Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney

I love all things Italian. And we’re more spoilt for choice than ever with the best Italian restaurants in Sydney serving authentic Italian food, lots of it regional.

Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney - Lucio's - HERO

The best Italian restaurants in Sydney cover the full spectrum, from cutting-edge-modern to Nonna-style-traditional, from big-night-out to grab-a-bite-on-the-way-home. We have great pizze, pasta, gelati and so much more. I love them all – but these are the tried and tested ones I find myself going back to for a fine dining experience Italian-style.

Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney - a'Mare

a’Mare Barangaroo
Is a’Mare Sydney’s most luxurious Italian restaurant? Glamorous harbour setting – check! Caviar – check. Champagne (though I prefer the Franciacorta) – check! Then there’s the sophisticated touch of gueridon: from martinis mixed at the table to the theatre of an entire menu created, finished or plated tableside, including their signature pesto pounded in a traditional marble mortar.

Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney - Pilu at Freshwater

Pilu at Freshwater Freshwater
Sipping a sbagliato negroni, nibbling carta di musica with house-made ricotta and watching the sunset colours over the ocean here is my favourite end to the week. Add pecorino brodo, Giovanni Pilu’s roast suckling pig, deep-fried-cheese-filled-honey-drizzled seadas and a list full of little-known Sardinian wines and beers and you get the picture!

Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney - Ormeggio at The Spit

Ormeggio at The Spit Mosman
Alessandro Pavoni and Victor Moya provide my mod-Italian fix at this seafood-focused fine-diner. The Middle Harbour views, creative cicchetti (bring back eggplant Parmigiana please!), a degustation of artful dishes (including superb risotto), Sydney’s best gelato, and a wine list that covers the length and breadth of Italy. What’s not to love?

Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney - Buon Ricordo

Buon Ricordo Paddington
There are few more comfortingly familiar dining rooms than the art-filled space created by Armando Percuoco in 1987 and passed to head chef David Wright 30 years later. The old (fried harbour prawns) sits alongside the new (grilled scampi with lemon and olive oil dressing). Pasta is still perfectly al dente, wine matches are spot on thanks to veteran sommelier Nick Caraturo, and white jacketed waiters plate dishes tableside with flair.

Best Dishes in Sydney 2023 - Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney - Civico 47 - Duck

Civico 47 Paddington
This worthy successor to the iconic address that was Lucio’s (pictured top) is now home to the best duck dish I’ve ever had! Matteo Zamboni’s crudo takes me straight back to Venice, and his potato and smoked mozzarella ravioli with pepitas and bottarga is plate-lickingly good. Thank goodness there’s still affogato on the menu, traditional or with an Aussie twist. Luke Collard’s wine matches (and wine knowledge) complete the package.

Updated 28 Nov 2024

Italian Food & Wine Tour Highlights

What Other Travellers Say

Janet (Tamworth, NSW, Australia)
Janet (Tamworth, NSW, Australia)
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Just back from the most amazing trip to Emilia-Romagna with Roberta. Not only the home of Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar, but scenery to die for and more quaint and exciting restaurants and cafés than you ever imagined. And Roberta is just the person to help you discover and enjoy them! Her knowledge of the history of the region and its wonderful cuisine know no bounds and all added to the excitement of the trip. It was faultless - well organized and lots of fun!
Deb (Belconnen, ACT, Australia)
Deb (Belconnen, ACT, Australia)
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Wow, what a tour – I learned so much! Awesome fun traveling through Emilia-Romagna experiencing first hand some of the produce I've worked with over the last couple of years cooking with Roberta's recipe kits – the family are reaping the benefits now. If you're thinking of joining Roberta in future years get ready for an amazing experience.
Mark (Elizabeth Bay, NSW, Australia)
Mark (Elizabeth Bay, NSW, Australia)
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My wife and I recently joined Roberta's Emilia-Romagna tour. We enjoyed all the temptations offered and learned a lot about that part of Italy, especially its food and wine culture. What was most impressive was Roberta's local knowledge of people and places. The planning and effort she put into making the whole experience seem effortless was remarkable.
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