Mamma Mia! These are the Best Italian Restaurants in Brisbane!

We’re back from our, ahem, ‘research trip’ and we are happy to report that the calibre of Italian restaurants in Brisbane is at an all time high. Deciding on just 11 favourites was almost as difficult as fitting all of that pizza and pasta into our gob. But we somehow managed both.

It’s clear that great Italian restaurants are an Australian-wide phenomenon, with plenty to be found in Sydney, Melbourne and beyond.

In Brisbane, New Farm and Newstead are a melting pot of authentic Osterias, Trattorias, Grottos and Vinerias. And that’s all thanks to a huge Italian community living in the neighbourhood. In recent years, this food of the Mediterranean has spread itself further throughout Queensland’s capital and has become a major part of the award-winning restaurant scene.

You may not have your own official Italian Nonna, but here are some Italian eateries in Brisbane that are ready to fill the position…

11 Outstanding Italian Restaurants in Brisbane

Vine Restaurant

NEW FARM

On the leafy corner of Moray Street, Vine Restaurant is a fine-dining Italian restaurant that introduces indulgent Mediterranean flavours to modern Australian cooking. Vine’s love for Italian food is unmistakable, with the option to enjoy a tailor-made degustation menu or pick and choose between the luxurious a la carte selection. Expect warm service, an ambient setting and dishes that will stick with you forever. Go for a special date night or when mum and dad are in town.

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Mosconi

FORTITUDE VALLEY

From the legends that brought Vine to the city, Mosconi is one of the newer Italian kids on the block. It’s a restaurant and wine bar where in-the-know foodies fill booths, perch at the bar and climb to the mezzanine floor to enjoy a glorious menu that changes weekly. You never know what the next week will bring, but previous creations like pappardelle with Moreton Bay bug and confit duck risotto reflect the sort of standard we’re dealing with here. As well as modern sharing plates, there’s a world of top notch Italian, local and international wines to discover.

1889 Enoteca

WOOLOONGABBA

Walking into 1889 Enoteca will take your breath away. And that’s before you’ve even taken one bite. Romantic roses overhang the entranceway, the interior is framed by exposed brick, the room glows with ambient lighting and there’s even a secret basement for private dining. It’s got all the makings of a fairytale Valentine's Day dinner to be quite frank. When you’ve finished taking in your surroundings, indulge in a menu that is just as enchanting. 1889 Entoca’s Italian dishes celebrate the gutsy flavours of Rome, with a particular focus on homemade pasta dishes like cacio e pepe, carbonara and spaghetti. *Chef’s kiss*

Corbett & Claude

EVERTON PARK

Corbett & Claude has three locations in Brisbane, and while they are all fantastic in their own right, we can’t help but be completely enamoured with their home inside Everton Plaza. Since opening at the end of 2019, the third branch has brought many folks out into Brisbane’s northern suburbs. Luckily, the trendy Italian spot isn’t just one for the ‘gram (although we definitely don’t tire of its super polished aesthetic). Tuck into arancini starters, fresh bruschetta, creamy pasta and traditional hand-made pizza, with gluten-free and vegan options aplenty.

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Tetto Rooftop Bar

EVERTON PARK

On the subject of Everton Plaza, Corbett & Claude’s neighbours simply cannot be left off the list. Tetto Rooftop Bar is inspired by the colours, culture and cuisine found along Italy’s coastline. With an alfresco dining setting, it’s the perfect place to spend aperitivo hour over a few Aperol Spritzes and a smorgasbord of Italian cured meats and cheeses.

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La Lupa

WEST END

Partners in food and life, Valentina Vigni and Andrea Contina are the duo behind La Lupa. Driven by a passion to keep traditional Italian cuisine and philosophies alive in Brisbane, expect authentic dishes and hospitality that makes the setting feel more home than restaurant. There’s beautiful antipasti dishes, pasta and Florentine t-bone steak to share, but there’s no going past the pizza. La Lupa’s pizza experts hone in on their knowledge of flour and dough to produce perfectly executed pizzas that are light, crispy and downright buono!

Osteria Epoca

YERONGA

Want somewhere you can eat like an Italian all day long? Meet our friend, Osteria Epoca. In a tranquil location by the Brisbane River, this is a restaurant that’s Italian through and through. Guests are invited to sit amongst the casual interior or chill out at the lush outdoor bar from breakfast right through until dinner. It’s probably the only place in Brisbane where you can have gnocchi for breakfast – and we’re all about it.

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Tartufo

FORTITUDE VALLEY

One moment you’re on Ann Street, the next moment you’ve stumbled into a trattoria in Naples. That’s what a visit to Tartufo feels like anyway. The red and black art deco dining room, with vintage booths, grand mirrors, mosaic tiles and old school bar seating, transports diners to another time and place. Led by head chef Tony Percuoco, the food is inspired by his home town in Naples as well as the surrounding regions of Tuscany, Umbria and Abruzzo. Swirl your fork around fresh pasta made in house, dig into classics like ossobuco or pick up a slice of Napoli pizza.

New Farm Deli & Cafe

NEW FARM

Established in 1975, New Farm takes the title of Brisbane’s oldest (and most authentic) Italian deli. When the deli first launched, it quickly became popular with the large Italian community who were seeking a taste of home. Cured meats, cheese, olives and Italian-style bread were like gold itself. In July 2019, a major fire sadly devastated New Farm’s home. However, with the support of the local community they were able to rebuild and reopen in November – a true sign of how dear this deli and cafe is to Brisbanites.

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers

PADDINGTON / SOUTH BANK

No points for guessing what these bros get up to inside the kitchen. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers started as a two-person market stall and has since evolved into two Brisbane restaurants slinging authentic Italian gnocchi. For a more relaxed and suburban dining experience, we recommend escaping the tourists in South Bank and heading to the gnoccheria on Given Street in Paddington. Using old school methods and fresh local produce, the gnocchi gets paired with ingredients like wild mushroom and truffles, traditional slow cooked bolognese and prawns.

Hatch & Co

NEWSTEAD

Making itself at home inside Gasworks precinct, Hatch & Co’s restaurant is light and open-planned with natural tones and greenery adding to its serene setting. As for the food, it’s unconventional and diners are encouraged to share. Although it’s smack bang in Brisbane’s Little Italy, Hatch & Co is not for the purists. Italian-inspired eats are often accompanied by modern European and Australian flavours. It’s where house-baked focaccia sits alongside loaded jalapeno fries and chicken parmigiana with a classic cheese burger. We say embrace it!

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