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Restaurant

Dawson Neighbourhood Italian

241 High St, Kew VIC 3101, Australia

Recommended by 63 people

Updated

Find Dawson Neighbourhood Italian

241 High St, Kew VIC 3101, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 7053 9098
HoursMonday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Dawson Neighbourhood Italian

Dawson delivers vibrant, wood-fired Italian dining on High Street with room for family feasts and speedy weeknight escapes. Split across multiple levels including a sunny mezzanine, the dining room handles lively toddler crews and large parties without missing a beat. Regulars gravitate toward the Tuesday pasta special paired with house wine, or the saucy cacio e pepe and slow-cooked beef ragu pappardelle. The wood-fired lamb pizza comes crisp-crusted from the oven, followed by sweet cannoli or generous tiramisu.

  • Multi-Level Gathering Space: A sectioned layout and mezzanine easily handle large groups, private functions, and family gatherings.
  • Midweek Food & Drink Specials: Popular mid-week dining deals feature Monday pizza combos and Tuesday pasta with wine pairings.
  • Wood-Fired Pizza & Handmade Pastas: Crispy wood-fired lamb pizza, cacio e pepe, and slow-cooked beef ragu pappardelle anchor the menu.
RestaurantItalianPizzaRestaurantBarCocktail BarTakeaway

What's On at Dawson Neighbourhood Italian

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Dawson Neighbourhood Italian

Why locals choose Dawson for weeknight dinners, authentic Italian comfort, and group celebrations in Kew.

  • Versatile Spaces for Celebrations of Any Scale

    Dawson features a spacious multi-level layout and sectioned zones, smoothly hosting everything from wedding receptions of 90 guests to family lunches with toddler groups.

    We had our wedding reception here in March 2023 with 90 guests.

    Miles Hutchison

  • Stress-Free Hospitality for Large and Young Groups

    The kitchen and floor staff handle group updates, dietary preferences, and energetic children with effortless patience and attentiveness.

    welcoming space for families, even with a rowdy toddler crew

    Maestrodisci

  • Value-Driven Midweek Dining Specials

    Dedicated weekly deals—including pizza and cocktail nights alongside pasta and wine specials—deliver high value on busy evenings.

    $29 pasta + glass of wine on a Tuesday night - the restaurant was full! Great atmosphere.

    Louise Taylor

  • Fast Kitchen Execution for Busy Evenings

    Orders arrive quickly to the table, making weeknight dinners and impromptu late-evening drop-ins effortless and efficient.

    the food came out not even 15 minutes after we ordered, and it was delicious

    J A (AdventureOwl)

  • Crispy, Authentic Wood-Fired Pizza

    Pizzas emerge rapidly from the wood-fired oven with thin, crispy crusts and classic Italian toppings.

    groovy feel to the place (even on a week night), and wow are those pizzas made fast! And they’re authentic.

    Kazz Crofts

  • Richly Braised Ragu and Fresh Pastas

    Dishes like 8-hour braised beef brisket pappardelle and fresh handmade pasta showcase deep, comforting flavours cooked perfectly al dente.

    We also had a Beautiful Pappardelle Ragu, 8 hour slow beef braised Brisket Pasta, it was Divine.

    Shane Carlin

Signature pizzas and handcrafted pastas favoured by Kew locals

  • Beef Ragu Pappardelle

    We also had a Beautiful Pappardelle Ragu, 8 hour slow beef braised Brisket Pasta, it was Divine.

    Shane Carlin

  • Wood Fired Pizza

    The pizza base was thin and crispy on the outside. Overall great wood fired pizzas!

    Joyce K

  • Cacio e Pepe

    Cacio e Pepe - delicious, and cooked perfectly al dente! One of the better ones I’ve had. Very saucy too.

    Stephanie Rose

  • Lamb Pizza

    The food was a major highlight, especially the Lamb Pizza. I've never had lamb on a pizza before, and it was a revelation – truly delicious and a flavour combination I'd highly recommend to anyone visiting.

    Maestrodisci

Other favorites

Sides, starters, and desserts to complete your meal

  • Calamari

    The calamari was perfectly cooked and very tender.

    Ingrid Mann

  • Marinated Mount Zero Olives

    We also had a Serve of Marinated Mount Zero Olives which were the Best.

    Shane Carlin

  • Tiramisu

    Generous serve of tiramisu would easily feed 3, good gelato.

    kate herring

  • Cannoli

    If you like sweet then definitely save a little room for the cannoli… we tried the tiramisu flavoured one but also liked the fresh sound of the limoncello.

    Espy Eats

Beyond the menu

Memorable hospitality touches and thoughtful details that elevate casual gatherings into personal experiences.

  • Personal Head Chef Delivery

    Guests have experienced dishes personally brought out and presented by the Head Chef, adding an attentive personal touch to the meal.

  • Surprise Complimentary Dessert

    Management has surprised dining parties with complimentary desserts like tiramisu to elevate special dining occasions.

  • Accommodating Group & Dietary Flexibility

    Staff effortlessly adjust to last-minute booking size increases throughout the day and cater thoughtfully to vegan and gluten-free FODMAP dietaries.

  • Patient Family & Toddler Hospitality

    Families dining with young children and toddlers are welcomed with calm patience, making group meals stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a table for large groups or events?

Yes, the venue accepts reservations and can accommodate large groups and family gatherings, having successfully managed group bookings from 10 up to 90 guests. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly on busy weekends.

Does the menu cater to gluten-free, vegan, or special diets?

Yes, Dawson regularly accommodates special diets. Guests report straightforward options for vegan, gluten-free, and low-FODMAP requirements across both breakfast bowls, pizzas, and pastas.

Is there outdoor seating and are pets allowed?

Yes, the restaurant offers an outdoor area that is fur-baby friendly, alongside sectioned interior spaces suited for private functions.

What are the parking options around the restaurant?

You can find ample street parking along High Street as well as parking options on adjacent side streets near the restaurant.

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