Facebook-f X-twitter Instagram Tiktok Linkedin-in
ORDER ONLINE

Best Italian Restaurant in Melbourne: Real Food, Made Fresh Daily

If you’re after the best Italian restaurant Melbourne has to offer, you’ve found it. Rick’s Place blends classic Italian cooking with a modern Australian twist, right here in Kensington. Whether you want a relaxed lunch, a family dinner, or takeaway on a quiet night, we’ve built our menu around you. Everything gets cooked fresh once you order it, using ingredients we buy locally each day. No big price tag attached, just honest food done properly.
Book a Table
Order Online

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

A Menu Built on Fresh Ingredients 

Good Italian food doesn’t need much dressing up. Our chefs stick to the traditions that make it work, while adding their own local touches here and there. 

We never pre-cook and hold dishes under a heat lamp. Every plate gets made once you order it, and we shop for stock daily instead of stockpiling. That keeps everything tasting the way it should, and it cuts down on waste too. 

Take a look through our menu to see everything on offer, from starters to dessert. 

Dietary Needs, Handled Properly 

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

Here’s what we cater for: 

  • Coeliac diners, thanks to separate fryers and blanching pots 
  • Halal certified meat and poultry, with no wine used in our sauces 
  • Low FODMAP and lower carb dishes 
  • 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, and our team will adjust the dish where they can. 

However You Want to Eat, We’ll Sort It 

Some nights call for a proper sit-down meal. Other nights, you just want dinner handled with as little fuss as possible. 

Dine In 

Pull up a chair and enjoy the full experience for lunch or dinner. Our location sits on Macaulay Road, close to shops and the everyday buzz of the city. 

Takeaway and Home Delivery 

Prefer to stay home? Order online and we’ll bring your meal straight to your door. We handle every delivery ourselves, so quality doesn’t drop just because you’re eating on the couch. 

Why People Keep Coming Back 

We could tell you why our food is good, but our guests say it better. Here’s a taste of what people have said after dining with us.  One regular called the food 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, praising 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 stick around for a reason. Good food, a genuine welcome, and a place people keep coming back to. It’s part of why we’re seen as one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne right now. 

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 perk that makes visiting a bit easier on the wallet, without cutting corners on the food. 

Visit the Best Italian Restaurant in Melbourne Locals Recommend 

At the end of the day, Rick’s Place comes down to real food, real ingredients, and a menu that 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 plenty to explore beyond a regular 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.

View Full Menu
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.
Explore Our Menus
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.

Book a Table
Order Online
TESTIMONIALS

What Our Guests Are Saying

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

Love going to Rick’s Restaurant, very welcoming and warm. The food is delicious, with refreshing drinks. Very nice design and spacious. It’s a local, easy to get to Italian restaurant in Kensington.

Caitlin Symons

Our mains, Lamb shank and Surf n Turf, not only looked beautiful but were delicious. The wine selection is also great, matching the different dishes on the menu.

Whitzwolf

I literally love this place, authentic Italian food at a reasonable price. Rick is such a nice guy and did great drinks and made our night an awesome experience!

Caio Cesar Ucci
Read More Reviews