Italian Restaurants are renowned for their culinary excellence and Brisbane’s community of Italian-based restaurants certainly does not disappoint.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty, authentic pasta dish or want to wrap your jaws around the finest pizzas, read on to discover the 15 best Italian restaurants in the city of Brisbane.
Bucci Restaurant
Location: Shop 11, 15 James Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006
The food at Bucci’s is specifically designed to cultivate the perfect night out with loved ones.
You’ll find modernised versions of traditional Italian dishes alongside classic pasta options.
Their seafood is undoubtedly their standout feature and if you’d rather sample their alcoholic cocktails instead, Bucci’s bar offers a variety of phenomenal concoctions to quench your thirst.
For a more detailed review of Bucci, please see here.
Opening Hours: Wed-Mon 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-late, Tues Closed.
Editor’s Update: Sadly, Bucci Restuarant & Bar has closed. As this is the case, why not check out the following eatery instead…?
Otto Ristorante
Location: Level 4 480 Queen Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3835 2888
If you’re seeking authentic, Italian food that tastes just as good as it looks, then Otto Ristorante is the Italian restaurant for you.
It’s menu is filled with simple yet delicious options and the seasonally-shifting menu choices mean that you’ll always have the freshest and finest ingredients to stimulate your palate.
And yes. This is the sister restaurant of Otto on Finger Wharf, Woolloomooloo in Sydney.
For more superb Italian restaurants in Sydney, see here.
Opening Hours: Wed-Sat 12pm-2pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm.
Mosconi
Location: 164B Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 Ph: (07) 3151 1898
Mosconi is undoubtedly one of the finest Italian restaurants in the whole of Brisbane. It is also the perfect venue for events and functions.
Your guest will be entranced by the hearty menu that contains all of the traditional, authentic, Italian favourites.
For those who are dining in a small group, the menu alternates on a monthly basis which ensures that you’ll always have a fresh variety of exciting new dishes to choose from.
Wondering where to get the great gnocchi in Melbourne? See our guide to the Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne
Opening Hours: Wed-Sat 12pm-4pm, 6pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-4pm, Mon-Tues Closed
Persone
Location: Level 2, 300 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3505 1417
‘Persone’ is the Italian word for ‘People’ and this restaurant undoubtedly offers the perfect setting for work events and social occasions.
Their friendly service, amazing array of Italian food, and incredible views all make for the perfect setting. It was also voted the best Italian Restaurant in Queensland in 2020 which speaks for itself.
If you’re unsure what to order, try their Banchetto (Banquet). It offers a hand-picked selection from across the regular menu. Yum!
Do you adore pasta, but often miss out due to gluten intolerance, see our piece on Gluten Free Pasta
Opening Hours: Tues-Thurs 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm, Fri 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Sat 5:30pm-10pm, Sun-Mon Closed.
Bar Alto
Location: 119 Lamington Street, New Farm, QLD 4005 Ph: (07) 3358 1063
This restaurant and bar is located in the Brisbane Powerhouse entertainment hotspot.
Before going to watch a comedy show or a live music event, be sure to experience the phenomenal Italian options on offer at Bar Alto. Your taste buds will thank you for it whilst you take in the jaw dropping views of the Brisbane River.
This restaurant also showcases their recipes on their website so you can attempt to recreate their culinary excellence back at home.
However, dining in and experiencing their culinary expertise first-hand is thoroughly recommended!
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 11:30am-late, Mon-Tues Closed
Julius Pizzeria
Location: 77 Grey Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101 Ph: (07) 3844 2655
Julius Pizzeria has undoubtedly had an impact on the Italian restaurant scene within Brisbane. This restaurant is walk-in only which gives it a casual, calm vibe.
There is an extensive range of pizza, pasta and cocktail options and this venue is the perfect restaurant to begin a night out in Brisbane with friends.
In Perth and hungry for Italian food? See our reviews of the Best Italian Restaurants in Perth
Opening Hours: Tues-Wed 5pm-9pm, Thur 5pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-9pm, Mon Closed.
Lupa Pizza Bar
Location: Shop 3 321 Montague Road, West End, QLD 4101 Ph: (07) 3532 3875
This pizza bar adopts a scientific approach to its pizza making. After extensive research and experimentation, Lupa Pizza Bar has created a dough base that won’t leave you feeling heavy or exhausted.
It is light, crispy and fresh, and layered with a range of house-made ingredients and sauces. This is truly a unique, Italian experience and a highly recommended option.
Heading to Adelaide and wondering where to eat? Check out our recommendations for the Best Pizza Places in Adelaide
Opening Hours: Wed-Thur 5pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-8pm, Mon-Tues Closed.
Making your own restaurant-quality pizza at home has never been easier. These days, there are amazing oven pizzas that can sit on your kitchen counter, wood-fried wonders that look great next to the BBQ, and even models that work on top of your BBQ hot plate. For more information and prices, click here.
Vine
Location: 5/158 Moray Street, New Farm, QLD 4005 Ph: (07) 3358 6658
This Michelin Star restaurant is guaranteed to deliver the highest quality of service. They’ve even started a blind tasting experience where the chef specifically creates dishes for yourself and your party.
You are able to choose from five, seven or nine-course meals and the exciting, experimental flavours are to die for.
All of these dishes use fresh ingredients and local produce to deliver an authentic Australian-Italian experience.
If degustation menus and Michelin Stars make your gastric juices flow, see our Ultimate Guide to Fine Dining
Opening Hours: Tues-Wed 5:30pm-10pm, Thurs 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-3:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Sun-Mon Closed.
Editor’s Note: We have heard that Vine is temporarily closed. We will let you know when we learn more.
Beccofino
Location: 10 Vernon Terrace, Florence St, Teneriffe, QLD 4005 Ph: (07) 3666 0207
This is the sister restaurant to the aforementioned Julius Pizzeria. However, Beccofino undoubtedly makes its own mark.
It’s crispy dough will erase any memories you may have of soggy crusts in an instant.
You’ll also find a wholesome range of authentic, pasta dishes and hearty desserts to leave happy and satisfied.
Are you looking for somewhere new to grab lunch? Check out our tips to the Best Cafes in Brisbane
Opening Hours: Tues-Thur 5:30pm-late, Fri-Sun 12pm-late, Mon Closed.
1889 Enoteca
Location: 1-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Ph: (07) 3392 4315
At this Italian restaurant, it is the extensive selection of wine that steals the show.
1889 Enoteca specialises in Roman Italian cuisine and pairs all of your favourite, traditional Italian meals with skilfully created wines.
Their private wine cellar contains every variety of grape that you could imagine and these wines will be sure to tantalise your senses.
If you are seeking an authentic, decadent experience, then this restaurant is the place for you.
Are you getting bored of the same old brekkie? Take a look at our rundown of the Best Breakfast Joints in Brisbane
Opening Hours: Tues-Thur 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sun 12pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Mon Closed.
Il Verde
Location: 2 King Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006 Ph: (07) 3638 0494
Next on our look at the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane is Il Verde.
If fresh, sustainably sourced produce is what you are after then look no further than this dining space.
This restaurant’s emphasis on fresh ingredients ensures that you will feel positive about what you’re eating whilst you fill your stomach.
It also has a pasta dish that is served direct from a wheel of cheese. This is a must try!
Do you keep to a plant-based diet and struggle with dining in restaurants? Read our Ultimate Guide to Vegan and Vegetarian Eating
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-2pm, Mon-Thur 5:30pm-8:30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-9:30pm, Sun 5pm-8:30pm.
Gambaro Seafood Restaurant
Location: 33 Caxton Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3369 9500
If Italian-style seafood is more of your thing, then look no further than Gambaro Seafood Restaurant.
This restaurant has been in business for approximately 60 years and thus have become experts in the Italian restaurant scene.
The linguini marina, grilled scallop and mouth-watering mussels are a flavour explosion that any seafood lover will adore.
Opening Hours: Tues-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm, Sat 1pm-4pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm, Sun-Mon Closed.
Tartufo
Location: 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 Ph: (07) 3852 1500
Tartufo is undoubtedly one of the finest Italian restaurants in the whole of Brisbane.
Their freshly made bread and handcrafted pizza bases ensure that you have an authentic, delicious, dining experience. And all within a warm atmosphere that is just as satisfying as their hearty, Italian food.
Do you love noodles as much as you love pasta? Our guide to the Best Ramen Restaurants in Brisbane is for you.
Opening Hours: Tues-Sun 12pm-2pm, 6pm-8pm.
Tocco Italiano
Location: 80 Oxley Rd, Chelmer, QLD 4068 Ph: (07) 3075 5101
This Italian restaurant boasts a Michelin Star chef and this is undoubtedly evident in the food that they serve. From the entree onwards, this is a taste, texture and visual feast.
The dessert menu is also phenomenal and makes this restaurant stand out as one of the best in Brisbane. Their Sporcamusi All Fruita is a well known favourite and infuses puff pastry with a divine custard cream.
If you’re looking for authentic, Italian desserts then this is definitely the restaurant to choose.
Feel like something more spicy for dinner tonight? Check out our Top Indian Restaurants in Brisbane
Opening Hours: Wed-Thurs 5:30pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sun 12pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm, Mon-Tues Closed.
Are your pasta bowls looking a bit old and chipped? Maybe it’s time to invest in some new crockery to brighten up meal times. For inspiration and prices, click here.
Popolo
Location: Shop 3 Sidon Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101 Ph: (07) 3846 7784
Last but not least on our run through the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane is Popolo.
This Italian restraint is the perfect place to sample the finest homemade pizza and antipasto.
There is also an extensive list of pasta options amongst a wide selection of tapas and sharing platters. It is the perfect venue for family events and gatherings of friends and/or work colleagues.
This dining space is also unique in that it sells pre-made picnic baskets containing a vast array of hearty, Italian food. Perfect if you are looking to have a picnic in the glorious Brisbane sunshine!
Thai food is one of the most popular cuisines in Australia. Click here for our Best Thai Restaurants in Brisbane.
Opening Hours: Wed 5pm-9pm, Thur-Sun 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm, Mon-Tues Closed.
Marinara Restaurant
Location: Marinara Hawthorne, 254 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne, QLD 4171 Ph: 0459 033 487 & Marinara Trattoria, 34 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, QLD 4064 Ph: 0480 284 636 & Marinara Restaurant Clayfield, 712 Sandgate Rd, Clayfield, QLD 4011 Ph: 0460 721 049
Whichever Marinara Restaurant you frequent, you’ll find the same thing. Authentic Italian, served with care, in a traditional trattoria setting.
If you crave a big bowl of Pasta, this is the place to come. From the Fettuccine Carbonara ($29.90) to the comforting Baked Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli ($29.90), every dish is hearty and well-executed. Personally, we’re fans of the Scaloppine Al Marsala ($33.90) – a delicate Pan-Fried Scallopine in an addictive Marsala Cream Sauce. However, other people come for the ever-popular hand made Pizzas.
Whatever you choose, you’ll be greeted like old friends when you arrive and served with warmth for the long of your meal.
No wonder the Marinara eateries are amongst the top Italian restaurants in Brisbane.
Over All
To conclude, Brisbane boasts a wide range of authentic, Italian restaurants that serve hearty, traditional dishes as well as more experimental alternatives.
Italian food is renowned for its culinary expertise and these Italian restaurants make the perfect venue for family reunions or work-based events.
Whether you are seeking a light, crispy pizza or a creamy carbonara, you will be sure to find the perfect choice for your tastes in the restaurants that I have listed above.
These venues are demonstrative of the finest and freshest food that Brisbane has to offer. What’s more, all of these dining rooms source their ingredients from local suppliers and pride themselves on the quality of their food.
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