The Best Italian Restaurant in Melbourne CBD for Every Craving

If you’re chasing the best Italian dining Melbourne CBD has to offer, you’ve landed somewhere good. Rick’s Place takes classic Italian cooking and gives it a modern Australian edge, right in the middle of the city. Maybe you’re after a long lazy lunch, a family dinner, or something quick to grab on the way home. Either way, we’ve got you covered. Everything on our menu gets cooked fresh once you order it, using ingredients we buy locally each day. No big price tag attached, just honest food done well.

Make a Booking or Dining Enquiry

Planning a meal at Rick’s Place? Send us your details and our friendly team will get back to you shortly.

Prefer to book instantly? Use our online reservation system or call (03) 9376 2112

Highly Rated Dining

Gluten free, Coeliac safe

Halal Certified

Vegan Options Available

Italian Classics, With a Local Twist 

There’s something about Italian cooking that never really goes out of style. Our chefs stick to that tradition but aren’t afraid to borrow flavours from elsewhere too. You’ll spot familiar dishes on the menu, alongside a few surprises inspired by other cuisines. 

Nothing sits around waiting for you here. We cook each plate to order, and we shop for stock daily rather than stockpiling ingredients. It keeps things tasting fresher and cuts down on waste at the same time. 

Want to see what’s on offer? Have a look through our menu, from starters right through to dessert. 

We Get Dietary Needs Are a Big Deal 

Going out to eat gets stressful fast when you’ve got dietary requirements to think about. So we built our kitchen around handling a wide range of them, not as an afterthought, but as part of how we cook every day. 

A few examples of what we cater for: 

  • Coeliac diners, thanks to separate fryers and blanching pots 
  • Halal certified meat and poultry, and we never use wine in our sauces 
  • Low FODMAP and lower carb dishes for those watching what they eat 
  • Vegetarian and vegan options through our vegan menu 
  • Gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and onion and garlic free requests 

Just mention it when you order. Our team will do what they can to adjust the dish for you. 

However You Want to Eat, We’ll Make It Work 

Some nights call for sitting down properly. Other nights, you just want dinner sorted with minimal effort. Rick’s Place covers both. 

Dine In 

Pull up a chair and enjoy the full experience with us for lunch or dinner. You’ll find us on Macaulay Road, not far from shops and the buzz of the city. Our location makes it an easy spot to duck into, whether you’re local or just passing through. 

Takeaway and Home Delivery 

Not feeling like leaving the house? Order online and we’ll bring it straight to your door. We handle every delivery ourselves, because quality shouldn’t drop just because you’re eating on the couch instead of at a table. 

Why We’re the Best Italian Restaurant in Melbourne CBD 

We could talk all day about what makes our food good, but honestly, our guests say it better. Here’s a taste of what people have told us after dining with us.  One regular said the food was authentic and reasonably priced, and mentioned Rick himself made the night memorable with his drinks. Another guest raved about the lamb shank and surf n turf, calling out how well the wine list matched the menu. A third described us as welcoming and warm, adding that we’re an easy, local spot right in Kensington.  Patterns like that tend to stick. Good food, a genuine welcome, and a place people keep coming back to. 

A Midweek Lunch Deal Worth Knowing 

Planning lunch sometime Wednesday to Friday? Mention “Gimme15” when you pay and you’ll get 15 per cent off, dine-in only. It’s a small thing, but it makes finding one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne’s CBD a bit easier on the wallet. 

Come and See Us 

At the end of the day, Rick’s Place comes down to real food, real ingredients, and a menu that actually works for whoever’s sitting at your table. Coeliac, halal, vegan, lower carb, we’ve thought it through properly rather than bolting on a token option. Add our rooftop bar and bespoke catering for events, and there’s a fair bit to explore beyond just dinner.  If you’re ready to book a table, ask about catering, or place an order, reach out through our contact page. We’d genuinely love to see you in soon. 
SIGNATURE DISHES SECTION

Customer Favorites

Discover the dishes our guests keep coming back for.
Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank
Tender, flavour-packed lamb served with seasonal accompaniments.
Surf & Turf

Premium steak paired with perfectly cooked seafood

Gluten-Free Pasta
Authentic Italian flavours without compromise.
Vegan Specialties

Fresh, creative plant-based dishes made with quality ingredients.

MENU

Something for Everyone

From Italian classics to dietary-friendly favourites, our menu is designed to bring everyone to the same table.

Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank

Tender, flavour-packed lamb served with seasonal accompaniments.

Lower Carb Menu
Balanced meals for health-conscious diners.
Vegan Menu
Delicious plant-based dishes packed with flavour.
Desserts
The perfect finishing touch to your dining experience.
ABOUT RICK'S PLACE

A Place Where Everyone Can Enjoy Great Food Together

At the core of what we do lies a genuine passion for the culinary arts, transcending the simple act of cooking. Every dish we present to you is a testament to our love for food and the rich Italian heritage we’re proud to bring to Melbourne. Each ingredient is handpicked with care, ensuring they capture the essence of our vision. From the warmth of our stoves to the welcoming smiles of our staff, Made with Love isn’t just a phrase, it’s our promise.

Ready for Your Next Dining Experience?

Join us for authentic Italian cuisine, inclusive dining options, and warm hospitality in the heart of Kensington.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Guests Are Saying

We’re proud to be a favourite dining destination for locals and visitors alike.