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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Watsonia

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14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tesoro Gastronomia restaurant
1. Tesoro Gastronomia
4.7
Exceptional(314)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Balwyn North
Booked 9 times today
Tesoro Gastronomia in Balwyn North, Melbourne, stands as a beacon of contemporary Italian cuisine, delighting diners with its innovative approach to traditional flavors. This charming deli-cafe by day transforms into an elegant restaurant at night, where the chef’s ever-evolving menu pays homage to Italian culinary heritage with a modern twist. Guests rave about the "beautifully balanced dishes with authentic regional Italian character" and highlight the "outstanding value for money for food of this quality." Tesoro also garners praise for its commitment to the community, donating all profits to local charities. The restaurant's warm atmosphere and exceptional service make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Italian dining experience, described by a content diner as "Italy without the airfare!"
A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant
2. Cecconi's Flinders Lane
4.7
Exceptional(1183)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 35 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
3. Cecconi's Toorak
4.6
Exceptional(130)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Toorak
Booked 27 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
4. Teatro Gastronomia
4.3
Awesome(1025)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Southbank
Booked 33 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 Geppetto Trattoria restaurant
5. Geppetto Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(99)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • East Melbourne
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in the vibrant East Melbourne neighborhood, Geppetto Trattoria is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a culinary experience that combines tradition with modern flair. Established in 1981 and cherished by locals and visitors alike, this family-run gem stands out for its "authentic Italian food, with the most amazing service," as praised by numerous patrons. The restaurant's commitment to quality shines through its beloved dishes like the Osso Buco and Spaghetti Pescatora, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and a touch of home-style love. Reviewers consistently celebrate Geppetto Trattoria for its "excellent meal" experiences and "outstanding service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine slice of Italy in Melbourne.
A photo of Luci restaurant
6. Luci
4.3
Awesome(202)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 7 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.
A photo of Osteria 20 restaurant
7. Osteria 20
3.9
Excellent(80)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Hawthorn
Booked 14 times today
Discover the essence of Italian culinary excellence at Osteria 20 in Hawthorn, Melbourne. Praised for its "exceptional food" and "seamless service," this contemporary Italian eatery stands out with its "amazing Italian" dishes, including "delicious and hearty" meals that leave diners enthralled. Patrons rave about the "crispy pizza with a nice crust" and the "stunning beef cheek pasta," not to mention the "best bruschetta" they’ve ever tasted. One satisfied customer exclaimed, "the food was fantastic 😋," highlighting the standout dishes like lamb shank and bruschetta, which were described as divine. Osteria 20 captures the authentic Italian spirit, making every meal a memorable event.
A photo of Pastificio Sandro restaurant
8. Pastificio Sandro
new
4.9
Exceptional(20)
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 Tutti Trattoria restaurant
9. Tutti Trattoria
4.3
Awesome(10)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Essendon
Booked 5 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 D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant
10. D.O.C Osteria Carlton
4.8
Exceptional(15)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Carlton
Booked 22 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.
‘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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