10 Iconic Italian Dishes Every Food Lover Must Try in Melbourne

Melbourne is a city that takes its food seriously, and its Italian cuisine is nothing short of extraordinary. With a rich Italian heritage and a thriving food scene, Melbourne is home to some of the best Italian restaurants outside of Italy. From the bustling Lygon Street in Carlton, known as Little Italy, to high-end dining in the CBD, you’ll find authentic Italian dishes prepared with passion and tradition.

Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor exploring Melbourne’s culinary scene, this guide takes you through 10 must-try Italian dishes and the best places to find them.

10 Must-Try Italian Dishes in Melbourne

Melbourne’s Italian food scene is a paradise for lovers of authentic flavors, offering a delicious blend of tradition and quality. From crispy pizzas to rich pasta dishes, these Italian dishes in Melbourne bring the true taste of Italy to your plate.

1. Margherita Pizza: The Classic Italian Favourite

A Neapolitan masterpiece that proves simplicity is key. With its crispy-yet-chewy base, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella, Margherita pizza is a timeless Italian favourite.

Key Ingredients:

• San Marzano tomatoes: Sweet and slightly tangy.

• Buffalo mozzarella (or Fior di Latte): Creamy and melts beautifully.

• Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, peppery touch.

• Neapolitan pizza dough: Airy yet crisp texture.

• Extra virgin olive oil: For richness.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Authentic wood-fired crust with a signature char.

• Perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fresh basil.

• A true Italian classic with minimal ingredients but maximum flavour.

Where to Find It in Melbourne:

• 400 Gradi (Brunswick, CBD, Essendon, Eastland, Mornington): Home to award-winning Neapolitan pizza.

2. Spaghetti Carbonara: Rome’s Creamy Indulgence

A true Roman carbonara has no cream, just eggs, cheese, and guanciale for a naturally rich, velvety sauce.

Key Ingredients:

• Guanciale (cured pork cheek): Smoky, savoury depth.

• Egg yolks: Create a silky, creamy texture.

• Pecorino Romano cheese: Sharp and salty.

• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat.

• Spaghetti: Holds the sauce perfectly.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Luxuriously creamy sauce without added cream.

• Bold and savoury, thanks to guanciale and Pecorino Romano.

• A simple yet unforgettable Roman classic.

Where to Find It in Melbourne:

• Tipo 00 (CBD): Known for handmade pasta and authentic Italian sauces.

3. Risotto alla Milanese: The Golden Creamy Delight

This luxurious dish from Milan is infused with saffron, giving it a rich golden hue and elegant aroma.

Key Ingredients:

• Arborio or Carnaroli rice: Starchy, creating a creamy consistency.

• Saffron: Delicate floral and earthy aroma.

• Butter & Parmesan cheese: For richness and umami.

• White wine: Adds acidity to balance the dish.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Silky and creamy texture from slow stirring.

• Rich yet delicate, thanks to saffron’s subtle fragrance.

• A staple of Northern Italian cuisine.

Where to Find It in Melbourne:

• Grossi Florentino (CBD): Fine-dining experience with perfectly executed risotto.

4. Lasagna al Forno: Layered Comfort Food

This oven-baked classic is packed with layers of rich ragù, creamy béchamel, and fresh pasta sheets.

Key Ingredients:

• Beef and pork ragù: Slow-cooked for deep flavour.

• Béchamel sauce: Creamy and velvety.

• Fresh pasta sheets: Hold the layers together.

• Parmesan cheese: Provides umami depth.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Rich, hearty, and deeply comforting.

• Creamy béchamel and golden baked top.

• A staple of Italian home cooking.

Where to Find It in Melbourne:

• Tiamo (Carlton): A Lygon Street favourite for hearty lasagna.

5. Osso Buco: Milan’s Slow-Cooked Treasure

This braised veal shank dish is cooked until fork-tender, with buttery marrow enhancing its deep, savoury flavour.

Key Ingredients:

• Veal shanks: Slow-braised for tenderness.

• Tomatoes & white wine: Form a rich braising base.

• Carrots, celery, onions: Build depth of flavour.

• Gremolata (lemon zest, garlic, parsley): Brightens the dish.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Melt-in-your-mouth meat infused with umami richness.

• Traditionally served with Risotto alla Milanese.

Where to Find It in Melbourne:

• Scopri (Carlton): A hidden gem for Northern Italian cuisine.

6. Tiramisu: Italy’s Famous Pick-Me-Up

This coffee-flavoured dessert is light, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Made with layers of mascarpone cream and espresso-soaked biscuits.

Key Ingredients:

• Mascarpone cheese: Smooth, velvety texture.

• Espresso: Rich coffee flavour.

• Ladyfinger biscuits: Soaked in espresso.

• Cocoa powder: Balances sweetness.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Delicate balance of creaminess and coffee intensity.

• An Italian classic found in cafés worldwide.

Where to Find It in Melbourne:

• Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar (CBD): A Melbourne icon for classic desserts.

7. Tagliatelle al Ragù: The Real Bolognese

Authentic Bolognese sauce is nothing like the spaghetti Bolognese you find in many places. This dish pairs slow-cooked beef and pork ragù with fresh tagliatelle pasta for the perfect bite.

Key Ingredients:

• Beef and pork mince: Simmered for hours.

• Tomato paste: Provides umami richness.

• Red wine: Enhances depth.

• Tagliatelle: Holds the thick sauce perfectly.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Rich, slow-cooked flavours.

• The perfect egg-based pasta pairing.

Where to Find It in Melbourne:

• Tipo 00 (CBD): A must-visit for handmade pasta lovers.

8. Arancini: Crispy, Stuffed Rice Balls

These deep-fried Sicilian rice balls are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, stuffed with delicious fillings like cheese, peas, and ragù.

Key Ingredients:

• Arborio rice: Creamy and starchy.

• Mozzarella: Melts inside for gooey goodness.

• Ragù & peas: Classic Sicilian stuffing.

• Breadcrumbs: Create the crispy shell.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Crunchy exterior, soft and cheesy interior.

• Perfect bite-sized indulgence.

Where to Find It in Melbourne:

• Mister Bianco (Kew): A modern Sicilian spot for next-level arancini.

9. Caprese Salad: Simple Yet Elegant

This refreshing Italian salad is a perfect balance of juicy tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled with olive oil.

Key Ingredients:

• Buffalo mozzarella: Soft, creamy.

• Ripe tomatoes: Sweet and juicy.

• Fresh basil: Peppery, aromatic.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Enhances flavour.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Light yet satisfying.

• High-quality ingredients shine through.

Where to Find It in Melbourne:

• D.O.C Delicatessen (Carlton): Quality imported Italian mozzarella.

10. Focaccia: Italy’s Flavourful Flatbread

Focaccia is a fluffy, olive oil-infused flatbread with a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. Whether eaten on its own or paired with antipasti, it’s a staple of Italian cuisine.

Key Ingredients:

• 00 flour: Light, airy texture.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Rich aroma.

• Sea salt & rosemary: Earthy fragrance.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Crispy yet soft.

• Versatile: pairs with cheese or balsamic vinegar.

Where to Find It in Melbourne:

• King & Godfree (Carlton): Freshly baked, authentic focaccia.

From hearty pastas to delicate desserts, these Italian classics offer a true taste of Italy in Melbourne.

Conclusion

Melbourne’s love for Italian cuisine is evident in every bite of these iconic dishes. Whether you're indulging in a perfectly charred Margherita pizza, twirling forkfuls of rich carbonara, or enjoying the crispy delight of arancini, the city offers an authentic taste of Italy in every corner. From traditional trattorias to modern Italian eateries, there’s no shortage of exceptional places to experience these timeless classics. So, the next time you’re in the mood for an Italian feast, explore these must-try dishes and discover why Melbourne is one of the best places outside of Italy to experience authentic Italian flavours.