Searching for the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane? Well, we’ve got you covered.
From trendy fine dining restaurants in the heart of the CBD, to more casual, relaxed venues out in the ‘burbs, we’ll outline 17 awesome Italian restaurants in Brisbane to put on your ‘must eat’ list!
Whether you are into delicious pizzas with gourmet toppings, sensational pasta that is handmade with the skill of generations of Italian heritage, or simply just some of the most incredible desserts you could ever wish to try, this list has something for everyone.
Next time you are looking for somewhere to visit for date night, or the weekly catch-up with family or friends, if you head to any of these places, they’ll be sure to satisfy all of your senses.
Lupa Pizza Bar
Situated in the West End, the Lupa Pizza Bar offers one of the best pizza bases in the whole of Brisbane.
Developed after meticulous testing and modification of their recipe, their pizza dough strikes that perfect balance between tasting fresh and crispy, but not being too heavy, or making you feel bloated.
Slathered with generous helpings of homemade sauces and premium ingredients, their pizzas are among the best in the city.
Address: Shop 3 321 Montague Road, West End QLD 4101
Phone: +61 07 3532 3872
Trading Hours: Wed – Thur 5 pm – 9:30 pm, Fri-Sat 12 pm – 2:30 pm, 5 pm – 10 pm, Sun 12 pm – 2:30 pm, 5 pm – 8 pm, Mon – Tues Closed
Coppa Spuntino
Whether you have the appetite of a ballerina, or that of a lumberjack, Coppa Spuntino offers small or big meals that are sure to satisfy you.
Their range of pizzas and pastas are exquisitely made with excellent flavour profiles. And once you have had your fill of the dishes they offer you can always take up residence for the evening in their wine bar.
Address: Shop 4 88 Creek Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone: +61 07 3221 3548
Trading Hours: Mon – Wed 7 am – 10 pm, Thur – Fri 7 am – 12 am, Sat – Sun Closed
Gambaro Seafood Restaurant
An institution within the CBD, the Gambaro Seafood Restaurant has stood the test of time. Having sated the hunger of Brissie locals for well over 60 years, with their excellent range of pizza, pasta and other delights.
Specialising in seafood dishes, this is an excellent place to come for date night, or special occasions, as not only is the ambience top notch, the food is excellent too.
Try the black lip mussels, grilled scallops or linguini marina and be sure to raise a glass to us as you revel in the taste sensation.
Address: 33 Caxton Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone: +61 07 3369 9500
Trading Hours: Tues – Fri 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Sat 1 pm – 4 pm, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Sun – Mon Closed
Otto Ristorante
Looking for a meal with a bit of a ‘wow’ factor for your Instagram feed? Then head on over to Ristorante.
An establishment that takes real pride in the way they plate up their food, the dishes in this CBD stalwart always look exquisite.
Contained within a menu of simple and delicious flavour combinations, they taste pretty amazing as well. Changing seasonally, to take advantage of the availability of local produce, some of their offerings, in recent times, have included the likes of Rigatoni Amatriciana, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, chargrilled local bay squid and fried artichokes with pesto that is hand chopped.
Address: Level 4 480 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone: +61 07 3835 2888
Trading Hours: Wed – Sat 12 pm – 2 pm, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Vine
Over in New Farm, Vine is an Italian restaurant with a big reputation for outstanding cuisine.
Owned by a decorated Michelin Star chef, this venue offers an innovative blind tasting experience where the chef explores their creative vision through dishes that push the envelope.
You can choose between five, seven or nine courses, each of which will expose you to new and experimental flavours, which have been skilfully made from the freshest local produce they can find.
Address: 5/158 Moray Street, New Farm QLD 4005
Phone: +61 07 3358 6658
Trading Hours: Tues – Wed 5:30 pm – 10 pm, Thurs 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 11:30 am – 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 10 pm, Sun – Mon Closed
Bucci Restaurant
Offering meals that are designed to be enjoyed, and shared, by a group of friends or family, Bucci Restaurant, is a popular Italian Restaurant in the Fortitude Valley.
Presenting a decent-sized menu of traditional Italian dishes that feature a modern twist, this is an excellent place to come if you like seafood and pasta.
Once you’ve had a feed, their bar is also a terrific place to grab a post-meal cocktail.
Address: Shop 11, 15 James Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Phone: +61 07 3252 7848
Trading Hours: Wed – Mon 11:30 am-3 pm, 5:30 pm -l ate, Tues Closed
Tocco Italiano
Located in Teneriffe, Tocco Italiano is another establishment that is headed by a Michelin Star chef.
While you’ll find plenty of fabulous dishes to enjoy on the entrée and main food menu, it’s definitely worth taking a more conservative approach to order them.
Why? Because the deserts here are simply incredible!
One of the undoubted highlights is the Sporcamusi Alla Fruita. A decadent puff pastry that is filled with lemon custard cream, and a mix of fresh fruit, which is to die for!
If you have a sweet tooth, this place is a must!
Address: 1 Florence Street, Teneriffe QLD 4005
Phone: +61 07 3157 3225
Trading Hours: Wed – Thurs 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Fri – Sat 12 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm -10:30 pm, Sun 12 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Mon – Tues Closed
Il Verde
A real favourite among locals in Bowen Hills, Il Verde, prides itself on serving up hearty, and delicious Italian meals that are made with top quality, sustainably sourced ingredients.
One of the signature dishes here sees pasta being served straight out of a massive cheese wheel. If you have not had this incredible taste sensation before, then you are in for an amazing treat!
Address: 2 King Street, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
Phone: +61 07 3638
Trading Hours: Mon – Sun 12 pm – 2 pm, Mon – Thur 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Fri – Sat 5 pm – 9:30 pm, Sun 5 pm – 8:30 pm
Persone
In Italian, the term ‘Persone’ translates in English to people, and at that is precisely what the core ethos of this fantastic restaurant in the CBD is all about. Pleasing people.
They do this by providing guests with great service, excellent food and sensational views of the surrounding cityscape.
Given its central location on George Street, and the fact it was awarded the title of the ‘Best Italian restaurant in Queensland for 2020’, you won’t be surprised to learn that bookings here are essential.
Address: Level 2, 300 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone: +61 07 3505 1417
Trading Hours: Tues – Thurs 11:30 am – 3 pm, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Fri 11:30 am-3 pm, 5:30 pm – 10 pm, Sat 5:30 pm – 10 pm, Sun – Mon Closed
Julius Pizzeria
Nestled in the heart of South Brisbane, Julius Pizzeria is the smaller sibling of Beccofino (which we’ll discuss later).
However, far from living in its shadow, it has well and truly made a mark on the city’s Italian restaurant scene in its own right, due to the excellence of its food.
They do not take bookings at Julius Pizzeria. Instead they like to keep the vibe laidback and casual with a first come, first serve ethos that fits in well with the area.
Known for its terrific pizza and pasta offerings, the restaurant also serves up some lovely cocktails too. All up you are always guaranteed a lovely meal here, and if you are heading out for the evening, this is a terrific place to get the ball rolling.
Address: 77 Grey Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Phone: +61 07 3844 2655
Trading Hours: Tues – Wed 5 pm – 9 pm, Thur 5 pm – 9:30 pm, Fri-Sat 12 pm -10 pm, Sun 12 pm – 9 pm, Mon Closed
Mosconi
Wanting to hold a celebration, event or party at an Italian restaurant in Brisbane? Then make sure you give Mosconi the heads up.
Undoubtedly one of the city’s best venues for a taste of the Azurri, the menu here covers all the classics.
The bistro boasts a contemporary setting and a friendly, low-key ambience. It also features a really cool mezzanine, as well as an extensive wine list of local and imported labels, which really compliment the food.
Address: 164B Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Phone: +61 07 3151 1898
Trading Hours: Wed – Sat 12 pm – 4 pm, 6 pm – 11 pm, Sun 12 pm – 4 pm, Mon – Tues Closed
Popolo
Whether you are looking to enjoy an intimate meal within a charming setting, or you want a lovely selection of Italian delights for a romantic picnic, the team at Popolo has you covered.
Situated near the river in South Brisbane, you can choose to enjoy tapas and share plates at this fabulous venue on Sidon Street. Alternatively, if you feel like taking the food to another setting you
can order a wonderful picnic basket from them.
Containing a range of fresh pizza, antipasto and other Italian favourites, along with drinks, these baskets are perfect for those who aren’t the best in the kitchen, and will score you some major brownie points with your date when you unpack it in front of them.
Address: Shop 3 Sidon Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Phone: +61 07 3846 7784
Trading Hours: Wed 5 pm – 9 pm, Thur – Sun 12 pm – 2:30 pm, 5 pm – 9 pm, Mon – Tues Closed
Bar Alto
Tucked away in the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse – the city’s premier spot for entertainment and culture – Bar Alto is a wonderful restaurant to dine at prior to taking in a show.
Whether you are catching a comedy, a musical performance or something from the arts community, you’ll enjoy it a lot more if you’ve treated yourself to a delicious meal beforehand.
Served in a warm and inviting space that showcases sensational views of the Brisbane River, this restaurant was a major player in the city’s gastronomy scene, even before it was announced the ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ by the Brisbane Good Food Guide in 2009.
The food here is fantastic, and if you like what you ate, Bar Alto also showcases their recipes on their website. So you can try and recreate them at home.
Address: 119 Lamington Street, New Farm QLD 4005
Phone: +61 07 3358 1063
Trading Hours: Wed – Sun 11:30 am -late, Mon – Tues Closed
Beccofino
Beccofino is a much-loved favourite in Newstead, which just happens to be the bigger sibling restaurant of Julius Pizzeria.
Just like them, they make amazing wood-fired pizzas that feature dough that has the perfect amount of crispiness.
They also offer authentic pasta and traditional desserts, within an airy, modern setting that has floor-to-ceiling windows, which will make you slap your belly with glee.
Address: 10 Vernon Terrace, Newstead QLD 4006
Phone: +61 07 3666 0207
Trading Hours: Tues – Thur 5:30 pm – late, Fri-Sun 12 pm – late, Mon Closed
Massimo
If you love seafood then Massimo is a wonderful place to visit.
Serving up the freshest of Italian-inspired seafood dishes, you’ll find this buzzy restaurant down by the water on Eagle Street,
If you can, try and get here for happy hour which runs every day from 3 pm to 5 pm, when you’ll be able to enjoy a top-notch feed, for either a belated lunch or an early dinner, at discounted prices.
Address: 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone: +61 07 3221 1663
Trading Hours: Sun – Thur 11 am – 3 pm, 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Fri – Sat 11 am – 3 pm, 5:15 pm – 9:30 pm
1889 Enoteca
For those who think the quality of the wine is as important as the food they order, then head on over to 1889 Enoteca in Woolloongabba.
Specialising in Roman Italian cuisine, they offer an exciting menu of traditional Italian favourites, including several dishes of handmade pasta.
Served in elegant and vintage surroundings, this venue also boasts a fantastic private wine cellar downstairs, that features hundreds of labels, many of which are organic.
Address: 1-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Phone: +61 07 3392 4315
Trading Hours: Tues – Thur 5:30 pm – 10 pm, Fri-Sun 12 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 10 pm, Mon Closed
Tartufo
Headed up by the acclaimed chef Tony Percuoco, Ristorante Tartufo is another accomplished Italian restaurant in the Fortitude Valley.
Presenting a selection of exceptional, Neapolitan-inspired classics, within a classic black and red dining room, this venue is known for its pizza dough, pasta, and bread. All of which are homemade.
Operating since 2010, Tartufo offers the very best in Italian hospitality. So, whether you are after a classic Neapolitan pizza with an authentic, imported Italian beer, or want to treat your taste buds to a decadent eight-course degustazione menu, you will be in for a fabulous experience.
Address: 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Phone:
Trading Hours: Tues – Sun 12 pm – 2 pm, 6 pm – 8 pm