Deciding on the best Italian restaurants in Sydney is no easy task. To qualify, you’ve got to have proper al dente pasta, textural woodfire pizza, and fresh San Marzano tomatoes among other Italian cuisine staples. Luckily for us (and you, if you dare take on the challenge), it’s a very, very tasty task. If it’s your turn to choose the takeaway, or you’re planning your next date night, read on for our list of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney.
Table of contents
- 1. Alberto’s Lounge
- 2. Totti’s
- 3. I Maccheroni
- 4. Matteo
- 5. CicciaBella Osteria + Bar
- 6. KINDRED Restaurant
- 7. OTTO Ristorante
- 8. Two Chaps
- 9. Restaurant Leo
- 10. Ormeggio at the Spit
- 11. Fratelli Paradiso
- 12. Busta
- 13. Ragazzi Wine and Pasta
- 14. Lucio Pizzeria
- 15. 10 William St
- 16. LuMi Dining
- 17. Marta Osteria
- 18. BISTECCA
- 19. Pino’s Vino e Cucina
- 20. Pizza Madre
- 21. The Dolphin Hotel
- 22. One Ford Street
- 23. Bar Reggio
- 24. Matteo Downtown
- General FAQ
1. Alberto’s Lounge
One of the top-rated restaurants in Sydney year after year, Alberto’s Lounge is designed by the people over at Frankie’s Pizza, one of the best late-night food spots in Sydney. This is the classier alternative where you’ll find the same fun and quirky vibes you love, but with a serious twist. The food adventures will take you from the beef tripe, to house-made spicy potato chips.
Service options: Dine-in · No delivery
Address: 17-19 Alberta St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon-Thur 5pm-12am, Fri-Sun 12pm-12am
Contact: [email protected]
2. Totti’s
Next on our list comes one of the most famous Italian spots in Sydney, Totti’s. Walking through a pub that’s a little shabby around the edges, you’ll find this spectacular Italian restaurant out back. Once seated in the sunny Bondi courtyard that’s home to one of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney, you’ll be eyeing off every plate of food that passes you by.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 283 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW 2026
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-9pm
Phone: (02) 9114 7371
3. I Maccheroni
If you’re looking for the best authentic Italian in Sydney, look no further than I Maccheroni. Located on an unassuming strip in Woollahra, I Maccheroni offers a secret slice of Italian heaven. At the helm is Michelin star trained Chef, Marcello Farioli (formerly 10 William Street) who pairs classic Italian recipes and local produce together some of the best Italian in Sydney. There’s a specials menu that rotates often so be on the lookout for the Burrata, Tagliolini with swimmer crab, lemon, garlic and chilli, and the famous Limoncello cheesecake!
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 3 Jersey Rd, Woollahra NSW 2025
Hours: Mon 12-8:30pm, Tues 12-9:30pm, Wed-Thur 10am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-3pm
4. Matteo
With the chef having grown up in Italy, you’ll struggle to find a more authentic Italian restaurant than Matteo. Every dish on the menu is bright and vibrant, with pizza being the crowd favourite. This is just one of two Matteo Italian restaurants in Sydney, so you know the owners are doing something right.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery
Address: 29 Bay St, Double Bay NSW 2028
Hours: Tues-Wed 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sun 12pm-10:30pm
Phone: (02) 9327 8015
5. CicciaBella Osteria + Bar
Cicciabella is the first experimental Italian restaurant on our list of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney. You’ll find hints of seaweed garnished across some pastas, and a gelato sandwich on the dessert menu. If something so seemingly wrong tastes so good, we don’t want to be right.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway
Located in: Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach Sydney
Address: 75-79 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours: Wed-Thur 5pm-11pm, Fri 5pm-12am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-10pm
Phone: (02) 8090 6969
6. KINDRED Restaurant
KINDRED Restaurant is the coolest Italian restaurant in Sydney. Almost everything ingredient in-store is homemade, pasta, bread, pickles, relishes, even their gelato. What makes this even more impressive is that it’s a two staff kitchen. It’s a smaller spot, so you shouldn’t have to wait long for your food, but if you do, you can enjoy one of their great cocktails.
Service options: Dine-in · No delivery
Address: 137 Cleveland St, Darlington NSW 2008
Hours: Tues-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Phone: (02) 8937 0530
7. OTTO Ristorante
If you’re looking for great waterfront views while you enjoy your Italian cuisine, look no further than OTTO Ristorante. With a menu that caters to vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters, everyone will be looked after here. This Italian restaurant in Sydney includes vegetarian options that look and taste delicious. Including, beetroot ravioli and eggplant parmigiana.
Service options: Dine-in · No takeaway · No delivery
Located in: Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Address: Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo NSW 2000
Reservations: Wed-Fri 12pm-8:30pm, Sat 12-3:30pm & 5:45-9pm, Sun 12pm-3:30pm
Phone: (02) 9368 7488
8. Two Chaps
Two Chaps may not be the first restaurant that comes to mind when you think Italian food. Two Chaps take the Mediterranean influence when creating their sandwiches, cakes, and muffins, for flavours, unlike anything you’ve had before. They also roast their own coffee beans on-site, making for a mean coffee. Not so much an Italian Restaurants, but a cultural experience!
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 122 Chapel St, Marrickville NSW 2204
Hours: Mon-Wed 7:30am-3pm, Thur 7:30am-3pm & 6-10pm
Phone: (02) 9572 8858
9. Restaurant Leo
Restaurant Leo is one of those hidden gem Italian restaurants in Sydney, hidden away amongst the hustle and bustle just off George Street in the CBD. There are some big hitters on the menu, so don’t be afraid to branch out for something new. The jet black, squid ink risotto is particularly striking.
Service options: Dine-in
Address:1/2-12 Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Tue-Wed 12-5pm, Thur-Fri 12pm-12am, Sat 5:30pm-12am
Contact: [email protected]
10. Ormeggio at the Spit
Another meat-free Italian restaurant on our list is Ormeggio at the Spit. The menu was changed in 2020 to focus primarily on cheese, vegetables, and fish, the latter making sense with their water-front location. Ormeggio at the Spit’s new menu has been well received, maintaining its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Sydney.
Service options: Dine-in · No takeaway · No delivery
Located in: d’Albora Marinas the Spit
Address: D’Albora Marina The Spit, Spit Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Hours: Wed- 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-3pm & 5:30-10pm, Sun 11:30am-9pm
Phone: (02) 9969 4088
11. Fratelli Paradiso
We’re telling you now, Fratelli Paradiso is a popular spot, so book a table in advance. With all your Italian favourites of pastas, wines, and tiramisu, strap yourself in for a long lunch or late dinner that’ll leave you full and satisfied.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery
Address: 12-16 Challis Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011
Hours: Tues-Thur 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12am-10pm, Sun-Mon Closed
Phone: (02) 9063 8180
12. Busta
You could say business at Busta is going… gang-Busta-s (we promised the best restaurants, not the best jokes). Set up by the same crew that own’s ChicaBonita and Sunset Sabi, the team behind Busta’s know how to run a successful shop. Making their own, fresh hand-rolled pasta daily, let the warm, cosy lights lull you into a pleasant dining experience.
Service options: Dine-in
Address: Shop 8 2-12, Pittwater Rd NSW 1655
Hours: Tue-Fri 5:30-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun 4-9pm
Phone: (02) 8966 9917
13. Ragazzi Wine and Pasta
Ragazzi Wine and Pasta is a super trendy Italian restaurant, where the art deco is almost as loud as the crowds. You’ll find truly unique servings of pasta, as the chefs shape the freshly made pasta dough in its own styles. Be sure to treat yourself to some truly experimental gelato for dessert.
Service options: Dine-in · No delivery
Address:1 Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-12am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12-6:30pm
Phone: (02) 8964 3062
14. Lucio Pizzeria
Undoubtedly one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Sydney. Lucio Pizzeria is so popular after being awarded Australia’s best pizza it’s been tough to get a booking ever since. It won’t be the cheapest pizza you’ve ever bought, but the incoming food coma will have you feeling AMAZING.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: Republic 2 Court Yard, Shop 1/248 Palmer St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9380 5996
Hours: Mon-Sun 5-9:30pm
15. 10 William St
Primarily a wine bar, you’ll still find some of the best Italian Sydney has to offer at 10 William Street. Each item on the menu can be expertly paired with a matching drop of wine. And if the smell doesn’t have you cartoon-floating across the restaurant after each passing plate, we’d be shocked.
Service options: Dine-in · No delivery
Address: 10 William St, Paddington NSW 2021
Hours: Mon-Wed 5pm-12am, Thur-Sat 12pm-12am
Phone: (02) 9360 3310
16. LuMi Dining
LuMi Dining specialises in the fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine (bet you never thought of that fusion before). The raw fish used heavily in Japanese meals mixes well with the Italian pasta bases, resulting in a match made in food heaven. They only serve from their seven-course tasting menu, however, so we hope you brought your appetite and your wallet.
Service options: Dine-in · No takeaway · No delivery
Located in: Darling Harbour
Address: 56 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Hours: Thur-Fri 6-8:30pm, Sat-Sun 12-1:30pm, 6- 8:30pm
Phone: (02) 9571 1999
17. Marta Osteria
At Marta Osteria everything is influenced by Roman cuisine and culture, from the wine to the meals. The pizza dough here is fluffy, covered in your choice of mozzarella, parmesan, and anchovies. What really steals the show, however, is the fried gnocchi. We insist that you get a few of these to share.
Address: 30 McLachlan Ave, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2010
Hours: Tues-Thur 5-10pm, Fri 5-10:30pm, Sat 9am-10:30pm, Sun 9am-9pm
Phone: (02) 9361 6641
18. BISTECCA
BISTECCA is hidden behind a cocktail bar, in a city basement, where you’re asked to hand your phone over before you eat. No, this isn’t a cult or some human trafficking ring, it’s just really, really good Italian food. The main attraction is their steaks, three fingers thick and cooked to your taste. This is an incredibly popular spot, so be sure to book ahead of time.
Service options: Dine-in · No takeaway · No delivery
Address: 3 Dalley St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon 5pm-12am, Tue-Sat 12pm-12am
Phone: (02) 8067 0450
19. Pino’s Vino e Cucina
Pino’s Vino e Cucina is a cosy, fancy Italian restaurant tucked away in the quiet streets of Alexandria. The menu here offers squid, quail, and mussels, like the weirdest (and tastiest) zoo you’ve never been to. If you can handle it, order the full kilo T-bone, Black Angus steak, that looks like it’s been cut off a dinosaur.
Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No delivery
Address: 199 Lawrence St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Hours: Tues-Sat 5:30-11:30pm, Sun 5:30-10pm
Phone: (02) 9550 2789
20. Pizza Madre
It would be a crime to list the best Italian restaurants in Sydney and not include Pizza Madre for its Margherita pizza. This all vegetarian, sometimes vegan pizza restaurant is a great takeaway spot, where every ingredient (where possible) is homemade. Even the wines are vegan if you choose to sit in and try a drop.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 2/205 Victoria Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Hours: Tues-Fri 5-9:30pm, Sat 12-9:30pm, Sun 12-9pm
Phone: 0417 849 419
21. The Dolphin Hotel
The Dolphin Hotel is split into three sections for its patrons, the bar, the restaurant, and the wine room. If you’re in for a big night, you could be checking out all three. The snacks and wine in the wine room are great for a suave, relaxing night, while the tiramisu is the pride of the restaurant’s dessert menu. And the bar, of course, is great for cocktails and drinks with your mates.
Service options: Dine-in · No delivery
Address: 412 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Mon 24hrs, Tue-Fri 12pm-12am, Sat 11:30am-12am, Sun 11:30am-10pm
Phone: (02) 9331 4800
22. One Ford Street
At One Ford Street, the dishes have been designed to be shared. With house-made pasta, bread, and cured meats, know that everything that goes on your plate is made to replicate an authentic Italian dining experience. You can cap off this experience with a glass of Italian made wine as well.
Service options: Dine-in · No delivery
Address: 1 Ford St, Balmain NSW 2041
Hours: Wed-Thur 6-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 12-3pm, 6-9:30pm, Sun 12-4pm
Phone: (02) 9818 4232
23. Bar Reggio
For a simple, satisfying pizza that’ll fill you up, Bar Reggio is the Italian restaurant for you. A popular spot for youth before or after a night out on the town, the huge selection of pizzas at Bar Reggio will look after you, whatever your taste.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 135 Crown St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Sat 12-10pm
Phone: (02) 9332 1129
24. Matteo Downtown
The second Matteo Italian restaurant on our list, Matteo Downtown is just as good, if not better. You’ll find more of the same great Italian food, this time with a café to please the inner-city commuters. Italian style pastries are on full display, difficult to refuse on your rush for the bus or next meeting.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway
Address: 20 Bond St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon 12-3pm, Tue-Wed 12-3pm & 5-11pm, Thur-Fri 12-11pm
Phone: (02) 9241 2008
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General FAQ
It's a contentious topic, but according to Google reviews, the top spots for pizza in Sydney are Bar Reggio and Pizza Madre.
If you are after a good Italian restaurant in the Sydney CBD, your best bet is Bistecca. The expertly crafted menu and easy to find spot make this one of the best locations for Italian cuisine in Sydney.
If pasta is your calling, you can find some of the best variations ar Kindred, and Ragazzi in Sydney.
