There’s nothing like a good Italian meal to bring the family together. And what better place to enjoy some authentic Italian cuisine than in Melbourne?
Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen in Melbourne, but finding one that is family-friendly can be tricky. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best family-friendly Italian restaurants we know of.
Whether you are looking for a casual spot for a quick bite or a more formal setting for a special occasion, we have rounded up the best Italian restaurants Melbourne has to offer families. From classics like pizza and pasta to more modern dishes, these restaurants will have something for everyone in the family.
So, next time you are looking for a place to take the family for a nice Italian meal, be sure to add one of these Melbourne Italian restaurants to your list!
Best Family-Friendly Italian Restaurants Melbourne
Italian Restaurants Melbourne – CBD
1. Connie’s Italian Diner, Melbourne
Named after one of the owner’s beloved Nonna, Connie’s Italian Diner is a New York-inspired slice joint that showcases traditional dishes inspired by the owner’s memories of growing up in his family’s Italian restaurants.
High chairs are available and there is no specific kids menu but plenty of yummy kid friendly menu options like mozzarella sticks, pizza and pasta. No baby change facilities so keep that in mind.
Connie’s Italian Diner, 234B Russell Street, Melbourne, info@conniesitaliandiner.com.au, +61 3 9041 0856
2. Becco, Melbourne
Becco is another wonderful Italian restaurant Melbourne has, and first opened its doors in December 1996 on Crossley Street in the CBD. Since then, the restaurant has built a reputation in Melbourne for serving classic, hearty Italian food in a sleek and minimalistic setting. The bar also offers a short menu of snacks and bubbly drinks that are sure to elevate your mood.
Although it doesn’t have a highchair, change table or kids’ menu, older kids should find something they like on the menu like the crumbed veal, smashed potatoes, chips, apple pie and chocolate pudding.
Becco, 11-25 Crossley Street, Melbourne, info@becco.com.au, +61 3 9663 3000
3. Il Solito Posto, Melbourne
No matter what your plans are for the evening, Il Solito Posto is a comfortable and relaxed spot that will fill you up with its delicious Italian offerings.
The Bar at Il Solito Posto is a great place to relax with a glass of wine or some delicious antipasti. If you’re looking for a great night out with friends or family, then you’ll enjoy staying in the dining area which is perfect for enjoying a meal and some good conversation.
They have booster seats available and offer entree sizes for kids but don’t have a baby change facility.
Il Solito Posto, 113 Collins Street, Melbourne, +61 3 9654 4466
4. The Waiters Restaurant, Melbourne
Hard to find and hidden up a staircase off a laneway, prepare to get cosy inside the iconic Waiters Restaurant (also known as The Waiter’s Club) – a truly ‘old-school’ no frills Italian eatery (so ‘no frills’ that they have no website or social media!).
It was opened in the 1940’s as a place for workers in the hospitality industry to come and have a wine over a game of cards, and is still serving delicious simple mains, homemade gnocchi and house wine in an inviting atmosphere all these years later.
While not specifically kid friendly as it is rather small and up a flight of stairs, it is a really iconic Melbourne experience and has a very relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. Perhaps one for your slightly older kids.
The Waiters Restaurant, 20 Meyers Pl, Melbourne, +61 3 9650 1508
Italian Restaurants Melbourne – North
5. Tiamo, Carlton
Serving traditional Italian food for over 40 years now is Melbourne’s most recognised iconic Italian restaurant, Tiamo. Stop by the restaurant for a hot bowl of freshly made pasta, mouthwatering traditional Italian pizza, or maybe grab a bite of one of their three delicious parmas. With plenty of great options to choose from, guests of all ages are sure to find something they’ll love.
Tiamo has highchairs available and baby change facilities. They don’t have a specific kids’ menu but you’ll find plenty of tasty, kid-friendly options on the main menu.
Tiamo, 303-307 Lygon Street, Carlton, +61 3 9347 5759
6. DOC, Carlton
Get the full experience at D.O.C where the all-Italian team works together seamlessly and uses the best of the best ingredients to serve you some of the best pizzas you’ll ever taste in Melbourne!
Highchairs are available but no baby change facilities. Although there is no kids’ menu they offer smaller sized servings of lasagne for kiddies and there are plenty of other options that the kids will love… the pizzas are seriously delicious!
D.O.C, 295 Faraday Street, Carlton, ciao@docgroup.net, +61 3 9347 2998
7. 1800lasagne, Thornbury
Offering a simple but tasty menu that the whole family will enjoy, visit 1800lasagne in Thornbury to indulge in mind blowingly delicious lasagne. Whether you choose to dine in or eat at home, 1800lasagne is sure to get you that cheesy mouth-watering lasagna whenever the craving arises.
You’ll find a highchair here but no change table or kids’ menu. Not that that’s a problem because lasagne is inherently kid-friendly anyway. Yum, yum.
1800lasagne, 653 High St, Thornbury, bookings@1800lasagne.com.au, 1800 527 246
8. Umberto Espresso Bar, Thornbury
With a welcoming atmosphere and a hearty range of Italian dishes, it’s no wonder that Umberto Espresso Bar is a favourite among locals. Named after owner Marco Finanzio’s Calabrian-born father, Umberto, the restaurant has a warm, family-friendly feel, and the menu offers all of your Italian favourites. From pasta and pizza to chicken and veal dishes they’ve got it all. So stop on by to enjoy a taste of la dolce vita!
Offering the ultimate kid-friendly trio of amenities you’ll find highchairs, baby change facilities AND a kids’ menu here.
Umberto Espresso Bar, 917 High Street, Thornbury, info@umberto.com.au, +61 3 9484 8654
9. Figlia, Brunswick East
Figlia is a Pizzeria on the corner of Victoria and Lygon Streets, Brunswick East where you can order some of the best organic sourdough pizza, chargrilled snacks and more. On top of this, they’ve also got a fine selection of delicious wine, cocktails and beer.
There are no specific kids’ meals but the kids should find something they like on the menu and you can always resort to a delicious woodfired margherita for the fussy ones.
Figlia is open every Mon at 5 pm, Wed to Fri at 5 pm, and Sat to Sun at 12 pm.
Figlia, 331 Lygon Street Brunswick East, (03) 9068 8278
10. Marios, Fitzroy
Marios is a great place to enjoy some delicious Italian food and amazing coffee. The ambience is very inviting and cosy. Plus, the service is attentive and friendly. You can’t go wrong with a visit to this spot!
Kids have been visiting this place since the late 80’s with their parents for dinner outings with plenty of kid friendly classics like spaghetti bolognese and garlic bread.
Marios, 303 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, info@marioscafe.com.au, +61 3 9417 3343
11. Pinotta, Fitzroy North
Self described as serving ‘honest food with integrity, generosity and spirit’ you’ll find Pinotta in North Fitzroy. It is a popular local hangout in Fitzroy North that boasts a cosy atmosphere, causing it to be loaded with locals and newcomers night after night. When it comes to food, the restaurant offers delicious fresh pasta, plus specials like market fish, confit chicken and strip loin.
Kids are welcome and should find something they like on the menu. They often have spaghetti and meatballs (always a kids’ favourite) and french fries as well as ice cream but they also welcome kids to bring in ice cream from neighbouring Billy van Creamy ice cream shop. They also have crayons and paper on hand to keep kiddos busy.
As well as this, they also have Italian and Australian wines which are served by the glass, carafe or bottle as well as cocktails but you can also BYO for $15 a bottle.
Pinotta, 32 Best Street, Fitzroy North, pinottabookings@gmail.com, +61 3 9481 3393
12. Capitano, Carlton
Whether you’re coming in for a Friday night dinner or a lazy Sunday lunch, feel right at home at Capitano – an Italian restaurant serving up simple but delicious pizza and pasta along with refreshing cocktails, wine and beer.
From heaped bowls of Cacio e Pepe to their famed Vodka-pasta, whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find it here.
The kids might like the meatball ragu pasta, the ‘Grandma Square’ pizza or the classic cheese pizza. Wash it all down with a delicious blood orange sorbet, butterscotch ripple ice cream or tiramisu from the dessert menu.
Capitano, 421 Rathdowne St Carlton, eat@capitano.com.au, +61 3 9134 8555
Italian Restaurants Melbourne – South/South-East/Bayside
13. Cicciolina, St Kilda
Cicciolina is a St Kilda institution. It has been a favourite spot for locals and tourists since 1993. The menu focuses on using the best of Melbourne’s seasonal produce to create some incredible dishes that will have you craving more. Make sure you get online and book ahead as this is a popular spot.
I know families that have a tradition of coming here with their kids to celebrate any special occasion. It is that kind of place. Woven into childhood memories as the ‘special’ dinner spot. Highchairs are available but no baby change facilities or specific kids’ menu although there should be something they will like as it is a delicious menu..
Cicciolina, 130 Acland Street, St Kilda, enquiries@cicciolina.com.au, +61 3 9525 3333
14. Thirty Eight Chairs, South Yarra
If you’re looking for a fantastic Italian meal, you can’t go wrong with Thirty Eight Chairs. This Melbourne institution is known for its delicious food and cosy atmosphere. Plus, it’s conveniently located near Chapel Street making it a fantastic choice for families looking to enjoy an Italian dinner out.
Highchairs are available but no baby change facilities or specific kids’ menu. There are plenty of kid friendly options on the menu though like the croquettes, handmade pasta and shoestring fries.
Thirty Eight Chairs, 4A Bond Street, South Yarra, eat@thirtyeightchairs.com.au, +61 3 9827 5553
15. Bar Carolina, South Yarra
Offering a bustling, chic atmosphere in the heart of South Yarra is the warm and hospitable Italian restaurant, Bar Carolina. As well as being best known for its delicious handmade pasta and perfectly cooked secondi dishes, the restaurant’s experience is always taken to the next level all thanks to their amazing staff that go above and beyond to make sure guests are having a great dining experience.
Best reserved for a special occasion or for kids with a more refined palate as the dishes are pretty ‘fancy’ but seriously delicious.
Bar Carolina, 44 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, +61 3 9820 9774
16. Osteria Renata
If you’re looking for a delicious Italian meal in Prahran, you can’t go wrong with Osteria Renata. The gorgeous restaurant and bar offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and the menu features all your favourite Italian dishes.
The restaurant’s house-made pasta is mouth-watering, and the wine selection is top-notch which is why it is no wonder they’ve quickly become a favourite among locals. So whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or a family dinner, Osteria Renata is the perfect spot.
There are no highchairs but they do have a kids’ menu available. No baby change facilities either.
Osteria Renata, 436-438 High Street Prahran, ciao@osteriarenata.com.au, +61 3 9112 8962
17. Italian Artisans, Albert Park
Offering delicious Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta, desserts and more that are made from organic, always seasonal and high-quality products, Italian Artisans also offers an extensive drinks list that includes wines, Lambrusco, and Italian microbrews making it a great place to bring the whole gang around to taste and experience the authentic flavours of Italian Artisans.
There are plenty of kid friendly items on the menu including lasagne, pasta with meatballs, delicious pizza options and even a sweet pizza with strawberries and white chocolate!
Italian Artisans, 135 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park, ciao@italianartisans.com.au, +61 3 9690 7960
18. 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar, Elsternwick
These guys love kids so much they even host kids gnocchi making masterclasses. Check out 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar Elsternwick – an award-winning pizza and gnocchi bar in Elsternwick and South Yarra that specialises in, you guessed it, pizza and gnocchi!
The menu at 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar Elsternwick is composed of a mix of traditional and modern pizzas, Italian and Australian drinks and some desserts such as pannacotta, cakes and tiramisu.
With highchairs, baby change facilities and a kids’ menu this place is definitely a kid friendly option.
48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar Elsternwick, 15 Gordon Street, Elsternwick, elsternwick@48h.com.au, +61 3 9089 0422
Italian Restaurants Melbourne – East
19. Ms Frankie, Cremorne
Looking for a delicious cocktail and some great pasta? Look no further than Ms Frankie – a contemporary A-Grade cocktail and pasta bar that has everything you’re looking for, especially when you’re craving a taste of Italy. With a curated selection of starters including artisan salumi boards, Roman-style roast porchetta, and gooey Buratta, you’re sure to find something you love.
There are highchairs available and also a kids’ menu, but no baby change facilities.
Ms Frankie, 24 Cremorne St, Cremorne, info@msfrankie.com.au, +61 3 9428 5117
20. Baby Pizza , Richmond
Baby Pizza is a family favourite for its delicious Italian cuisine and relaxed Australian atmosphere. With its fresh seasonal produce and hand-sourced ingredients, Baby is perfect for any time of day.
They have highchairs and baby change facilities available and although they don’t have a kids’ specific menu there are a multitude of kid friendly options on the main menu.
Baby Pizza, 631-633 Church Street, Richmond, eat@babypizza.com.au, +61 3 9421 4599
Italian Restaurants Melbourne – West
21. Al Porto Vecchio, Williamstown
The perfect spot for your next family birthday dinner and a Williamstown institution, Al Porto Vecchio is located on the Williamstown foreshore and has been offering delicious, humble Italian food for over two decades. Hand picked, fresh local ingredients and a wide ranging menu means there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Al Porto Vecchio has highchairs and a kids’ menu to help your family have an easy night out although they don’t have baby change facilities.
Al Porto Vecchio, 175 Nelson Place, Williamstown, info@alportovecchio.com.au, +61 3 9399 9105
22. Il Caminetto, Moonee Ponds
You know a restaurant is family-friendly when the cover photo on their website homepage is four gorgeous kids enjoying a delicious dinner seated at the bench in the window.
One of the first wood fire pizza shops in Melbourne, Il Caminetto’s aim is to bring you the best homemade pizza and pasta outside of Italy, true to their Italian heritage. They also offer vegan and gluten free options.
Il Caminetto has highchairs and a kids’ menu but no baby change facilities.
Il Caminetto, 114 Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds, caminettoinfo@gmail.com, +61 3 9370 6884
