L'Artigiano Ivanhoe

4.5

Awesome(604)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ivanhoe

Booked 9 times today

Our name encompasses our philosophy on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.We take great care in preparing authentic regional Italian cuisine using only quality, fresh and seasonal produce. Our mission is to produce high quality artisan style food that has been carefully crafted and perfected, using time honoured methods.

5. Franco & Co

4.4

Awesome(436)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Eltham

Booked 12 times today

Tucked away in the beautiful, leafy gateway of Eltham, Franco & Co is a classic Melbourne dining experience built on quality, comfort and community. A Mediterranean life revolves around the family dinner table, where you will find great conversation with delicious food and wine. We at Franco, have, have recrated the perfect atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy. The menu, courtesy of celebrity chef Jimmy H.Wong the flavours are simple and big, the portions generous, and our menu is extensive with a mixture of wood-fired pizzas and pasta options.Managed by three brothers and a lifelong friend, our company holds notable credibility within the hospitality industry. Having founded many highly rated venues in Melbourne with each of our venues having their own unique personality, we have created another experience for you to enjoy.

6. The Smoke Pit

4.5

Awesome(26)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Thomastown

Booked 9 times today

Since opening its doors in 2021, The Smoke Pit offers a casual dining experience, serving up authentic-style Texas BBQ in a buzzing and vibrant atmosphere. They pride themselves on using local, organic, and free-range produce and smoke their beef and pork products onsite in our mammoth off-set smoker for a minimum of 12 hours to ensure a superior quality and flavour profile in every bite. They also offer a fully licensed bar with a great selection of drinks. Can't wait to serve you up a true taste of Texas!

7. Joia Cucina

4.6

Exceptional(24)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ivanhoe

Booked 11 times today

Joia Cucina, located in Ivanhoe, Victoria, offers an authentic Italian dining experience with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant serves classic Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted pasta, with options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diners. Joia Cucina embraces Italian hospitality, inviting guests to enjoy a family-style atmosphere that celebrates the flavours and traditions of Italy. Dine-in and takeaway options are available.

A photo of Prosciutto Bros. Craft Bar restaurant

8. Prosciutto Bros. Craft Bar

4.5

Awesome(170)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Eltham

Booked 14 times today

Prosciutto Bros. Craft Bar is a beloved local gem in Eltham, offering a unique blend of home-style Italian cuisine and craft beer. The restaurant's menu features an array of imported and locally-made meats, cheeses, pizzas, and more. Reviewers rave about the delicious food, friendly staff, and excellent service, with one even saying it's a 'must-try'. The atmosphere is also praised for its live music, vintage decor, and relaxed, welcoming vibe.

A photo of Gipi's Pizza House restaurant

9. Gipi's Pizza House

4.9

Exceptional(4)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Preston

Booked 2 times today

Welcome To Gipi's Pizza House, Nestled In The Heart Of Preston, Where Every Slice Tells A Story Of Tradition And Taste.Our Passion For Crafting Authentic Italian Flavors Shines Through In Every Dish, From Our Hand-Tossed Pizzas To Our Savory Pasta Creations.With A Commitment To Quality Ingredients And Exceptional Service, We Invite You To Savor The Flavours Of Italy Right Here In Preston At Gipi's Pizza House.

A photo of Balkan Grill Reservoir restaurant

10. Balkan Grill Reservoir

4.5

Awesome(9)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Balkan style • Reservoir

Booked 8 times today

Balkan Grill is a vibrant restaurant that brings the flavors of the Balkan region to life. Here's an overview incorporating the details you're interested in:Chef Danilo Majmunovic: The restaurant is led by Chef Danilo, a master of Balkan cuisine, who brings a wealth of culinary tradition to the table. Signature Dish: The signature dish at Balkan Grill is Ćevapi, a traditional grilled minced meat dish, often served with fresh bread, onions, and ajvar (a pepper-based relish). It’s a crowd favorite, representing the heart of Balkan comfort food.Awards Won: Balkan Grill has been recognized for its authentic cuisine and warm hospitality, having won awards such as Best Balkan Restaurant 2023 and Culinary Excellence Award in local food competitions. These accolades highlight its dedication to both food quality and service.Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Balkan Grill is warm and inviting, with a rustic, homely feel that evokes the cozy charm of traditional Balkan taverns.

‘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

B
Bel
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
Lovely experience, delicious food and great service, will return again to this local Greek Restaurant. Looking forward to trying something different next time !
More info
KuzinaPrice: Moderate• Greek• Eltham
•
4.6
B
Brian
Victoria •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Exceptional service and great quality food. Recommend getting the share plates where you definitely don’t leave there hungry. The lamb was amazing!
More info
Farm ViganoPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Morang
•
4.6
C
Carmel
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Pizza was cooked to perfection and the Tartufo Pistachio was to die for. Excellent night and I look forward to going again.
More info
TAVOLATAPrice: Expensive• Italian• Preston
•
4.8
K
Kathy
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
All three mains were delicious and the services were great. It’s a gem in Eltham area and highly recommend
More info
Franco & CoPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Eltham
•
4.4
J
Jennifer
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 21, 2025
We caught up for a girls lunch at L'Artigiano Ivanhoe. We had the lunch special of a mains pasta, house wine (beautiful wine) and the canoli dessert, all for $35 The coffee is great as well. The service was really good, and a lovely ambience in the restaurant, and not noisy. We will definitely return.
More info
L'Artigiano IvanhoePrice: Moderate• Italian• Ivanhoe
•
4.5

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Authentic

Watsonia

Hawthorn East
Elsternwick
Hallam
Elwood
Hampton
West Melbourne
Maidstone
St Kilda East
Carlton
Caroline Springs
Ripponlea
Parkville
South Yarra
Keysborough
Brunswick
Kew
Port Melbourne
North Melbourne
Kensington
Doncaster