If you are looking for a delicious Italian meal, look no further than Canberra’s best Italian restaurants! These establishments serve up some of the finest food in the city and will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
From traditional pasta dishes to mouth-watering pizza, there is something for everyone at these restaurants. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our list of Canberra’s best Italian restaurants and book a table today.
Skip to the list of Canberra's best Italian restaurants
- Agostinis
- Belluci's
- Briscola
- Italian & Sons
- La Rustica
- Mama's Trattoria
- Mezzalira
- Molto Italian
- Trecento
What makes a great Italian restaurant?
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are a few key things that make a great restaurant.
- First, the food should be authentic. That means using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create wonderful Italian dishes.
- Second, the atmosphere should be inviting and comfortable. Think of a cozy trattoria where you can relax with family and friends over a leisurely meal.
- And last but not least, the service should be friendly and attentive. After all, dining is about more than just the food on your plate—it’s an experience to be savored from start to finish.
When all of these elements come together, you’ve got the makings of a great Italian restaurant.
What are the most popular Italian dishes?
Italian cuisine is beloved all over the world for its simple yet delicious dishes. Some of the most popular Italian dishes include classics like pasta, pizza, and lasagna.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, these dishes are easy to make at home but still packed with flavor. Other popular Italian dishes include chicken Parmesan, shrimp scampi, and spaghetti carbonara.
These hearty meals are perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. No matter what your taste, there’s an Italian dish that’s sure to please.
The best Italian restaurants in Canberra 2024
To be listed as one of Canberra’s best, Canberra Daily requires them to have maintained a track record of positive reviews on Google and Facebook, with a minimum average of 4/5 stars. The Google ratings shown were updated January 2023.
We also check to see if they have verified customer reviews.
When looking for tasty Italian food in Canberra, check out our list of Canberra Daily’s best local restaurants below.
Molto Italian
Molto Italian is the perfect mix of modern and the traditional, combining a rich celebration of history teamed with the joy of Italian food and culture.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin, the 130-seat restaurant boasts sleek interiors, high ceilings, an open kitchen and bar and a feature wood fire oven pizza.
Grace Mitchell wrote this five star review; “Great service and the food is delicious. Staff are helpful and explain the menu and specials. Fresh and full of flavour. Atmosphere is nice and lively on a Saturday night. Definitely recommend !! Excited for the next dinner there.”
Mezzalira
Since opening in 1996, Mezzalira has established itself as a go-to for diners looking for Italian food that is both delicious and a little bit fancy.
Located in the Melbourne Building in the city, they known for their range of handmade pasta dishes and authentic pizza options, just like any great Italian restaurant.
Ilya Genkin left this five star review on Google; “Very impressed with this Italian restaurant. Very friendly staff, very fast and efficient service (Saturday night!!!), delicious food, reasonable prices, a la carte and set menus. Went there for kinda “high quality casual dining”, but it turned to a really fine dining.”
Belluci's
Belluci’s has been part of the restaurant landscape for more than 20 years, providing customers with a personal, timeless dining experience.
They combine the best local produce with quality international ingredients to serve traditional, rustic Italian food with a modern twist.
They have two convenient locations, one in Manuka and one in Woden.
Megan Thompson left this five star review; “What a wonderful dining experience. Food was delicious and the staff were attentive but not smothering. Nothing was a problem and they made me feel so welcome. 100% recommend Belluci’s if you’re looking for a great night out”
Mama's Trattoria
Mama’s Trattoria delivers the feel of a traditional Italian restaurant with its variety of incredible pasta staples, making it a popular spot for Canberrans to enjoy a meal.
As the name suggests, Mama’s Trattoria delivers food just as Mama would make it, hearty meals that warm the belly and the soul.
William Shi left this five star review on Google; “One of the best pasta we had for a long time. Risotto was made perfectly, pasta was al dente!. Not to mention the portion was massive. Loved it and highly recommended.”
Trecento
Located ideally in Manuka, Trecento is a pizzeria, restaurant and bar serving up Neapolitan-style pizza using a 300-year-old recipe together with modern interpretations of regional Italian dishes.
The restaurant has a casual, relaxed and fun setting in an intimate space, with the kitchen open and allowing diners to see and chefs to see out.
Tracey Thomas left this five star Google review; “Excellent Italian restaurant. Highly recommended. Friendly staff. When you are in Canberra it is worth going for dinner.”
La Rustica
As the name may suggest, the Italian food at La Rustica is rustic and authentic.
Hailing from the southern tip of Italy, their menu brings with it the region’s culinary secrets, with a range of delicious pizzas, pastas, seafood and desserts that you’re sure to enjoy.
The restaurant itself is located on the waterfront with a bright interior, wood surfaces that give a rustic touch and an expansive window frontage that gives diners a fantastic view.
Craig T left this review on Google; “Super friendly staff just like you are part of the family. Food was amazing and the kids meals excellent value and a hit with the kids. This place is a must to visit if you love great Italian food and service.”
Italian and Sons
Italian and Sons is widely regarded as one of Canberra’s finest Italian restaurants and is the younger sibling of Mezzalira.
Their menu is designed to give customers a seasonally changing dining experience, offering fresh, delicious Italian meals, including house-cut pasta, woodfired focaccia, antipasti and more.
Dominic Serafino had this to say on Google; “We had a wonderful Dinner there last Saturday. Food is fabulous, the restaurant is family run, they’re wonderful people. We loved it. Definitely should be on the go to list when in Canberra.”
Briscola
Briscola has established itself on the Canberra food scene by offering an authentic Italian dining experience with a focus on the food and giving the diner a charming experience.
The award winning restaurant is all about creating delicious, simple, wholesome and traditional Italian food that they know you will love.
Debbie Cracknell left this glowing review on Google; “Simply Incredible!! Stumbled across it and had a delicious meal with great service and booked for the next night to enjoy it all over again. If I could do more stars I would.”
Agostinis
Agostinis is a natural expression of the owners Dion and Dan’s lifelong passion for good, simple Italian food, the kind they grew up with.
The restaurant welcomes guests in the Italian tradition of friends, family, laughter and great food, making it the perfect place to sit with loved ones and enjoy delicious pizza and pasta.
On Google, Mauricio Bassaletti left this five star review; “The meal quality is outstanding, the staff are attentive, professional and friendly, great atmosphere. Frequented on a number of occasions. Highly recommended.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular types of pasta dishes?
The Italians are known for creating many different types of delicious pasta dishes that are enjoyed the world over. Some of the most popular pasta dishes include bolognese, carbonara, gnocchi, ravioli, tortellini, lasagne and plenty more.
What are the most popular types of authentic Italian pizzas?
Italians love their pizza and they have a number of popular types, including margherita, marinara, prosciutto, burrata, capricciosa, diavola and more.
Is food a big part of Italian culture?
Absolutely! Italians are known for loving their food and the Italian cuisines has influenced food culture right around the world. They use high-quality, fresh ingredients to create warm, nourishing food that is made to be enjoyed with family and friends.
Do Italian restaurants have good wine?
Italians love their wine and the best Italian restaurants in Canberra have quality wines available to enjoy with your food.
