Pizza, pasta and everything in between – get ready to eat Canberra, we’ve found the best Italian eateries!
When it comes to people-pleasing cuisines, you can’t go much wrong with a wholesome Italian feast. From pizza to pasta, caprese to ciabatta, sumptuous Italian dining is something for everyone.
And whether you’re after a family-friendly restaurant for a big celebration, or a romantic date night full of fine-dining, Canberra’s classy food scene will have what you’re looking for. So swirl into something sensational with our list of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra of 2023!
Photographed by Heather Ford. Image via Unsplash.
Belluci's
The team at Belluci’s demonstrate a contemporary approach to food and its philosophy. Over time as Canberra’s food scene has evolved, so too has Belluci’s. Their menu is traditional, focusing on creating simple and rustic meals while never failing to deliver fine quality. We recommend the Risotto Al Gamberi with Queensland prawns and squid, chilli, prawn bisque and fresh herbs. It’s no wonder why they’re one of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra!
Photographed by Joyce Romero. Image via Unsplash.
Briscola Italian
While the fine-dining scene of Canberra has grown in recent years and (in our opinion) cannot be faulted, there is something to be said for the longstanding local joints that dish up quality pizza and handmade pasta all topped with the freshest ingredients. Facing out from the ground floor of the Melbourne building, Briscola serves a varied crowd – businessmen and women, families, couples, groups of friends – all leaving well and truly satisfied. A must try for all lovers of Italian cuisine!
Photographed by Max Nayman. Image via Unsplash.
Chez Frederic
Originally opened in 2002 on Cottesloe Beach in Perth, Chez Frederic has come a long way – literally. Chez Frederic prides themselves on producing innovative pasta and high quality interpretations of classic Italian dishes. This little restaurant offers diners a truly contemporary take on Italian dining, with items such as Jalapeno Garlic Bread, Duck Ravioli and Cheeseburger Gnocchi – just some of the locals favourites.
Photographed by Cloris Ying. Image via Unsplash.
Italian & Sons
With over 10 years on the Canberra food scene, Italian & Sons has had time to master their art. As the first premium restaurant in the now bustling Lonsdale Street, Italian & Sons is crowned for having single-handedly brought around the drastic (and brilliant) change to the Braddon precinct. The food is contemporary Italian, offering authentic favourites in a setting reminiscent of Rome. If a one-hat rating from the SMH Good Food Guide isn’t enough, Italian & Sons also holds a prestigious two-glass rating in the Gourmet Traveller Wine Australian wine list of the year awards. Awards which both speak volume and truth.
Photographed by Bruna Branco. Image via Unsplash.
Mama's Trattoria
Found tucked away in the Melbourne Building in the CBD, Mama’s Trattoria is traditional Italian to the core. A wide variety of pasta staples and original concepts take centre stage, with every lunch, dinner and weekend sitting likely to be packed out by hungry food lovers. The restaurant offers a European flair through the outdoor dining which sprawls onto the pedestrian concourse, while also creating a rustic and warm dining experience. And, of course, the menu definitely lives up to its name, Mama would approve.
Photographed by Clark Douglas. Image via Unsplash.
Mezzalira Ristorante
It’s the big brother of Italian & Sons – slightly larger and with more of an emphasis on fine dining. Here you’ll find half of the clientele in suits, dining on delicate plates of tortellini, while the other half are likely to be couples, enjoying romantic meals of Southern Italian cuisine. Oozing class and intimacy, Mezzalira Ristorante is Canberra fine dining at its best. One of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra, be sure to visit this eatery in 2023!
Photographed by Mgg Vitchakorn. Image via Unsplash.
Molto Italian
Carlo Tosolini is a name that needs little introduction to any true Canberra foodie. Having owned and run Tosolini’s for over 30 years, Carlo has since opened Molto Italian – the perfect mix of modern and traditional. There’s a rich sense of history teamed with the joy of cooking, Italian food and of course, culture. The restaurant is modern and sleek, and the food is dreamy to say the least.
Photographed by Kristina Brakto. Image via Unsplash.
Pizza Gusto
It’s a micro-eatery at its best. The tiny Pizza Gusto in Braddon is a wood-fired pizza joint, famed for its light, crispy pizzas. Located on Lonsdale Street, Pizza Gusto is the perfect midweek location for when there’s no food in the house and you’ve had a long day at work. Grab a seat at one of the tables outside or snag yourself some takeaway. We’re certain you can’t go past the Gusto – tomato and bocconcini cheese finished with prosciutto, rocket and a sneaky drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Whoever said that money can’t buy happiness obviously never ate at Pizza Gusto.
Photographed by Maks Styazhkin. Image via Unsplash.
Trecento
This wood-fired pizzeria and restaurant is nestled in the heart of Manuka. They rely on their 300-year-old traditional Italian recipe to serve up authentic neapolitan pizza, alongside some refreshing takes on modern classics for those who like their dinner a little less doughy. It’s bright and airy interior allows you to peek into the kitchen too, so you can see the chefs hard at work.
Forget anything medium grade and be sure to cut your way through our list of the Top 10 Steak Restaurants in Canberra of 2023. Or say konnichiwa to these 5 Best Japanese Restaurants in Canberra.
