Top 10 Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney, Australia

Introduction:

An Italian restaurant and café in the heart of William Street Woolloomooloo, laden with old world charm where our customers become family and our restaurant their home. This is our Vizi and our purpose here at VIZIO Caffe e Cucina.

At breakfast our Italian café is the central meeting point of the neighborhood otherwise known in Italian as ‘sottocasa’, where regulars call each other by name, and a good dose of coffee and cheeky banter will start your day.

By lunch we are serving up delicious pasta and other mouthwatering modern Italian dishes in our Italian restaurant, to food enthusiasts that pass by and our regular business clientele that have now become part of our local famiglia. Even an indulgent cocktail has been known to pass over the bar to create a little fun amongst work colleagues during the work day.

As the evening draws near, patrons nearby and far, join their friends and family for drinks at our charming bar & restaurant, as they settle into an evening of fine yet approachable modern Italian cuisine created with heart and soul by our brigade of chefs.

Vizio is that extra indulgence, the pleasures of life shared with Friends and Family in the comfort and warmth of our Home. True hospitality is alive and well in our Italian restaurant in Woolloomooloo, and is attentive to the small things that make the difference, the details that turn a pleasant moment to an unforgettable experience.

Menu Items:

• Focaccia (V-Df) Italian Herbs, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Balsamic 12
• Arancini (V) Truffle Mayo, Parmesan Foam 16
• Burrata (V-Gf) Avruga Caviar, Chives, Extra Virgin Olive Oil 22
• Minestrone (V) Seasonal Vegetables & Legumes Soup 20
• Gnocchi Sorrentina Homemade Potato Gnocchi, Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil 22
• Fregola all’Ortolana (V) Eggplant, Zucchini, Capsicum, Baby Peas 28
• Fish & Chips (Df) 3 x Beer battered Flat Head Fillets, Chips, Aioli 26
• Chicken Schnitzel (Df) 300gr Chicken Breast, Chips, Choice of Sauce 26
• Mushrooms & Greens Mozzarella Cheese, Capsicum, Onion, Chilli Mayo 14
• Chicken & Avocado Linseed Sourdough, Chicken Breast, Avocado, Cucumber, Lettuce 14
• Breakfast Burger Fried Egg, Smoked Bacon, Choice of Sauce 12 – Make it Double +4
• Wagyu Beef Burger Lettuce, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese, Mayo 18 – Chilli or Truffle Mayo +2
• Piselli e Pancetta Saute’ Baby Peas w/ Cured Pork Belly 14
• Broccolini (V) Garlic & Chilli 14
• Chips (V-Df) Calabrian Chilli Mayo 12
• Espresso Tiramisu Double Espresso, Mascarpone Mousse, Savoiardi Biscuits 15
• Affogato Vanilla Gelato, Espresso Shot, Frangelico 15

Location:

Shop 1/52-58 William St,
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia

Contact: (02) 9358 2231

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

Tradition with a Twist
Nonna’s old-world photos on the wall, a table heaped with lasagna—we love it, but we’re in the mood for something new. Modern décor and a lively patio, paired with exciting cuisine like Lasagna Involtini and Grilled Swordfish Salmoriglio, create New Orleans Italian cuisine like you’ve never seen before.

Chicken Parmigiano
Modern Italian Cuisine in a Lively Setting
Immerse yourself in the excitement and energy of Italy. Our open kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven make every meal a feast for the eyes, as well as the palette. And whether you’re enjoying a business lunch or Aperitivos with your amici, our large bar and al fresco patio make socializing a breeze. From house-baked bread to a Bambini menu for the kids, our dishes welcome everyone to the table.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Make Every Bite Hand-Crafted and Delicious
Experience cuisine crafted with care, from fresh, House-Baked Bread on every table to Handmade Lemon Mascarpone Cheesecake to end your meal. In our brick oven, every pizza is fire-roasted to perfection, while our lively but laid-back patio creates the perfect atmosphere for al fresco family dining or sipping our house-made limoncello with your amore.

Pepperoni Pizza
Join Our Family
We are always seeking new team members with dynamic personalities and a passion for Italian cuisine.

Menu Items:

• Eggplant Fritta
• Spicy Calamari Fritte
• Baked Goat Cheese Al Forno
• Italian Chopped
• Roasted Beet & Kale
• Grilled Yellowfin Tuna – Ochsner Eat Fit
• Opera Prima Cava Spain
• Avissi Prosecco Italy
• Ruffino Sparkling Rosé Italy

Location:

3413 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA, 70002

Contact: 504.577.2235

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

Where It All Began
Lucio De Falco born and raised in Naples, Lucio began working with pizza at the young age of 14. Starting from the bottom at his aunt and uncle’s pizzeria in central Naples and working his way up over the years, he has cooked in locations all over Europe including Rome, Corsica and Isola de Elba. It was in Isola de Elba that he met a Sydney-based Neapolitan chef scouting for a pizza chef to work in a restaurant on Sydney’s North Shore. Lucio arrived in Sydney at just 21 years old, intending to stay for only a year – now, the successful owner of Lucio Pizzeria in Darlinghurst and Zetland, he has been here for 15 years and now calls Sydney home.

Dreams, Passion & Determination Become Reality
Opening his own pizzeria had been a dream of his since he was 14, he knew it would be tough but had the drive, passion and determination to do it, he wanted to showcase the traditional and authentic Neapolitan style pizza, like back home, here in Sydney.

Lucio was able to make a name for himself as one of Sydney’s finest Pizzaioli. In 2008 Lucio ventured out on his own and opened the much-loved Lucio Pizzeria Darlinghurst with his customer base not only including the Neapolitan community but also the wider Italian community. Darlinghurst is a typical Italian pizzeria, where you will find authentic Neapolitan pizza, antipasti and desserts, traditional Italian dishes using beautiful fresh produce sourced both locally and from around Australia, fresh and simple ingredients without overcomplicating his authentic recipes.

In 2015 Lucio opened his second store at Zetland with a large open kitchen, you can enjoy a wider menu where you will find a mouth-watering mozzarella bar with an array of meats and cheeses, homemade pasta dishes, along with traditional meat and fish dishes from all over Italy made here with fresh ingredients all this adds to the already legendary traditional authentic pizza menu. You can enjoy an Italian aperitivo at the bar which also boasts a great selection of Italian wines, beers and spirits.

Lucio has a love for Italian wines, and recently started travelling to Italy to hand-pick and import most of the wines you will find on the menu at Darlinghurst and Zetland, it’s a way of making the dining experience even more unique, having matching wines hand picked by Lucio himself.

AVPN – Staying True To Authenticity
Lucio is the vice president Australasia and proud member of the AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) the stamp of approval for true artisan pizza.

As an accredited member of the AVPN, and through Lucio’s experience and skills Lucio has been able to educate his Australian customers on what real Neapolitan pizza is all about.

Award Winning Pizza
In April 2018, Lucio competed at the Campionato Mondiale Della Pizza in Parma Italy and was awarded best pizza in Australia and 5th in the world, having competed with over 750 participants and 44 different nations, Lucio’s Margherita pizza came out first place in Australia.

Lucio has gained rave reviews and awards for best Pizza with world renowned foodie bible Gambero Rosso, Good Food Guide, Time Out Magazine, Sydney Morning Herald, The Sun-Herald, Sydney Weekender on Channel 7, Hospitality Magazine and Mosman Daily and many more.

Menu Items:

• Antipasto Misto for two
• Frittura Napoletana
• Polpette al sugo
• Rucola, Parmigiano e Pera
• Insalata Mista
• Caprese Salad
• Gran Tagliere
• Bufala Classica (Delicate)
• Bufala Affumicata (Smoked)
• Salame Cacciatore
• Mortadella
• Selection of cured meats
• Grissini
• Mix Olives
• Selection of vegetables

Location:

Republic 2 Court Yard, Shop 1/248 Palmer St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Contact: +61 2 9332 3766

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

Bambini Trust Restaurant & Wine Room a European style restaurant and WineBar has a loyal following since 1997

Menu Items:

• BAMBINI Aperitivo
• 18 Months Aged Sardinian Pecorino Sardo
• Iggy’s Sourdough
• Bambini Spaghettini
• Pappardelle
• Ravioli
• Pan Roasted Petuna Ocean Trout (TAS)
• Cotoletta Milanese
• Pan Roasted Spatchcock Saltimbocca

Location:

St. James Trust Building, 185 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Contact: +61 2 9283 7098

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

Situated on the second floor of the Victorian-era Strand Arcade, The Restaurant Pendolino has offered the very best in Italian food, service and style since 2008, and is considered a veritable dining institution within the Australian dining landscape.

Amongst other awards, in its first year, The Restaurant Pendolino was named Best New Restaurant in Australia by Restaurant & Catering Australia, and was soon after awarded one Chef’s Hat in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. In 2018, it was named Australia’s Best Formal Italian Restaurant at the Restaurant & Catering Australia Awards for Excellence.

Since first entering the competition in 2016, The Restaurant Pendolino was awarded the Gourmet Traveller Wine List of the Year highest award status of 3 glasses.

In 2022, The Restaurant Pendolino was awarded Australia’s Best Food and Wine-Matching Restaurant in the Australian Wine List of the Year awards.

The ‘Olive Oil’ Private Dining Room was also awarded Australia’s Best Private Dining Room in 2017 in the Qantas Business Travel Awards.

Under the skilful guidance of Executive Chef/Proprietor Nino Zoccali, the restaurant specialises in regionally-inspired Italian cuisine, featuring some of Australia and Italy’s most prestigious food and wine products on its evolving menu.

Named for the Tuscan Pendolino olive, the restaurant is a celebration of Australia’s best extra virgin olive oils – a selection of which are served to each guest alongside Pendolino’s freshly baked breads at the start of each dining experience.

Fresh produce
NINO ZOCCALI, EXECUTIVE CHEF/PROPRIETOR
Nino grew up in country Western Australia surrounded by quality produce. His mother was from the Prowse farming family in Capel, a family that has reared and tended livestock for almost 100 years. His father, a first generation Italian migrant, grew, harvested and hand-made just about everything that was ever placed on the dinner table, from artisan home-made charcuterie and tomato sugo to the highest quality homegrown meats and vegetables. Nino’s love of Italian cuisine and deep connection to fine, fresh produce was born at this table and seeded a lifelong passion with sourcing premium produce and ingredients from Australia, Italy and beyond.

After completing a double degree in Economics and Italian, Nino pursued a career in the culinary arts. At 25, he opened his first restaurant, Caffe Contadino in Margaret River, attracting attention from its inception. In 1998, Nino moved to Sydney where he led the opening team of Otto Ristorante Italiano on Woolloomooloo Wharf. The restaurant received instant critical acclaim, and Nino has called Sydney home ever since.

After being approached by Murdoch books in 2010 to write a book about making quality pasta, Nino’s career as a writer began. Nino subsequently authored two cookbooks, Pasta Artigiana and The Venetian Republic. He has deep knowledge of both Italian food and wine, and has written extensively about them in his books as well as in esteemed food and wine publications. Nino’s regular trips to Italy inspire and inform his culinary style, and he also takes great pleasure in continuing to work with the Pendolino wine team to source and provide the finest wines from the diverse regions of Italy. Nino has been a regular member of the Australian National Olive Oil judging panel over the past 20 years, and is a strong advocate for Australian grown olives and Australian produced super premium extra virgin olive oil. The Restaurant Pendolino showcases Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil as the foundation of its evolving Italian menu.

Menu Items:

• Kingfish Tartare
• Alba Style Organic Beef Crudo
• Gulf Prawn Fried Zucchini Flowers
• Heirloom Cauliflower & Broccoli
• Corzetti
• Lumachette Nere
• Frittura Milanese

Location:

Shop 100/412/414 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Contact:+61 2 9231 6117

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

Capriccio Osteria has been serving authentic Italian food in Leichhardt with love and passion since 2015. The premier Italian restaurant of the inner west has been under the direction of restauranteur Michele Rispoli since its inception.

Michele hails from Positano, a postcard town on Italy’s southern coast. He had a vision, bring the spirit of the Amalfi coast to Norton Street and create the finest Italian fine dining experience in Sydney. His commitment to authenticity and for delivering the best stems from three generations of hospitality running through his veins. From Vino to Focaccia, his extensive knowledge and passionate approach will always leave you ready for another round.

Our chefs are there for one reason, and one reason alone, to deliver the best Italian food in Sydney. Led by Head Chef Nicole Bampton, whose resume is awash with experience in delivering quality including Sepia, Tetsuva’s and Lucio’s. Her extensive experience has led her to develop several of our signature and seasonal favourite’s, imbued with a delicate passion and award-winning taste. Each uniquely inspired dish brings Capriccio Osteria to the forefront of Italian restaurants in Leichhardt.

One of the intrinsic hallmarks of Leichhardt is food, it is synonymous with Italian heritage and Capriccio Osteria is centre stage when it comes to exceptional service and traditional taste. Our goal is simple; Bring family and friends around the table and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Buon Appetito!

Menu Items:

• Fresh Oysters with lemon, lime & vodka granita | 4.8 ea
• House-made rosemary & sea salt focaccia | 6
• Chicken liver parfait with red wine jelly & hazelnut crisp bread | 15
• Squid ink spaghetti with blue swimmer crab, chilli & basil | 33
• Fazzoletti with prawns, shellfish butter & green shallot |32
• Saffron Tagliatelle with lamb shoulder, green olives & pistachio| 33

Location:

159 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040, Australia

Contact:  02 9572 7607

Website: Website Link Here

Introduction:

Potts Point Pizza
From the heart of Potts Point, Elettro Pizza brings you the freshest, tastiest and authentic pizza.

Menu Items:

• Olivie Marinated mix olives – $9
• Pizza Garlic Bread Garlic & rosemary – $13
• Bruschette Diced tomato, field mushrooms & pork salami, creamy gorgonzola, walnuts & Honey – $14
• Margherita
• Tomato, fiordilatte, basil
• Prosciutto e Funghi
• Tomato, fiordilatte, ham & mushrooms
• Inferno (Hell)
• Tomato, fiordilatte, very hot salami, chilly pesto
• Paradiso (Heaven)
• Cherry Tomato, Fiordilatte, Basil oil
• Boscaiola
• Fiordilatte, mushrooms, sausage, truffle
• Elettra
• Fiordilatte, smoked salmon, cream, Vodka
• Gnocchi Sorrentina  
• Water gnocchi baked in Cherry tomato & fiordilatte, Parmesan & salted ricotta
• Lasagna Classica  
• Fresh egg pasta, beef bolognese & bechamel sauce, 
• Fiordilatte & parmesan cheese
• Tiramisu
• Nutellone
• Pizza topped with Nutella
• Melinda
• Pizza topped with Gala apples, sultanas, cinnamon, orange juice & organic mapple syrup

Location:

Shop 1 33 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011

Contact: 0402 366 827

Website: Website Link Here