The Best Italian Restaurants in Adelaide for Bellissimo Bites

When it comes to an Italian feast, only the finest, most authentic dishes will satisfy your cravings. From wood-fired pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts to homely restaurants steeped in tradition, Adelaide offers an abundance of delicious dining experiences. Whether you're seeking a comforting plate of pasta or the perfect aperitif to complement your meal, there's a spot for every appetite in this vibrant city. And when dinner's over, why not cap off your evening by indulging in Adelaide's thriving bar scene?

So, before you plan your next dinner date, peruse our selection of some of the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide – where great food, unforgettable moments, and a touch of Italian magnetism await.

Rita's Bar & Restaurant

Rita's is the new kid on the block, turning traditional Italian food on its head in the most exciting way. This innovative spot takes the familiar comforts of Italian cuisine and infuses them with unexpected Asian ingredients, resulting in a thrilling fusion of flavours. Picture creamy burrata elevated by Chinese chilli oil or pan-roasted pork loin paired with a tangy green apple relish and vermouth sauce. These creative combinations not only surprise but delight, offering a fresh take on classic dishes that prove how seamlessly these two culinary worlds can blend together.

69-71 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide

Osteria Polpo

Northern Italian cuisine is synonymous with richness and comfort, and Osteria Polpo brings the heart of the Veneto region to Adelaide with finesse and flair. The vibe here? Think Stanley Tucci sipping Negronis, discussing life, and indulging in elevated classics like wood-grilled octopus atop a velvety parsnip purée or a rich, soulful duck ragu that you’ll want to savour with every bite. It’s food that’s as fun as it is fulfilling—an experience that embodies the Italian belief that food should be both sustenance and celebration. Come hungry, leave satisfied, and possibly a little in love with Italy all over again.

207 East Terrace, Adelaide

Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room

Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room not only is an incredible Italian restaurant in Adelaide, but it's also seemingly the go-to spot for celebrities. The likes of Nigella Lawson, Henry Winkler (AKA the Fonz), Axl Rose and Jimmy Barnes are all recent stars to come and try out Masterchef Alumni, Laura Sharrad's, hot restaurant alongside husband (and fellow chef), Max Sharrad.

This isn’t your typical Italian restaurant. Inspired by the iconic Italian eateries of New York, Fugazzi exudes elegance and sophistication. A must-try is the wood-roasted Spatchcock, perfectly paired with charred lemon and Salmoriglio—it's an essential dish that showcases the restaurant's commitment to both flavour and flair.

27 Leigh Street, Adelaide

ORSO

ORSO is a stunning Italian restaurant in Adelaide, located just outside the CBD. Its beautiful interior is matched by an exceptional menu that offers a fine dining experience. While pasta isn’t the star here, it’s certainly not overlooked. Try the Fazzoletti, a delicate dish of porcini, funghi, parmesan broth, and truffle cream—truly a luxurious treat for the tastebuds. The restaurant blends authenticity with sophistication, making it a must-visit for those craving elevated Italian cuisine.

36 Kensington Road, Rose Park

Valentinos 101

Step through the arches and enter a world where burrata, cannoli, calamari, coffee, and Chianti reign supreme. Valentinos 101 is the ultimate Italian hybrid – part antipasto bar, part cafe, and part pasticceria – and it's as chic as a vintage Fiat, effortlessly cool from morning to night.

For city workers and Italian food lovers alike, it offers everything from a Roman-style breakfast of espresso and bombolini, to antipasti and a hearty roast for lunch, and Friday night dinner that feels like an indulgent treat. There’s no better way to close the workweek than with a Limoncello Spritz, a mountain of olives, and a decadent funghi pizza topped with truffled mushrooms and ricotta cream. Pure Italian magic.

101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide 

Market & Meander 

Step into this vibrant Italian restaurant in Adelaide and be welcomed by the comforting aroma of oven-baked focaccia and slow-cooked pasta sauces. Market & Meander captivates with its warm and inviting atmosphere, created by earthy brick interiors, local handmade ceramics, and beautiful American Oak furnishings. Enjoy rustic Italian dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the Adelaide Central Markets, paired with an award-winning wine list featuring the best South Australian drops.

Chicco Palms

Chicco Palms is a Palm Springs-inspired pizza bar serving Italo-American classics alongside old-school hospitality. The space is a cool and airy retro hangout where you and your friends can delve into wood-fired pies, pasta, cocktails and gelato.

Start with antipasto misto, burrata and fried tomato suppli oozing with mozzarella, then devour vodka pasta, ravioli cacio e pepe and plenty of retro-style pies, from potato to capricciosa. Coming in with a large group? Order up a couple of jugs of Bianco Spritz. Salute! 

437 Henley Beach Road, Brooklyn Park 

Carmine & Co

For traditional, fine dining Italian in Adelaide, head to Carmine & Co in Port Adelaide. With over 50 years of serving authentic Southern Italian dishes, this restaurant offers a warm, rustic-modern atmosphere featuring exposed brick and natural timbers. Enjoy alfresco dining while sipping spritz and devouring antipasti and pasta. The menu includes classics like eggplant rollatini, chargrilled Black Angus scotch fillet, and heartier mains like pizza, pasta, and antipasti. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed yet refined meal in the sunshine.

49 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide 

Bambini

Say ciao to Bambini, an Italian restaurant in Adelaide serving homecooked dishes inspired by owner and executive chef Franco Sorgini’s upbringing in Abruzzo. Using fresh, local produce, Franco brings traditional, authentic flavours to every plate. The menu highlights include squid ink tagliolini, eggplant parmigiana, roast porchetta, and duck and radicchio risotto. The wine list perfectly complements the menu, making Bambini an ideal spot for a post-work dinner or a leisurely lunch with colleagues.

6/10 Peel Street, Adelaide 

Tony Tomatoes 

Tony Tomatoes is a beloved local gem in North Adelaide, offering authentic pizza with a family-friendly vibe. The menu combines traditional favourites with innovative creations, all made from fresh local ingredients. Must-try pies include the Mr Pig, topped with broccoli, mozzarella, pork and fennel sausage, and fresh chilli, or the Gamberetti, featuring fior di latte, smoked pancetta, zucchini, prawns, and chilli. Plus, diners can customise their crust with options like a white flour base, a lighter crisp base, or a gluten-free alternative. For drinks, enjoy a classic Negroni or the easy-drinking house red.

155-157 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

Bandit Pizza & Wine

Bandit Pizza & Wine's has a concise yet exciting menu featuring both classic and creative Neapolitan-inspired pizzas, packed snacks, and a few irresistible desserts. The menu adapts seasonally, ensuring only the freshest produce is used. Their pre-batched cocktails and carefully curated wine list pair perfectly with the food.

Despite being located on the ground floor of a modern apartment block, the intimate space exudes cosy trattoria vibes, with low ceilings, charming curtains, and a neighbourhood wine bar feel that will have you coming back for more.

248 Unley Road, Hyde Park

Farina 00

Farina 00 offers an authentic Italian experience with its high-quality gourmet dishes crafted from both local and imported ingredients. Known for its fresh pasta made daily, the restaurant adds unique twists to every dish. Their menu features comforting mains, scrumptious pizzas, and a homemade tiramisu for dessert.

Paired with a selection of Italian and South Australian wines, the slow-braised sauces are a standout. For a true taste of Italy, try a little bit of everything at this gem, which could easily be one of the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide.

122-128 King William Road, Goodwood

Borsa Pasta Cucina

Homey, comforting Italian food is Borsa Pasta Cucina’s bread and olive oil. The central Adelaide eatery is casual yet character-filled, sporting its own brand of Euro appreciation and a loyal local following who can’t seem to get enough. They do a hearty selection of crowd-pleasing favourites, with their main game being hunger-busting handmade pasta featuring indulgent buttery sauces, rich ragus and fresh Italian flavours. 

1/25 Grenfell Street, Adelaide

Ruby Red Flamingo

A modern Italian eatery with oodles and spaghetti noodles worth of charm, Ruby Red Flamingo is celebrated for its hearty, flavourful dishes. Add in top-quality wines and Instagram-worthy cocktails, and it’s clear why it’s considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide. Located in a beautiful heritage building in North Adelaide, the intimate dining room and leafy outdoor courtyard provide a relaxed dining experience. Loved for their refined yet soulful fare, all the important categories are covered, from primi to secondi and dolci – think big flavours with no fuss.

142 Tynte Street, North Adelaide  

Chianti

This sophisticated, upscale venue has been a local favourite for many years. The menu at Chianti evolves with the seasons, showcasing the finest local produce to elevate both flavour and finesse. The pasta dishes are particularly renowned, drawing regular patrons back again and again. Their wine list is equally impressive, perhaps even more so, with a reserve list featuring some of the finest wines in the world.

160 Hutt Street, Adelaide

Osteria Oggi

Possibly one of the most stylish Italian piazzas in town, Osteria Oggi oozes elegance and flair. With cobblestone floors, arches, and moody lighting, this chic venue combines sophisticated Italian food with a contemporary twist. The intimate booths create a perfect setting for enjoying dishes inspired by tradition but with today’s flavours. For an extra special experience, book their private cellar for an authentic, wine-filled Italian feast. It's no wonder Osteria Oggi is regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide.

76 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Lucia's Pizza and Spaghetti Bar

It would be a crime to mention the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide without mentioning Lucia's Pizza and Spaghetti Bar. This cosy spot, holding place in the heart of the Adelaide Central Markets, has been serving up authentic Italian fare since 1957. Despite its small size, the restaurant is brimming with Italian charm and personality.

If you're not in the mood for a full meal, head next door to their fine foodery, which specialises in charcuterie and their famous paninis. Be prepared to wait, but we promise it's worth it!

Shop 3, Adelaide Central Markets, Adelaide

Midnight Spaghetti

Gather your lovers and friends and meet us on the balcony at this super cool, low-key Italian spot in Adelaide. Feast on modern takes of traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes while sipping on plummy reds and Aperol spritzes. Try the chicken and chive meatballs in corn puree and prosciutto XO sauce, mussels served on sourdough with tomato, fennel, shallot, and parsley, and heaping bowls of pasta that are as comforting as they are slurp-worthy! No matter the season, it'll feel like a pasta party at Midnight Spaghetti.

196 Grenfell Street, Adelaide

Anchovy Bandit

We previously mentioned Bandit Pizza & Wine in this list – well, this is where it all started. Anchovy Bandit opened in Prospect in 2018, and what began as a small pizza and pasta bar has only grown bigger and better with each expansion. The booth seating and warm design evoke a sense of nostalgia, making it the perfect spot for family and friends to mingle over a bottle of red or an expertly crafted cocktail.

Named after a Quentin Tarantino screenplay – the restaurant sits beneath a cinema – guests can enjoy the chef’s selection or opt for small bites and larger dishes from the à la carte menu. Either way, this is one Italian restaurant in Adelaide you won’t want to miss.

96 Prospect Road Prospect

Pizzateca

This McLaren Vale gem is definitely worth the weekend drive! In summer, enjoy wood-fired pizza and cocktails on the expansive lawn, with white tables under the sun. When winter rolls around, cosy up inside the weather-proof pergola. Pizzateca's fluffy yet crispy pizzas (with gluten-free options) are must-try, as well as a range of share plates perfect for feasting with friends. Come for the pizza, stay for the good vibes and delicious cocktails!

319 Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale

Luigi Delicatessen

In the heart of Adelaide, Luigi Delicatessen offers an authentic Italian dining experience that combines warmth and fine food. This charming eatery invites guests to gather and enjoy delicious meals such as fresh pasta, antipasti, and seafood dishes. The café opens each morning, serving a delightful breakfast before transitioning into a fine-dining venue in the evening. With live music on weekends, it creates the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing meal with loved ones. Be sure to book in advance, as this local gem is always in high demand.

43 Franklin Street, Adelaide

Had a taste of all the best Italian restaurants around Adelaide and craving more foodie inspiration? Head down to the glistening bay in Glenelg for a sunset meal with a view of the ocean. Or, if you're in the mood for something a bit fancier, explore the best rooftop bars in Adelaide and enjoy a drink under the stars.