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.
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 which transform as the seasons pass. The result? You’ll always have the freshest and finest ingredients to stimulate your palate. And whilst it’s hard to pick a favourite plate, the Spaghettini with Champagne Lobster, White Wine, Garlic, Chilli, Lemon Butter & Bottargo ($55/75) is an extravagance that is worth every cent.
And yes. This is the sister restaurant of Otto on Finger Wharf, Woolloomooloo in Sydney.
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.
‘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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
At Ciao Papi, the relaxed name matches the chilled vibe, but this eatery is more that just a simple, local Italia.
Firstly, the position is a bit special – we’re talking bang on the riverside, complete with an expansive deck and gorgeous city views. Secondly, whilst the menu reads like a greatest hits of Italian favourites, they are all exectued to a very high standard. For example, if you want a Pizza, you can choose between ‘Crispy thin’, or ‘Napoli’ style. Little touches like this make all the difference.
For us, the star of the menu is the Costine con Salsa Verde ($55). Soft. lush Short Ribs served with Grilled Artichokes and a zippy, herby green Sauce. Yum!
Whilst a chic, waterfront spot never did any establishment any harm, in a thriving dining scene like Brisbane’s you have to have more than simply a location going for you. Thankfully, Massimo Restaurant has both the destination and the little bit extra to make it one of the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane.
To say that we love the Stuzzichini (Snacks) is a huge understatement. Why more Italian restaurants don’t whip up Lasagne Bites (1 pc $9), is a mystery. A perfect wee morsel of Wagyu Beef, Pork, Tomato, Mozzarella and a Cheese Crumb, they could well be the most original pre-meal warm-up we’ve had all year. And don’t get us going on the amazing Fried Olives ($14) with Nduja Cream.
From there, things only get better. The Pasta is divine. We are addicted to the oh-so-simple and yet oh-so-criminally badly done (in other restaurants!) Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti ($42. At Massimo, it’s proff that the best things are often the purest – done really, really well.
Add to this great service and an expansive Drinks List, and you’ve got a wonderful destination for both an intimate date night and a special family celebration.
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.
Our recommendation? The Quaglia al Forno ($43). A dish of perfectly Char Grilled Quail accompanied by Carrot Puree, Sage, crisp Pancetta, Roasted Hazelnut & Jus.
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.
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.
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!
Location: Shop AM5 Ada Lane, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 Ph: (07) 3063 7679
Bianca is a very modern take on a sophisticated local trattoria. A sunny space of warm terrazzo tiles and burnished lighting, it the kind of spot where you drop in for a drink and end up staying to dinner.
And if you do stay, you could a lot worse than opening with the Half Dozen Oysters with Limoncello Mignonette ($42). The addition of the Lemon-heavy Liqueur is a masterstroke. All the hand-made Pastas are superb, but we are partial to the Cavatelli, Chestnut Mushroom, Pecorino & Thyme ($37). ANother great plate is the Pork Cotoletta, Pomodoro, Crsipy Chilli & Herbs ($47). Add a portion of the Chips with Rosemary Salt ($12), order another glass of Wine and settle in.
Bianca Restaurant is one of our favourite venues in Fortitude Valley.
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.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
