Image supplied.
Bambini Trust
If the sound of Grilled Scampi with tarragon butter, Pan Roasted Spatchcock Saltimbocca and Butternut Pumpkin Ravioli has you intrigued, put your faith into Bambini Trust to serve up the finest Italian you’ve ever enjoyed. Over 20 years old and located in the St James Trust Building, Bambini Trust is easily described as charming and classic. Thanks to its Sydney CBD location, Bambini should be your go-to for your next Italian cuisine craving. With a hearty and timeless menu, visitors can expect fresh, seasonal ingredients. With an excellent European focused wine list, Bambini Trust is a must try in 2023.
Photographed by Clark Douglas. Image via Unsplash.
Bella Brutta
Tucked along King Street in Newtown is a vibrant restaurant offering the best Italian food to Sydneysiders. With a range of antipasti to nibble your way through, the real star of the show is Bella Brutta’s range of pizzas and pasta. Although their menu isn’t as expansive as others, Bella Brutta would rather focus on the things that they do well instead. We’re talking the best mortadella pizza you’ve ever tried, ravioli stuffed with flavour, and ricotta cannoli that will literally change your life. If you’re looking to try one of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney, Bella Brutta is our first pick.
Image supplied.
CicciaBella Trattoria + Bar
Originally hailing from Bondi Beach, CicciaBella is here to provide Sydney with its southern Italian food fix. Fueled by their wood-fired oven and a modern approach to Italian classics, diners can expect nothing short of an impeccable Italian feast. This casual Italian restaurant’s menu is filled with a colourful and flavourful selection of antipasti, pizza, pasta, salads and, of course, a dreamy dessert lineup including the likes of tiramisu, banoffee pie and more. With Italian inspired cocktails, wines and digestive liqueurs, you’ll feel as if you’ve taken a trip to an Italian city thanks to CicciaBella.
Photographed by Tramsheds Sydney. Image via Destination NSW.
Flour Eggs Water
If you’re looking for a casual Italian restaurant that is not so casual when it comes to the food, Flour Eggs Water should be your go-to. With two locations in Sydney, Flour Eggs Water promises that it will be your staple as they tantalise your tastebuds with a charming flavour profile they are renowned for. Serving up Italian fueled feasts, Flour Eggs Water allows guests to go back to the basics and to rethink pasta. Offering a fresh and authentic take on the cuisine, made only the Italian way, your visit will be far from anything you’ve ever tasted before.
Photographed by Tobias Rowles. Image via Destination NSW.
LuMi Bar and Dining
Renowned as one of the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Sydney, LuMi Bar and Dining has also made our list as one of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney for 2023. Drawing inspiration from Italian cuisine, LuMi also masterfully interweaves Japanese influences into each of their dishes. Taking fine dining to a new level, LuMi perfectly brings together two cuisines for one cohesive experience. With an ever-changing seasonal menu, we strongly recommend you opt for their seven-course degustation that can be matched seamlessly to their wine flight thanks to inhouse sommelier. If you’re wanting a romantic restaurant that encapsulates Sydney’s fine dining scene, this is it.
Image supplied.
Machiavelli
Machiavelli has been titled as one of the best Sydney CBD Italian restaurants for quite some time – over 30 years to be exact. Despite being graced by some of Sydney’s elite – many of whom have portraits adorning the walls – this is still a welcoming, European-style restaurant. As for the food, it is classically Italian with a focus on traditional Neapolitan cuisine. The menu features a range of antipasti to more heartier mains and the hardest decision will be picking out exactly what to get. If you’re a bit unsure, we’d recommend the Spaghetti Machiavelli that’s swirled with king prawns and mushrooms in a refreshing butter chili, basil and garlic sauce.
Image supplied.
Matteo
With two locations in Sydney, the CBD and Double Bay, Matteo should be your go-to if you’re looking for an Italian restaurant that is delicious as it is equally fun to experience. Transporting guests to the Amalfi Coast, Matteo feels like an oasis that’s perfect for social gathering, romantic date nights and anything in between. Focusing on living the good life, Matteo hopes to bring Sydneysiders quality food, drink fun times and vibes in every shared moment that they have with you. If you’re stuck on what to order, opt for the Schiacciatina Al Rosmarino to start, the slow cooked Rigatoni Vitello for mains and, if there’s room, the Passione Cioccolato to finish.
Photographed by Sorin Popa. Image via Unsplash.
Moretti Ristorante Pizzeria
In the heart of Sydney’s little Italy is Moretti Ristorante Pizzeria, one of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney for 2023. Over 25 years ago, Moretti opened their doors in hopes of bringing Roman-style pizza to Sydneysiders. Since then, they’ve built up their name for being one of the best pizza restaurants. With an impressive drinks list, Italian food lovers will also find the likes of Polenta Chips, Calamari Fritti, deep fried dough puffs, Pappardelle Al Ragu’ D’Angello, Filetto Di Barramundi and over 20 pizzas to choose from. Yum!
Image supplied.
The Restaurant Pendolino
Time stands still at Pendolino with the low warm lighting, crisp white table cloths, dark wooden floors and gastronomic banquettes that make the outside world not matter so much. As for the menu, it is equally timeless thanks to their featured range of handmade pastas and risottos that are accompanied by classic sauces made from only the freshest ingredients available. And, if you’ve got room for dessert, the Pere e Zabaione is the perfect way to end your meal. If you’re looking for one of the best Sydney CBD Italian restaurants, Pendolino is your best bet.
Photographed by Steven Woodburn. Image supplied.
Tottis
Taking Bondi by storm, Tottis is yet another Merivale masterpiece led by CEO and hospitality mastermind Justin Hemmes. Much like their sister venue Bar Tottis which opened early 2020, Tottis Bondi features an impressive range of revolutionised Italian classics on their menu including their renowned wood-fired bread and house-made antipasti. As for tipples, guests can enjoy a range of favourites such as spritzes and after-dinner cocktails. We recommend booking ahead as getting a table can be tricky.
Hook your tastebuds with the fruit of the sea at the 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Sydney. Or, if spices, sweets and shawarma has you swooning, Sydney’s Best Middle Restaurants of 2023 will have you charmed.
From casual eateries to pizzerias and romantic restaurants. Say ciao to the best Italian restaurants in Sydney of 2023.
There’s no denying that Sydney has a sensational selection of restaurants to pick and choose from. But finding the best pizza, the best pasta and the best tiramisu can feel almost like a carb overload.
Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work for you and found all of the flavour-packed favourites you need to try right here in our 2023 guide. From classic trattorias to modern infusions, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and something with a view. Say ciao to the best Italian restaurants in Sydney right now!