Craving a slice of nostalgia? Kick it old school at these classic diners and retro eateries. 

Connie's Italian Diner

You might have tried Connie's pizzas on a hazy night out at rock'n'roll bar Heartbreaker. Now this well-loved hole-in-the-wall pizzeria is a full Italian restaurant above the bar. Connie's is styled after New York's Italian diners, with leather booths and checked tablecloths. Alongside the iconic pizzas are traditional dishes served family-style. Fire up the jukebox and find the perfect soundtrack to your night.

Three people sitting in a red leather booth in a diner.
Connie's Italian Diner

Stalactites

When it comes to eating Greek in Melbourne, it doesn’t get more old school than Stalactites Restaurant, which opened in 1978. At some point in most Melburnians’ lives, a big night out has been capped off here. Dine all day in this cosy cave under a stalactite-laden ceiling. From brunch through to late-night snack, call in for souvlaki, moussaka, baklava or Greek coffee.

Pellegrini's

If you want Melbourne in an iconic nutshell, you want Pellegrini’s. This institution encapsulates Italian Melbourne. It's coffee history, culture and hospitality in one smoky cup. Take a seat at the long, curved bar and order a bowl of simple spaghetti. Or sip a short black as you ponder the dessert selection. Soak up the city from a seat at the outdoor table that’s a tribute to beloved owner, Sisto Malaspina.

People walking past a cafe with a neon red sign at night.
Pellegrini's

Capitano

At the more chic end of the diner-spectrum there’s Capitano. This Italian restaurant is a favourite among the Carlton foodie crowd. Decked out with a retro timber bar, bentwood chairs and leather banquette seating, it’s just the right amount of casual. Order cult-status dishes like the tortiglioni pasta in vodka sauce, and the square grandma pizza. Get both with a glass of red or a classic Italian cocktail. 

Waiter’s Club

Seek out this hard-to-find gem at the top of a flight of stairs in Meyers Place. Known as the Waiter’s Club, this Melbourne institution began as a social club for Italian immigrants. The menu at this no-frills eatery hasn’t changed since the ‘40s. Expect generous serves of hearty pasta and simple desserts. 

Butcher’s Diner

A quintessential diner and burger joint, Butchers Diner puts on an impeccable spread. Grab a seat at the long communal table and order a no-mess, no-fuss cheeseburger. Or branch out with a house made Wagyu pastrami Rueben, served with all the trimmings. Open from midday to midnight, a pit stop at Butcher’s for a $2.50 cup of coffee is a no-brainer. 

People dining at a long orange table in a diner.
Butcher's Diner

Supper Inn

The best diners are there for you when you need a late-night feed. Supper Inn does not disappoint, welcoming hungry punters until 2.30am. Unassuming and unchanged since the ‘70s, the inn is all about classic Cantonese fare. Head upstairs and sate your midnight cravings for roasted suckling pig and warming congee. 

Leonardo's Pizza Palace

Leo’s has all the fixings of an old-school diner. With checked tablecloths, leather booths and vintage portraits dotting the timber-panelled walls. More moody pizza den than palace, be ensconced in this cosy and dimly lit space. Negronis are a natural fit for the wood-fired pizzas, but the coconutty pina coladas go down surprisingly well, too. 

A busy and dimly lit restaurant with timber walls.
Leonardo's Pizza Palace

More retro Melbourne

Pinball Paradise

Pinball Paradise

Come for a drink and stay to play at Australia's first pinball and whisky bar.

Retro Mamma

Retro Mamma

A unique range of vintage photography and jewellery at Queen Victoria Market.

Vintage Sole

Vintage Sole

Classic retro fashion store, selling a curated range of quality clothing, footwear and accessories.

Last updated on Wed 12 Oct 2022

Melbourne’s most unmissable moments

Melbourne’s most unmissable moments are yours to explore.

Find out more
The best special occasion restaurants in Melbourne

The best special occasion restaurants in Melbourne

Elevate your evening at these cult-status eateries, degustations and luxe fine-dining spots. 

The best dining pop-ups in Melbourne

The best dining pop-ups in Melbourne

Find secret bars, summer markets and exclusive dining experiences for your next catch up.

Her Melbourne

Her Melbourne

A four-storey mega venue celebrating modern food, drinks, music and art.

Discover more

The best Mexican restaurants in Melbourne

The best Mexican restaurants in Melbourne

Find the best tacos, tequila and tostadas in the city.

The best restaurants for group dining in Melbourne

The best restaurants for group dining in Melbourne

Catch up with friends during the festive season at these group-friendly local venues.

A foodie's guide to Flinders Lane

A foodie's guide to Flinders Lane

The best restaurants on Melbourne's famous dining strip.

Melbourne’s most romantic date-night restaurants

Melbourne’s most romantic date-night restaurants

Find the best restaurants to book for Valentine's Day, anniversaries or just because.