Osteria Ilaria in Victoria

"Beautiful tucked away hidden gem in Melbourne city little Bourke St. Food was delicious I had the spanner crab meal. Our waitress kept coming up and asking if we were ready to order too much and gave our bill when we didn’t even ask for it- we felt pushed a little. But overall our meal was 10/10. Will definitely be back."

"We dined at Osteria Ilaria, and it’s easy to see why this restaurant is consistently busy—booking ahead is not optional. From the moment you arrive, the experience feels well considered. Sitting at the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail before moving to the table is a great way to ease into the evening and sets the tone for what follows. The atmosphere is lively and energetic without being overwhelming, striking that ideal balance of buzz and comfort. The wine program is another standout. The sommelier is genuinely knowledgeable and approachable, helping guide you to the right wine (or wines) to suit both your meal and your price point. The list is broad and thoughtfully curated, offering plenty of choice without feeling daunting. Ultimately, though, the food is where Osteria Ilaria truly excels. The dishes are beautifully thought through, confidently executed, and presented with care—but never at the expense of flavour. Everything tastes as good as it looks, with a clear focus on quality ingredients and balanced, satisfying cooking. Osteria Ilaria is a restaurant that delivers on all fronts: atmosphere, service, wine, and most importantly, exceptional food. A standout Melbourne dining spot and one that’s well worth seeking out when you’re in town."

"A reliable osteria dishing out traditional Italian fare in highly skilled and contemporary execution. It looks great, it tastes better. The drinks and the wine list are on point, the service is excellent, and the vibe is just right. And it’s often possible to get a seat at the bar without a booking even if the place is always bustling."

"Waitress was attentive and kind. I never liked oysters but these small ones are very nice. Wagyu beef very tender. Pasta was cooked perfect. Drinks are nice. Only improvement would be kingfish is sliced too thick (maybe we are not use to it), but still tastes very nice. So many staff change the plates with each dish. Tipped staff. Would come back in future."

"Food is superb, every dish is well put together and we enjoy them all. Even the asparagus vegetable dish can taste so good. Great service with good recommendation and portion for sharing by 4 people. Great ambience but do find the noise level bit much."

"Really good food. I particularly enjoyed the ravioli with truffle rich, fragrant, and perfectly balanced without being overpowering. The kingfish was also outstanding, exceptionally fresh with clean flavours and a refined presentation. Overall, a great dining experience and definitely a place I would recommend."

"Always wonderful. We shared starters, had an entree and main each. Beautifully presented, fresh and brilliantly prepared. Fantastic wine list from all over the world."

"We had such a wonderful dining experience at Osteria Ilaria. The wait staff were incredibly accommodating, friendly, and genuinely caring. They took the time to explain the chef’s specials in detail and offered thoughtful recommendations, which made us feel very well looked after. We decided to go with the Chef’s Selection, and it was an excellent choice. The menu offered a generous variety – two entrees, two starters, two mains with a side, and two desserts – all perfectly paced so each dish arrived at just the right moment. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour, but the standout for us was the Wagyu rump steak. It was cooked to perfection – wonderfully crisp on the outside while staying rare and tender in the centre. Absolutely outstanding. Overall, a fantastic experience from start to finish. Great service, an impressive menu, and food that truly delivers on quality. Highly recommended."