Discover The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney
It’s no secret the world over has a deep love affair with Italian cuisine. You could list the reasons at length – artisan produce, indulgent flavours, a rich cultural appreciation for food (and that’s just for starters).
But it’s the kind of love affair which runs particularly deep amongst Australians. After a wave of immigration during the 50s, the Italian newcomers influenced and redefined our tasting palate and it’s something I’m sure we’re all happy about.
This history is most apparent when you consider the huge availability (and quality) of Italian food in Sydney. Locals are always hungry for the best Italian cooking, those authentic dishes that find the perfect balance between being both comforting and gourmet.
To help the hunt, we’ve put together a list of our favourite Italian restaurants in the city. Sixteen eateries, to be precise. From Sydney’s best pasta joints and Napoli-approved pizzerias to romantic Valentine's Day Italian restaurants and some of the country’s leading hatted restaurants, there’s something for whatever dining experience you’re after. And if you’re interested in the best Italian restaurants over in Melbourne, we’ve done some delicious research there too.
Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney
Bartolo
An all-day eatery and cocktail bar accommodating any occasion, Bartolo is a classy Italian restaurant in Surry Hills that will charm the pants off any visitor – regardless of the hour. Guests can pop in during the morning and have an espresso, enjoy a long weekend lunch in true Italian style, unwind with an aperitivo cocktail after work, or have a romantic dinner for two. Expect traditional flavours and a very nice ambience – with the extra bonus of outdoor seating.
Open Monday to Thursday from 7am – 3pm and 5:30 – 10pm, Friday from 7am – 3pm and 5:30 – 12am, Saturday from 8am – 12am, Sunday from 8am – 10pm. Located at 359 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney 2010.
Fratelli Paradiso
Great wine, delicious food and genuine service is all rolled into one at Fratelli Paradiso, a friendly One-Hat restaurant in Potts Point. Although not as swanky as other restaurants on the list, the hospitality here makes you feel right at home. Match that with a seasonal gourmet menu and you’ve certainly got one charming, laid back eatery worth visiting. FYI, they’ve also got a great sister restaurant called 10 William St in Paddington.
Open Tuesday to Wednesday from 5pm – 9pm, Thursday to Saturday 5pm – 10pm. Located at 12-16 Challis Avenue, Potts Point, Sydney 2011.
Baccomatto Osteria
Baccomatto Osteria is an Italian restaurant in Sydney with a well-established reputation for serving authentic food in an atmosphere of elegance and simplicity. With a brand new location at Newmarket Randwick, having left their long-standing Surry Hills location at the end of 2019, the team brings new energy and zest to the eatery and mostly serving Roman-inspired cuisine. Enjoy antipasti, hearty mains like Roman pork belly, rich ragu and traditional slices of pizza And the quality? It’s out of this world.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – late, Sunday from 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 8.30pm. Located at 162-164 Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney 2031.
Wheat & Barrel
A neighbourhood gem in Cronulla, Wheat & Barrel is a boutique fresh pasta and wine bar that loves simple yet artisan food and drink. Premium product like prosciutto di Parma, pecorino sardo from Sardinia and Calabria-style ‘ndjua spicy salami grace the delicious antipasto platters. Meanwhile, fresh handmade pasta in traditional sauces are the stars of the show. The wine selection is equally noteworthy, with a handful even available on tap as well as quality wines by the bottle.
Lunch: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 12pm – 3pm (currently two seating times)Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm – close (currently three seating times). Located at 2/59-65 Gerrale Street, Cronulla, Sydney 2230.
LuMi Dining
LuMi Dining is one of Australia’s leading fine dining establishments, an innovative restaurant from the talented couple Federico and Michela Zanellato, the respective head chef and sommelier. Since opening in 2014, this waterfront eatery in Pyrmont has been awarded Two Hats for inventive Italian cuisine with a Japanese twist. A small bar menu is available, but for a true culinary experience make a booking for their seasonal degustation tasting menu.
Lunch: Saturday & Sunday, 12pm – 1.30pmDinner: Thursday to Sunday, 6pm – 8pm. Located at 56 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, Sydney 2009.
Ormeggio at the Spit
One of Sydney’s darling restaurants, Ormeggio at the Spit captivates diners in a number of ways. Guests can enjoy a romantic waterside setting down at The Spit, professional yet laid back service and atmosphere, as well as modern Italian cuisine which is both refined and innovative. The quality at this restaurant is indisputable – and to prove it, they have Two Hats from the Good Food Guide. After a major refurbishment, Ormeggio is reopening the restaurant from Friday 19th June – so make sure you’re one of the first to toast to their new space over an Aperol Spritz or two!
Lunch: Saturday & Sunday from 11.30am__Dinner: Thursday to Saturday from 5.30pm__All day dining available on Sunday. Located at D’Albora Marinas, Spit Road, Mosman, Sydney 2088.
Da Mario
It seems unbelievable we haven’t mentioned a pizza joint until now. But that’s the reality when you’re dealing with Sydney’s never-ending list of cool Italian spots. Yet most deserving to be included within our list is Da Mario, an inviting pizzeria in Rosebery. As Australia’s first and only member of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (the official organisation who classifies whether a pizza is authentically Neapolitan), Da Mario serves traditional wood-fired pies to die for.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm. Located at Shop 1/36 Morley Avenue, Rosebery, Sydney 2018.
Mark and Vinny’s Spaghetti & Spritz
Mark and Vinny’s Spaghetti & Spritz is a much-loved spot that isn’t afraid to take a playful approach to Italian cooking. As you’ve probably gathered from the name, the focus here is on pasta and spritz cocktails. Refresh yourself with Fly Me To The Moon Negronis, When in Surry Hills amaretto mixers, or classics like Peach Campari Spritz. The fun is available in bucket loads here and they also happen to be one of our favourite places to eat vegan in Sydney.
Open Monday to Saturday from 6 – 10pm, and Friday for lunch from 12 – 3pm. Located at 38-52 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills, Sydney 2010.
Big Poppa’s
Bringing an unusual twist to Sydney’s Italian restaurant scene, Big Poppa’s serves modern Italian dishes and plays hip-hop music. It’s a unique combo, but one that works and creates a lively atmosphere. Tunes are playing non-stop until 3am daily, setting a tone for guests to enjoy gourmet cheeses, sharing plates, cocktails and wine amongst a fun atmosphere.
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm – 3am. Located at 96 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney 2010.
Vacanza
Our other top pizza recommendation in Sydney is Vacanza. The approach here is “less is more” and high-quality Italian and Australian produce ensures every single Neapolitan-style pizza from here is authentic (you know you’re onto a winner when they nail the margherita recipe). The original shop is located in Waverley, but we like the more spacious Surry Hills location on the corner of Bourke and Fitzroy Street. Regardless of which you visit, it’s always bustling thanks to Vacanza’s delicious food and endless appeal. Plus, it’s BYO baby!
Open Monday to Thursday from 5:30 – 11pm, Friday to Sunday from 12 – 3:30pm & 5:30 – 11pm. Located at 414 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, Sydney 2010.
BISTECCA
BISTECCA is a cocktail bar and restaurant in the CBD that specialises in Italian wines, aperitifs and steak. While the Italian drinks list will blow you away – we’re talking Negronis, bitters, digestives, grappa and a 19-page wine menu – this establishment is most well known for Tuscany’s famous bistecca alla Fiorentina. One of the best steaks in Sydney, these guys skillfully grill a premium T-bone cut over charcoal, ironbark and olive branch fire. Trust us, this is melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Lunch: Thursday to Friday, 12pm – 3pmDinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30pm – late. Located at 3 Dalley Street, Sydney CBD, Sydney 2000.
OTTO Ristorante
It’s safe to assume that the waterside location and al fresco dining of OTTO Ristorante is the envy of any Sydney restaurant. Situated on Finger Wharf, this ambient One Hat eatery is ideal for a leisurely long lunch. To dine here is both smooth and effortless, with food and wine designed to complement the relaxed setting by tasting simple, generous and indulgent.
Open Monday to Sunday from 12 – 10pm. Located at 8/6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo, Sydney 2011.
Salt Meats Cheese
Known throughout Sydney as both quality purveyors and successful restaurateurs, the Salt Meats Cheese group is family-owned and has a deep passion for the honest cooking of Italy. There’s five locations in Sydney, but the flagship Drummoyne eatery is our favourite because it’s open from 7am. Yet regardless of which restaurant you visit, premium ingredients drive home a menu of Italian dishes which is always reliable.
For opening hours, check with your preferred branch. Locations in Cronulla, Circular Quay, Broadway, Drummoyne and Dee Why.