We know how hard it can be to resist quality Italian cuisine, and luckily, Canberra has a plethora of Italian eats for you to try. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh pasta, antithetic pizza or a decadent tiramisu, these restaurants will have you covered. So, get ready to transport yourself to the streets of Italy, Aperol spritz in hand, because these are the best Italian restaurants in Canberra.
1. Agostinis Italian Restaurant
Agostinis is a family-owned, authentic Italian restaurant inside the East Hotel that Canberrans have come to love. We had the pleasure of tasting their new Autumn menu on a recent trip and believe us when we say the Burrata Con Fichi is the absolute best we’ve tasted in the country. While they keep a few staples on deck (including the Burrata) the menu is seasonal – but some of our favourites to look out for include the Gnocchi (pictured above), spaghetti Neri (squid ink infused spaghetti tossed with tiger prawns, cuttlefish, cherry tomatoes and garlic) and for dessert, we can’t go past the locally made cannoli. Wine is Italian sourced both locally in Murrumbateman (a true hidden gem) from Italian varietals and abroad.
Address: East Hotel, 69 Canberra Ave, Griffith
Phone: (02) 6178 0048
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 3.30 pm/ 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm
2. Molto Italian
Molto Italian is one of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra that manages to seamlessly blend the modern with the traditional. With the aesthetic appeal of a modern seaside trattoria, Molto boasts sleek interiors, an open kitchen and bar and a wood fire pizza oven. We recommend their Salsicce pizza, topped with Italian sausage, green spinach, black olives & mozzarella- the whole thing will be gone before you know it!
Address: Element Building Unit Kingston, 155/43 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: (02) 6140 7039
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 3 pm/ 6 pm – 10 pm
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3. Mama’s Trattoria
Homestyle Italian dining at its finest, Mama’s Trattoria is authentic, fuss-free and delicious! Dine al fresco style and relish in the hearty meals straight from mama’s kitchen. Keeping with the simple theme, we recommend the focaccia, with your choice of fillings and cheese; who thought bread could taste so good!
Address: Melbourne Building, Shop 4/45 W Row, Canberra
Phone: (02) 6248 0936
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11.30 am – 3 pm/5 om – 8.30 pm, Thursday – Friday 11.30 am – 3 pm/ 5 pm – 10 pm, Saturday 5 pm – 10 pm
4. La Rustica
With panoramic views over Lake Burley Griffin, this is just one of the drawcards of this rustic Italian restaurant. You can expect to dig into plenty of handmade pasta, including irresistible handmade gnocchi Sorrento with rich tomato and basil sauce. They also have an extensive wine list so you can accompany your meal with a delicious drop, offering Australian, New Zealand, and Italian labels.
Address: Eastlake Parade & Trevillian Quay, Kingston
Phone: (02) 6295 0152
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12 pm – 2 pm/ 6 pm – 9.30 pm
5. Mezzalira Italian Restaurant
Mezzalira is fondly known as the more sophisticated sibling of Italian & Sons, so it’s your go-to when you’re looking for something delicious and a little bit fancy. Nestled in the historic Melbourne building, the restaurant is known for its endless assortment of handmade pasta and authentic pizza. If you like to enjoy a glass (or two) of wine while you dine, they also have an award-winning wine menu for you to enjoy.
Address: 55 London Cct, Canberra
Phone: (02) 6230 0025
Hours: Monday – Friday 12 pom – 2.30 pm/ 6 om – 10 pm, Saturday 6 pm – 10 pm
6. Italian & Sons
One of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra, and the young sibling of Mezzalira, Italian & Sons, sure knows how to live up to its older counterpart. The seasonal menu is constantly changing and forever exciting. We recommend starting with zucchini flowers and smoked swordfish before moving on to the asparagus, leek & ricotta agnolotti. For dessert, we can’t go past their classic cheese board.
Address: 7 Lonsdale St, Braddon
Phone: (02) 6162 4888
Hours: Saturday, Tuesday 5.30 pm – 10 pm, Wednesday – Friday 12 pm – 2 pm/ 5.30 om 0- 10 pm
7. Trecento Restaurant
When you can’t jump on a plane to Italy, a visit to Trecento Restaurant is the next best thing. Trecento doubles as a pizzeria, restaurant & bar, serving up Neapolitan-style pizza using a 300-year-old Italian recipe, adding modern spins on traditional regional Italian dishes. Nestled in the heart of Manuka, there is an open kitchen, so you’re just as involved in the cooking as you are the eating!
Address: Unit 33/18 Flinders Way, Griffith
Phone: (02) 6260 7111
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm, Thursday – Sunday 12 pm – 2.30 pm/ 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm
8. Chez Frederic
Chez Frederic is one of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra when you’re looking for something innovative and exciting. Located on Lonsdale St in Braddon, father and daughter team Frederic & Sara work wonders. Sara heads the restaurant with a passion for reproducing dishes that her father discovered through his travels, melting them into classical French and Italian cuisine. Bon Appetit!
Address: 4/14 Lonsdale St, Braddon
Phone: (02) 6248 0044
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 12 pm – 2 pm/ 5 pm – 9 pm, Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 10 pm
9. Briscola Italian
It’s no secret Briscola is the real deal, with flour imported from Italy, they’re taking no shortcuts when it comes to reproducing the finest Italian cuisine. They offer an unpretentious, authentic dining experience that we can’t resist- we recommend one of the woodfire pizzas and the affogato for dessert.
Address: 60 Alinga St, Canberra
Phone: (02) 6248 5444
Hours: Monday 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm, Tuesday – Sunday 12 pm – 2 pm/ 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm
10. La Capanna
Another one of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra is fuss-free, unpretentious dining is your thing- La Capanna is everything authentic and traditional Italian cuisine in the heart of Kingston. With streetside tables and affordable dishes, you could be fooled into thinking you were dining in Italy! Try one of their seven selections of bruschetta- you won’t regret it!
Address: 32 Giles St, Kingston
Phone: (02) 6239 6712
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 6 pm – 9.30 pm
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General FAQs
The best Italian restaurant near Manuka is Trecento Restaurant.
Mezzalira Italian Restaurant is the best Italian restaurant in Canberra CBD.
East Hotel also has a restaurant and bar, Agostinis.
