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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Hawthorn

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grazia Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(943)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Glen Iris
Booked 57 times today
Grazia Restaurant in Glen Iris stands out as a beacon of contemporary Italian cuisine, blending classic flavors with a modern twist that consistently delights its patrons. Reviewers rave about their experiences, noting that the "food was amazing" and the service "outstanding," with one guest celebrating a birthday describing it as "magnificent" with food, wine, staff, and atmosphere "above reproach." The restaurant's ability to consistently deliver exceptional dining experiences is evident, with one reviewer emphatically stating it was a "5-star dining experience each time." Grazia's commitment to quality is further highlighted by its selection of "first quality ingredients cooked with care," ensuring every dish not only meets but exceeds expectations. This gem in Glen Iris is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Italy crafted with contemporary flair.
A photo of Cecconi's Toorak restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(128)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Toorak
Booked 11 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 Osteria 20 restaurant
3.9
Excellent(80)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Hawthorn
Booked 4 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 Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1182)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 11 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 DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda restaurant
4.5
Awesome(89)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • St Kilda
Booked 19 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 Teatro Gastronomia restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1022)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Southbank
Booked 25 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 Zia Rina's Cucina restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(216)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Armadale
Booked 4 times today
Zia Rina's Cucina, nestled in the vibrant heart of Armadale, offers a uniquely modern take on traditional Italian cuisine. This charming trattoria, celebrated for its "creative menu and really high-level food" as praised by a delighted patron, focuses on the authenticity and quality of its offerings. With ingredients freshly sourced from local markets and farms, Zia Rina's crafts its dishes with soulful integrity, presenting a rotating $75 set menu that captures the essence of the season. Guests consistently laud the restaurant for its "fantastic service" and "intimate and relaxing" ambiance, making it not just a meal but an unforgettable experience. As one reviewer puts it, it's "hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in Melbourne." Whether you're savoring the heavenly pasta or the beautifully paired Italian wine, Zia Rina's ensures a contemporary Italian culinary adventure that's both delightful and authentic.
A photo of Tesoro Gastronomia restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(309)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Balwyn North
Booked 10 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 Geppetto Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(99)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • East Melbourne
Booked 3 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 Freddy's Pizza restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(256)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Windsor
Booked 19 times today
Freddy's Pizza in the heart of Windsor is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, beloved for its wood-fired pizzas that keep locals coming back for more. Praised as “probably the best pizza I’ve had in my life” and described as “out of this world,” Freddy’s effortlessly blends a cozy atmosphere with culinary excellence. Diners rave about both the quality of the food and the impeccable service, highlighting dishes like the Straciabella pizza and hand-tossed Margherita. With its vibrant courtyard and upbeat vibes, Freddy’s not only promises delicious meals but also an unforgettable dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic, contemporary Italian delights in Melbourne.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Shane
    Amsterdam •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    food was excellent. A chalkboard of wine options (? a dozen ) , but maybe could have some greater range of price.. not everyone wants to pay 20$ a glass. There is more wine out the back, but I felt the owner was a bit coy about the price till we had a taste..I suggest have a wine list..it takes no time to keep an updated list, or be upfront about the prices..maybe display bottles with the price in chalk.
    More info
    Zia Rina's CucinaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Armadale
    4.8
  • george
    Melbourne •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Haven’t been for a few years but will make sure we make reservations more regularly as it was a fantastic experience
    More info
    Cecconi's Flinders LanePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
    4.7
  • Anthonyvip
    Melbourne •36 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    DOC St Kilda, you absolute superstar! From the moment we walked in, it felt like we’d been teleported straight to Italy—but with a bonus beachside vibe. The pizzas? Oh, don’t even get me started. Thin, crispy, and topped with fresh, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The kind of pizza that makes you question why you’d ever eat anything else. And the burrata? Chef’s kiss! It’s basically a cloud of creamy deliciousness that had us fighting over the last bite. The staff? Legends. They were friendly, funny, and totally on point with their wine recs. It's like they just know what will make your night. Bonus points for making us feel like VIPs even though we were just there for a mid-week dinner. If you haven’t been to DOC St Kilda yet, stop what you’re doing and book a table. Seriously, your taste buds will thank you. Can’t wait to go back and do it all over again! 🍕✨
    More info
    DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St KildaPrice: Expensive• Italian• St Kilda
    4.5
  • Michellevip
    Melbourne •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had an early table at 5:45 upstairs. It’s a great room and we were sitting in the area between the kitchen and the bar which was quite narrow, but the staff were very attentive and watching always for anyone moving in that narrow section the restaurant had an amazing turnover of people. Which I would think was a testament to the good service and the good food lots of families having, a quick meal plus others who were grazing and enjoying the atmosphere. The fit out is really really wonderful. Everything was tiptop from the time we walked into the restaurant to the time we left. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was exemplary. we had oysters, fish and steak. The steak could’ve melted in my mouth like it was covered in butter, the oysters were incredible. The cheese platter was incredible. You know I have to say for a local restaurant. It’s a nine out of 10. We will be back at least 100 times thanks for looking after us Grazie.
    More info
    Grazia RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Glen Iris
    4.8
  • Frank
    Melbourne •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This restaurant just gets it right. The service is great, food is exceptional and the venue outstanding.
    More info
    Cecconi's ToorakPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Toorak
    4.6
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