Alta Trattoria
Alta Trattoria brings the refined, ingredient-driven cuisine of Italy’s Piemonte region to the Fitzroy Italian restaurant scene. Tucked away just off Brunswick Street, this intimate trattoria blends elegance with warmth, offering a menu that highlights house-made pasta, seasonal produce and carefully curated wines. The team behind Alta boasts impressive credentials, with experience spanning some of Melbourne’s most celebrated venues. Dishes like tajarin with rabbit ragù, veal cheek-stuffed ravioli del plin and gnocchi with hazelnuts and sage showcase Alta’s dedication to classic Northern Italian flavours, made with impeccable technique and precision.
With white tablecloths, soft lighting and a service team that delivers fine dining without pretension, Alta is a place to linger and savour each dish. The carefully selected wine list leans heavily on Piemonte’s best, making it the ideal spot for a long lunch or elegant dinner. For those eager to explore the cuisine of this lesser-known Italian region, Alta offers a deep dive into Piemonte’s cuisine.
Ground Floor, Rear 274 Brunswick St, Fitzroy | altatrattoria.com
Good Times
For laid-back pasta nights, Good Times delivers exactly what the name suggests. A relaxed Fitzroy North Italian restaurant dishing up comforting bowls of pasta, this casual eatery lets the food do the talking. The menu leans into simple, well-executed classics—think puttanesca with kalamata olives, capers and anchovies, or a slow-cooked bolognese finished with pecorino. Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for, with dishes like mushroom bolognese and cavolo nero with roast pumpkin, parmesan and pine nuts. If you’re feeling indulgent, the creamy walnut pasta or smoked rainbow trout with dill and capers should do the trick.
Settle in with a bowl of fresh pasta, a side of rocket salad, and maybe a glass of wine—or keep it classic with an affogato for dessert. With its inviting atmosphere and focus on simple, satisfying flavours, this Fitzroy North Italian restaurant captures the spirit of tutti a tavola—where good food and good company come together to make every meal feel like home.
214 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North | goodtimesfitzroynorth.com
Ladro
Ladro has been a cornerstone of the Fitzroy Italian restaurant scene since 2003, bringing wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta and classic Italian desserts to Gertrude Street. Inspired by a trip to Italy, the team returned to Melbourne with a mission: to serve up authentic Italian dishes with a local twist. Their thin, crispy pizzas—like the classic margherita or mushroom-packed funghi—have earned a loyal following, while their pasta specials and tiramisu are must-tries. With a warm, welcoming ambience and a carefully curated drinks list, it’s the kind of place where a casual dinner can easily turn into a memorable feast.
Beyond the menu, Ladro also offers a function space for celebrations and group dining, making it a favourite for both intimate meals and lively gatherings. Their commitment to fresh, seasonal produce ensures every dish is packed with flavour. Add in friendly service and a great selection of Italian and local wines, and it’s easy to see why Ladro is a go-to Italian restaurant Fitzroy locals love.
224 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy | ladro.com.au
Lagotto
Lagotto in Fitzroy North brings the spirit of European hospitality to Melbourne’s inner north, offering a contemporary take on classic Italian food. Under the creative direction of Italian-born Head Chef Matteo Fulchiati, Lagotto combines tradition with modern flair, highlighting fresh ingredients and bold flavours. From crisp kingfish crudo with raspberry and finger lime to indulgent green paccheri pasta with Wagyu short rib ragu, every dish is an invitation to indulge. Pair your meal with a well-selected glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail from their expertly crafted drinks list.
The space itself captures the essence of Italian dining—stylish yet relaxed, perfect for leisurely lunches or celebratory dinners. Lagotto brings together neighbourly warmth and culinary sophistication, making it a popular choice for anyone seeking memorable Italian food in Fitzroy. Better yet, their in-house store lets you take a taste of Lagotto home, with a handpicked selection of Italian wines, aperitifs and pantry essentials—perfect for your next feast.
1/50 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North | lagotto-fitzroynorth.com.au
Marios
A true Fitzroy Italian restaurant icon, Marios has been serving up classic Italian fare with old-school hospitality since 1986. Founded by Mario Maccarone and Mario De Pasquale, the café became a cornerstone of Brunswick Street’s café culture, offering simple yet satisfying dishes in a warm and welcoming space. From breakfast, which is served until 5pm, to hearty pasta dishes and a carefully curated selection of local and international wines, Marios is a place where tradition meets timeless charm.
Beyond great food, Marios is known for its ever-evolving art exhibitions, featuring works by local and emerging artists. The restaurant’s walls have been home to these rotating displays since 1988, adding to the venue’s cultural appeal. Whether you’re after an excellent espresso, a plate of penne amatriciana or just a taste of Fitzroy’s hospitality at its best, Marios delivers with character, quality and a touch of nostalgia—buon appetito!
303 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | marioscafe.com.au
Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca
For a fun take on Italian food in Fitzroy, Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca delivers in spades. This trattoria-meets-bar is all about hearty sandwiches, regional dishes and good times. Their legendary meatball subs and porchetta sandwiches have gained a cult following, while house-made salumi and antipasti make for the perfect start to any meal. Pasta lovers aren’t left out either, with a rotating selection of Italian classics that balance tradition with bold flavours. Here midweek? Don’t miss the shared paste, meatball sub, soft serve and vino on offer for Wednesday Date Night.
No visit is complete without sampling their amari—Italy’s bittersweet herbal liqueurs, perfect for rounding out your meal. The space itself is laid-back yet buzzing, making it an ideal spot for a long lunch, a casual dinner or late-night bites with friends. So settle in, ragazzi: whether you’re swinging by for a sandwich or settling in for the full trattoria experience, this Fitzroy Italian spot brings the energy, the flavours and a little bit of la dolce vita to every visit.
15 Gertrude St, Fitzroy | roccosbologna.com
Solo Pasta
At Solo Pasta Fitzroy, pasta takes centre stage with a unique dining experience where you customise your meal from start to finish. House-made pasta is served by the metre, with diners choosing between classic, beetroot, or spinach varieties before selecting a sauce to match. Options range from a rich tomato bolognese and creamy butternut pumpkin to something unexpected like Moroccan-spiced lamb tagine. Gluten-free and vegan diners are also catered for, with zucchini noodles and plant-based sauces ensuring everyone can enjoy a bowl of pasta their way.
The experience extends beyond the food, bringing a sense of playfulness and celebration—cin cin! The drinks list features wines and cocktails designed to complement the flavours on the menu. In a cute twist, all beverages come with pasta straws—because why stop at eating pasta when you can sip through it too? Whether it’s date night or a lively group dinner, Solo Pasta delivers fresh flavours in a fun and relaxed setting.
293-295 Smith Street, Fitzroy | solopasta.com.au
If delicious dining is on your agenda, there’s more to explore. Treat yourself to classic flavours at Fitzroy’s best French restaurants, plan a night out with our guide to the best cocktail bars, or find the perfect setting with our pick of Fitzroy’s best restaurants for date night.
