Satisfy your pasta cravings with the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane
List
By Sarah Bristow
Craving Italian? You needn’t worry about missing out on a taste of la dolce vita while in the River City. Brisbane is home to a slew of Italian eateries, from casual pizzerias to fine dining takes on modern Roman cuisine. While there are many that are well-deserving of a visit, here lie the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane.
Julius Pizzeria, South Brisbane
Best for a long lunch.
Tucked into Fish Lane in South Brisbane is Julius, a classic Italian offering from city institution Beccofino. Wood-fired pizzas are the specialty here. Conveniently close to the cluster of cultural offerings in Brisbane’s South Bank (QPAC and GOMA included), this spot is well worth a visit pre- or post-show. And while you might have to wait for a table, it's a little easier now - the Julius team has opened cosy 10-seater Bar Brutus just across the laneway. Settle in for a spritz, Italian wine and snacks, the perfect precursor to a feast.
Featured image by @alexjgregg
Otto, South Bank
Photo by @480queen
Best for date night.
Indulge in a night of fine dining Italian-style with a visit to Otto on South Bank’s riverfront with views of the iconic Brisbane city skyline. The heavily-awarded restaurant hosts an a la carte menu awash with refined takes on the traditional, including a much-loved Champagne lobster and bottarga spaghettini.
1889 Enoteca, Woolloongabba
Best for a special occasion.
Make for a meal to remember with a visit to one of the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane, 1889 Enoteca, a long-time resident of the Gabba. The restaurant favours modern Roman fare and handmade pasta, accompanied by one of the most extensive and lauded wine lists in the city.
Bar Alto, New Farm
Photo by @baralto
Best for river views.
Tucked into eclectic performance space the Brisbane Powerhouse is eatery Bar Alto. Boasting unparalleled views of the Brisbane River out front, and neighbouring New Farm Park, the restaurant is focused around the casual, with share plates and appetisers (including charcuterie) plentiful for groups to enjoy.
Popolo, South Bank
Best for family night.
Conveniently on the cusp of the child-favouring South Bank Parklands is where you’ll find Popolo. Easy Italian is the specialty of this casual eatery, with Popolo devoted to the ritual of eating en famiglia – with family. Feasting is a non-negotiable here, with portions large and options plentiful for both young and old.
Mosconi, Fortitude Valley
Photo by @mosconibrisbane
Best neighbourhood gem.
Watch the world go by, wine in hand, at one of newest and best Italian restaurants in Brisbane, Mosconi. This European wine bar occupies one of the old World War II buildings off Fortitude Valley’s James Street. It’s not only wine you’ll find there though - but perfectly matched dishes, like the Fremantle octopus, eggplant agrodolce, capers, and lemon.
Beccofino, Teneriffe
Best for a midweek meal.
The best-recognised of Brisbane’s Italian restaurants is Beccofino, a local institution. The wood-fired pizza here is legendary, as is the array of rustic pastas which see the venue overflow with guests every night of the week. Fancy dessert? Don’t forget to drop by neighbouring gelato haven La Macelleria for a sweet treat to finish.
Il Verde, Bowen Hills
Photo by @ilverde_kingst
Best for a casual bite to eat.
While you may recognise Il Verde as the home of the famous cheese wheel pasta, there’s far more to Il Verde than giant parmesan. Simple flavours at affordable prices is what’s made this venue popular with locals looking for an easy evening meal.
Marinara Trattoria, Paddington
Best for traditional Italian.
Checkered tablecloths and elaborate murals of Venice will greet you on arrival at Paddington’s Cafe Marinara Trattoria. Italian comfort food in spades is what you’ll find in this simple neighbourhood eatery, which doesn’t tend to cater to calorie-counters - think heaped plates of gnocchi bolognese and hefty slabs of lasagne.
Persone, Brisbane City
Best for a work lunch.
In the heart of Brisbane’s CBD is where Persone resides. The refined venue’s ample rooftop views and ability to cater to groups of all sizes makes it ideal for an Italian-take on a work lunch, one overflowing with specialty wines sourced from the Mediterranean nation, and traditional dishes galore.
