Whether it's a delicate swirl of handmade pasta, a wood-fired pizza kissed with spice, or an indulgent plate of veal marsala paired with a spritz, Italian dining has evolved well past red-checked tablecloths and cliché carbonara. Across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns, a new generation of venues is redefining what Italian food means—honouring tradition while embracing innovation. Here are five standout destinations where the food is bold, the wine lists are curated and the passion is palpable in every bite.
SUD Food & Wine – Melbourne CBD, VIC
With an enduring legacy in the heart of the city, SUD Food & Wine has become synonymous with Southern Italian hospitality and elegance. Now in a refreshed Lonsdale Street location, it continues to charm guests with a refined yet warm ambiance that caters to business lunches and intimate evenings alike. The space itself echoes rustic Italian flair with a contemporary twist, while the evolving menu reflects the chef’s devotion to regional produce and time-honoured technique.
Expect ever-changing daily dishes that showcase the best of
the season, often accompanied by a curated selection of wines sourced from
across Italy’s diverse terroirs. Favourites include duck and pork meatballs in
a rich Pomodoro sugo, alongside pasta highlights like maccheroni with fiery
nduja and slow-cooked pork shoulder. For something heartier, the lamb shoulder
slow-roasted to tender perfection, served with pesto and a red wine jus, is a
standout.
Itahlia Restaurant – Sunbury, VIC
Hidden within the Sunbury Cinema Complex, Itahlia Restaurant offers an unexpected escape into old-world Italian charm with a modern Australian sensibility. It’s the kind of place where locals linger over long meals and newcomers instantly feel at home. With its warm, rustic interiors and welcoming service, Itahlia is as much a community favourite as it is a culinary destination—perfect for casual lunches, cosy date nights or family celebrations.
But the real draw is the food—especially the famed
wood-fired pizzas, which have developed a near-cult following. One must-try
creation pairs Moroccan-spiced lamb with red onion, tomato, and a melt of feta
and mozzarella, finished with a cooling swirl of tzatziki and a pop of
coriander. On the pasta front, creamy fettuccine loaded with chicken, avocado
and garlic delivers the kind of comfort food nostalgia that never goes out of
style.
Craving a slice of something special? Reserve your table at Itahlia and let the feast begin.
Step inside Pizza Da Noi on St Johns Road in Glebe and you’ll feel like you've just walked into Nonna’s kitchen—if Nonna had a penchant for crafting consistently excellent pizza and pasta for the masses. A family-run gem since 2014, this restaurant has built its name on a dough recipe passed down through generations, offering a nostalgic yet elevated dining experience in a warm and relaxed setting.
Start with chargrilled octopus tossed through rocket, tomato
and olives before diving into handmade gnocchi drenched in gorgonzola, pesto or
classic Napoletana. Pizza lovers can rejoice in options that go beyond the
usual suspects—try a version loaded with eggplant, prosciutto, caramelised
onion, bocconcini and parmigiano. For something more indulgent, the veal
marsala with creamy mushroom sauce is a rich and velvety main that pairs
beautifully with an Aperol Spritz.
Say sì to your next Italian night—book your spot at Pizza Da Noi and let tradition lead the way.
Situated on the picturesque waterfront of Marlin Parade, Ollie’s Italian is as close as you’ll get to Positano without leaving the country. With sweeping views of Trinity Inlet and the reef beyond, this chic venue pairs sophisticated interiors with equally refined flavours. Whether you're sipping on a glass of vino as the sun dips behind the water or indulging in a luxurious meal, the mood here is one of coastal Italian escapism.
Seafood and steak lovers are in for a treat—every element of
the menu is crafted in-house, from artisan pasta to perfectly aged cuts of
meat. Begin with calamari fritti elevated by paprika salt and a hit of zesty
lemon, before moving on to a standout main like grilled duck breast served atop
garlic parsnip purée, with crisp parsnip shards and a Cointreau-spiked red wine
jus. The flavours are bold, layered and designed to impress.
For waterfront dining with serious Italian soul, make a booking at Ollie’s tonight.
RUSTICHELLA Pasta Bar – Nundah, QLD
RUSTICHELLA Pasta Bar is a love letter to Emilia-Romagna, brought to life in Brisbane’s Nundah neighbourhood by two proud Emilian natives. With a menu steeped in Northern Italian tradition and a focus on handmade pasta and underappreciated wine varietals, this family-run venue celebrates craftsmanship and simplicity in equal measure. The setting is cosy and contemporary, creating a space where serious foodies and casual diners alike feel right at home.
Start with rustic appetisers like crostini topped with rich
Bolognese and shaved Parmesan or opt for the vibrant tomato bruschetta. The
pasta here is where the magic lies—tagliatelle served with a slow-cooked pork
and beef ragu, enriched with a touch of cream, is a masterclass in balance and
technique. For something equally satisfying, try the ricotta and parsley
tortelloni finished with butter and sage. Sweet endings like hazelnut chocolate
pudding seal the deal.
Treat yourself to a true taste of Emilia—secure your seat at RUSTICHELLA Pasta Bar now.
Italian cuisine may be rooted in tradition, but as these five restaurants prove, it’s anything but static. From housemade pasta to daring pizza toppings and waterfront fine dining, these venues take la dolce vita to exciting new heights—while staying grounded in the flavours that made Italian food beloved in the first place.
