There’s so many things about Italian food that make everything seem right in the world… The carbs. The cheese. The saucy goodness [with wine to match]. So, if you, like us, are not enjoying the European Summer [and suffering from intense FOMO], we thought we would ease the pain by sharing some authentically “bellissimo” hotspots in our very own city.
1889 ENOTECA | WOOLLOONGABBA
Nestled amongst the quaint antique shops and restaurants of Woolloongabba, 1889 Enoteca offers a charming dining experience like no other. Pair modern Roman cuisine with a glass of wine from their extensive list (imported by the owner himself) and even a basic family dinner becomes a feast! The pappardelle al ragù is the kind of soul-satisfying dish that you’ll dream about for years to come, while the tiramisu is that little taste of Italy that you’ve been dreaming of ever since you took that holiday.
LA LUPA | WEST END
You either love vitello tonnato, or haven’t tried vitello tonnato… we reckon Lupa does the best in town! As well as other classics, a core range of pizzas and specials keeps things interesting (and delicious) including burrata with seasonal toppings, a mouthwatering cacio e pepe tagliolini, and a big boy bistecca that you need to pre-order! Owner Andrea also imports stunning wines from all over Europe, so there’s always a delicious drop to be paired with.
BAR ALTO ǀ NEW FARM
What’s better than Italian? Italian accompanied by spritzes! No one does them quite like Bar Alto, with riverfront views making it the ultimate lunch date or Sunday sesh. Grab friends, book a table on the balcony, and spend your afternoon devouring bowls of their iconic chilli garlic mussels (with plenty of crusty bread, of course).
MOSCONI | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Fancy a cosy dinner in a WWII Igloo? Mosconi’s comfortable space offers hospitality with heart, and food that is beautifully plated. Pacific Oysters with Lime Caviar and Champagne vinegar, Mooloolaba Prawn Linguine, whilst surrounded [and sipping] on some delicious Italian vino… um? Yes please!
ELEMENTI | PADDINGTON
A labour of love from a team who have worked across plenty of other names on this list, Elementi is all about the classics, done well. Think carpaccio with semi-dried tomatoes, rocket and 36-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, pizzas topped with tomato, scamorza, pork sausage and olives, and trofie pasta with turnip tops, stracciatella, chilli, anchovies, garlic and bread crumbs. Their cocktails and spritzes are Roman piazza-worthy, too!
BIANCA | JAMES STREET
Inspired by a rowdy Italian trattoria, this salmon-hued delight is inarguably one of Brisbane’s best. Start your experience with charcuterie and house-made breads (including the ridiculous pizza Bianca), before moving onto simple-but-perfect pastas, golden pollo alla Milanese and some outrageously juicy porchetta. Don’t skip the gelato-filled bombolini for dessert!
JULIUS ǀ SOUTH BRISBANE
If you’re after a slice of pizza heaven, look no further than Julius! Located on the ever-trendy (and tasty) Fish Lane, this constantly awarded eatery is famous for its delectable wood-fired pizzas. Do yourself a favour and order calamari followed by the duck ragu pasta.
SASSO ITALIANO ǀ WOOLLOONGABBA
Sasso Italiano’s stylish and contemporary space, located in Woolloongabba, will leave you feeling a bit nostalgic with its 70’s vibe. Boasting a rich negroni menu [including Fig Negroni – yum…], and a solid list of classic Italian desserts such as Bomboloni, Cannelone, and Pannacotta, Sasso Italiano is a perfect spot for a little Italian themed date night. Grazie!
IL VERDE ǀ BOWEN HILLS
Cheese Louise! Heralding in a new chapter for Italian cuisine, Il Verde is known for making mouth-watering parmesan pasta from whole cheese wheels to keep both your belly and your wallet happy. Their extensive menu will see you poring over antipasti, pasta, pizza, main dishes and perfect desserts (it’s gotta be the cannoli, if you ask us!).
GEMELLI | JAMES STREET
Gemelli Italian is the perfect place to enjoy an Aperol Spritz and an authentic Italian pizza on those James Street shopping days. Recognised as the Best Informal Italian Restaurant in Brisbane / Darling Downs for 2022, you won’t want to miss the Nutella Bomba [yes, it’s as good as it sounds]. Added bonus: Their menu has loads of options for our vegan, vego and gluten free friends.
POPOLO | SOUTH BRISBANE
This riverside icon has recently had a sweet makeover, and its new look reminds us of alfresco dining on the Amalfi Coast… [just minus the Amalfi bit.] A line-up of Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia bread, buffalo mozzarella filled Cappellacci with Pancetta and pumpkin puree, Tiramasu to finish, and a steady stream of Limoncello Spritz throughout and you’ll leave thinking “È delizioso!”
TOSCANO BAR | BRISBANE CITY
From moreish pizza, mouth watering pasta, exquisite Italian wines, and excellently crafted cocktails, Toscano Bar is the perfect example as to why we love Italian food and hospitality. Set near the city’s Botanical Gardens, the venue’s modern and sleek decor is a great spot for after work drinks, a sweet date night, or a group celebration. On the last Sunday of every month, the bar brings live entertainment [and a great feed] to all of its patrons. Hot tip [literally]: The combination of a chilli Margarita and a Diavola pizza will have you coming back for more [and sooner than you think].
It may not be a European summer here in Bris Vegas, but we sure have some drool-worthy Italian fare which is nothing to scoff at, and can be enjoyed all year round minus the jet lag…
