Love a classic Italian pizza just like they do it in Naples? Craving an authentic Italian pasta? Check out these awesome Italian restaurants in Sydney.
Be entertained at a’Mare at Barangaroo
Fancy dinner and a show with some Italian flair? At a’Mare, your meal becomes a theatrical affair as chefs whip up traditional pesto in marble mortars at your table. This Italian restaurant in Barangaroo serves up tableside drama with every dish, turning your evening into performance art, complete with a stunning harbour backdrop. Sip Franciacorta while watching pasta magic unfold before your eyes – it’s Italian dining meets Broadway. The sophisticated interiors and waterfront views create the perfect winter cocoon for celebrating life’s special moments. Se sorridi, viene meglio!
Pilu at Freshwater means beachfront bliss
Forget mainland Italy – Pilu transports you straight to Sardinia without the jet lag! This renowned beachfront gem serves up the island’s legendary roast suckling pig (seriously, it’s Sydney dining folklore) alongside authentic seadas drizzled with honey. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Freshwater Beach while you feast on regional dishes that most Italians have never even tried. It’s like discovering a secret culinary treasure chest, complete with ocean views and a cosy beach-house vibe.
Get moored at Ormeggio at The Spit
East meets south at this harbour-hugging hotspot where Italian tradition has been given a Japanese twist. Ormeggio means ‘mooring’ – fitting for a restaurant that anchors contemporary fusion cuisine to Sydney’s waterfront. And you’ll be moored here for a long lunch or dinner once you see the menu. Its Western Australian black marron served two ways showcases some of the brilliant cultural collisions, while the recent renovation has cranked up the cosy factor.
The surprise is that it’s entirely meat-free, but even for meat-lovers, so satisfying. Ormeggio proves that innovative seafood and harbour views are the perfect recipe for multicultural Sydney dining magic.
Italian soul food at Pellegrino 2000
Surry Hills’ most energetic Italian brings serious la dolce vita vibes to the table. From the team behind Bistrot 916, Pellegrino 2000 takes classic Italian dining and gives it a contemporary shot of espresso. The artichoke dishes are pretty and zingy, the prawn ravioli is as plump and juicy as it should be, and the veal milanese so playful it’s been compared to a Paddle Pop. Romance meets revelry in warm, buzzing surroundings that proves traditional doesn’t have to mean stuffy. This is neighborhood dining with serious Italian soul.
Edible art at LuMi Dining
Prepare for culinary mind-bending at this Pyrmont palazzo of innovation! LuMi’s eight-course degustation journey fuses Italian techniques with Japanese precision, creating dishes that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. The dramatic pendant lighting and harbour views through floor-to-ceiling glass create an otherworldly dining pod. Each course surprises and delights as East meets West on your plate. It’s not just dinner – it’s edible art that pushes boundaries while respecting traditions.
Beppi’s – the Godfather of Italian restaurant
Sydney’s Italian godfather has been ruling Darlinghurst’s backstreets for 67 years, and counting! This old-school legend has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra to Neil Armstrong, yet treats every diner like royalty. Its fresh fig-wrapped in prosciutto and scampi tagliolini with butter sauce represents decades of dedication to perfecting techniques. There’s no trendy fusion here – just pure Italian mastery that’s survived every food fad. It’s a time machine to when dining was an event, service was an art, and tradition trumped trends every single time.
Machiavelli Ristorante is the business
The CBD’s Italian power dining headquarters since 1988, Machiavelli Ristorante is where Australian PMs seal deals over perfect pappardelle. This family-run institution serves up political intrigue with its gnocchi gorgonzola – just check the walls lined with photos of famous faces.
Machiavelli proves that some things never go out of style: quality ingredients, classic techniques, and the kind of reliable excellence that makes it Sydney’s go-to for important conversations. It’s where business happens over brilliant Italian food.
Bar Infinita takes Italian to the suburbs
Upper North Shore’s slice of Neapolitan heaven brings la dolce vita to the suburbs. This modern Italian restaurant in the leafy suburb of Gordon fires up handmade pastas and show-stopping Riverina black Angus T-bone ‘bistecca alla fiorentina’ in wood ovens. The smart-casual vibe encourages guests to dress up and embrace the sweet life, whether its a hot date or gathering of the crew. Those wood fires create the perfect winter warmth while the exquisite cheese selections transport you straight to southern Italy. It’s neighborhood dining with serious Italian credentials and heart-warming comfort.
If you enjoyed this feature on top Italian restaurants in Sydney, you might want to read our story on top Indian restaurants in Sydney.
