Buon Appetito! The Best Italian Restaurants in Canberra

Sometimes nothing but pizza, pasta and prosciutto will do the job. When you're craving a carb feast, an Italian restaurant is an easy choice. But not all Italian joints were created equal, and a personal recommendation goes a long way. Luckily, Canberra is littered with Italian gems. Read on for our edit of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra to indulge in arancini, gnocchi and bruschetta. 

Compa

Chef Matt Moran's latest opening is already causing a fuss in the very best way. An Italian steakhouse channelling Moran's ethos of sustainable and seasonal produce, many of the ingredients come straight from the family farm, including the Black Angus and charcuterie cuts from their Berkshire pigs. Pair your choice of protein with fresh pasta and a swathe of tasty sides. The fun selection of antipasto plates makes Compa the perfect spot to host a good old-fashioned catch-up or group gathering.

148 Bunda Street, Canberra

Trecento

Just across the bridge, you will find Trecento. Famous for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas hailing from a 300-year-old Italian recipe, you can expect to be wowed. Watch your food being cooked in the open-air kitchen and enjoy a sophisticated ambience – perhaps with a glass of Prosecco in hand?

Sitchu Tip: If you're looking for the ultimate weekday lunch, head to Trecento for a panouzzo - an Italian pizza sandwich!

Unit 33/18 Flinders Way, Griffith

Amici Wine Bar & Deli 

Amici Wine Bar & Deli are ready to cater to all of your wildest Italian fantasies. Primarily a wine bar, Amici offers a generous menu of hand-stretched pizzas, antipasti and pasta. On top of a glorious cocktail menu and epic wine list, Amici also hosts bottomless brunches and a bottomless pasta night and serves up raclette and curated cheese boards. You'll have to pop by a few weekends in a row to sample all they have on offer. 

59 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra 

Italian & Sons

If you want to experience ‘burst-in-your-mouth’ flavours while feeling like you could very well be in Italy, you need to experience Italian & Sons. This authentic Italian eatery is located on the infamous Lonsdale Street in Braddon. Tempt your taste buds with dishes like the spinach fusilli with white wine lamb ragu, snow pea and pecorino Moliterno and the patate pizza: potato, brunet, pancetta and rosemary sprinkled over 48-risen dough. *Hunger pains begin*

7 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Briscola

Nestled in the heart of Canberra city, Briscola has a relaxed atmosphere and delivers all the heart and soul of true Italian food. Having won several awards over the years, this Italian restaurant is perfect for those intimate dinners for two, group lunches or an aperitivo after work.

60 Alinga Street, Canberra City

Chez Freds

Chez Freds is Canberra’s hippest pasta bar – though it does serve dishes other than pasta. Also a member of the ‘Londsale St best eats’ (we just coined that term), Chez Freds offers a casual eating affair in its industrial-chic restaurant. Head over after work for a glass of vino and bowl of pesto gnocchi or opt for the heartier lamb shanks – whatever it is, it will be YUMMO.

4/14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Agostinis

Family-owned and run, Agostinis at the East Hotel is passionate about Italian food. The pizzas are renowned and for good reason – they are baked to perfection in the state-of-the-art Marana Forni pizza oven – fancy! Enjoy a laid-back Sunday lunch or stop by for a scoop or two of homemade gelato.

East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith

Once you've eaten your way around the best Italian restaurants in Canberra, we're sure you'll be ready for a little more! Check out the best accommodation around Canberra, or if you're after a glass or two, check out the best bars in Canberra.