As chronic foodies, the RUSSH team is always asking for a restaurant recommendation. And one cuisine that we'll never get enough of is Italian. It's one of those abundantly available gastronomic experiences that is, in fact, incredibly elusive when it comes to finding a truly memorable meal. Not every Italian joint is serving up something truly authentic, experimental, formidable or memorable. But luckily for you, we know where to go if you're looking for the best Italian restaurants in Sydney...
1. Fratelli Paradiso (Potts Point)
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Open: Every day from 12pm until late
There’s a reason Fratelli Paradiso has become something of a Sydney institution. It's equal parts European bistro and neighbourhood trattoria, and the Potts Point favourite delivers effortlessly polished Italian dining – from silky pasta to impossibly good tiramisu – all wrapped up in the kind of warm, bustling atmosphere that keeps locals returning week after week.
(P.S., you can also cook up some of their best dishes at home, including Gio Paradiso's recipe for a foolproof focaccia.)
2. Beppi's (Darlinghurst)
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Open: Lunch Monday through Friday, and dinner Monday through Saturday
Australia’s oldest Italian restaurant, Beppi’s has been serving genuine Italian hospitality and timeless cuisine since 1956. Hidden away in Darlinghurst, the candlelit institution has you seated cosily in the cellar, and feels wonderfully untouched by time. They serve classic dishes like mussels in fish stock, or homemade angel hair pasta tossed with prawns, lobster, scallops and a cream saffron sauce.
3. I Maccheroni (Woolhara)
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Open: Open daily from 12pm until late (except Sunday, where they close at 5pm)
For those chasing a truly traditional Italian meal, I Maccheroni is one of Sydney’s most authentic experiences. The Woollahra restaurant is known for its handmade pasta and unapologetically classic approach, transporting diners straight to southern Italy from the moment they sit down. If you're keen to take your Italian to-go, they also offer pasta kits, home delivery and pick up options.
4. Pilu at Freshwater (Freshwater)
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Open: Wednesday–Sunday lunch from 12-3:30pm and Wednesday–Saturday dinner from 6-10pm
The award-winning, two-hatted fine-dining Sardinian restaurant pairs refined coastal dining with sweeping beachfront views. Run by husband-and-wife team Giovanni and Marilyn Pilu since 2004, the menu features classics reimagined – from polenta stuffed zucchini flowers, to their signature dish: a free-range suckling pig braised with cabbage and sheep's yogurt.
5. Bella Brutta (Newtown)
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Open: Every day
Few places have mastered the art of pizza quite like Bella Brutta – arguably the city's favourite sport. The cult-favourite pizzeria is celebrated for its blistered crusts, inventive toppings and effortless dining room that feels just as suited to a casual weeknight dinner as it does a long weekend catch-up. You can order takeaway from their side-window just as easily if you'd like to take your pies home, too.
6. Piccolo Bar (King's Cross)
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Open: Every day from 4pm until midnight
Since 1952, Piccolo Bar has remained one of Kings Cross’ most iconic, red-neon-lit, late-night spots. It's an aperitivo bar that also slings some delicious aperitivo food – from olives to crisps to toasties and the best hot dog in town. The venue is intimate and offers no reservations – so we'd suggest going early for your best shot at a table.
7. Pellegrino 2000 (Surry Hills)
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Open: from 5pm Monday to Wednesday and from midday Thursday to Sunday.
Pellegrino 2000 is a spot that captures the spirit of a classic neighbourhood trattoria with a distinctly modern Sydney edge. Tucked away on a Surry Hills corner, the restaurant serves generous (and we mean generously portioned) Italian dishes and an excellent wine list in a lively, intimate setting. You'll definitely want to book ahead here by a few weeks. If you're a party of two, we'd opt for bar seating out front. Larger parties are fun to dine with downstairs in the cellar.
8. Neptune's Grotto (CBD)
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Open: Every day from midday until late
Speaking of Pellegrino 2000 – we'd be remiss to not talk about its sister restaurant Neptune's Grotto, which you'll find hidden beneath the CBD on the corner of Young and Bridge Street. It's a moody Italian restaurant with only bar seating and a few plush booths to be sat in, beloved for its rich pasta dishes (the pumpkin agnolotti is life changing), extensive wine offering and unmistakably cinematic interiors.
9. Fior (Gymea)
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Open: Tuesday–Thursday from 5:30-9:30pm, Friday–Sunday lunch from 12-3pm, and Friday–Sunday dinner from 5pm
Bringing together Italian tradition with an unmistakably Australian sensibility, Fior has quickly become a standout in the Sutherland Shire. It's a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant perfect for long lunches and casual dinners alike – especially with BYO available Friday and Saturday lunch, plus all day Sunday.
10. a'Mare and Pizza'Mare (Barangaroo)
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Open: Fridays and Saturdays from 1:30–3pm (last table seating at 2:30pm) and Tuesday–Saturday from 8pm till late (last table seating at 10:30pm)
For a lavish take on Italian dining, few places compare to a’Mare and the newly opened Pizza’Mare at The Crown hotel in Barangaroo. The venues channel the glamour and generosity of classic Italian hospitality, serving everything from handmade pasta (some are even whipped up table-side) to perfectly crisp pizza in an opulent waterfront setting.
11. Ormeggio at The Spit (Mosman)
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Open: Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner
Set right on the waterfront in Mosman, Ormeggio at The Spit delivers contemporary Italian dining with spectacular harbour views to match. The iconic restaurant and adjoining Terrazza Bar are known for refined seafood-focused menus and an effortlessly elegant atmosphere.
12. 10 William Street (Paddington)
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Open: Monday–Saturday from 5pm for dinner, as well as lunch Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm
More wine bar than traditional trattoria, 10 William Street has nevertheless earned cult status among Sydney’s Italian dining scene. The Paddington favourite is famed for its ever-changing menu (although cult classics like the pretzel with whipped bottarga and tiramisu remain fixtures), exceptional natural wine list and intimate dining room, welcoming both bookings and walk-ins late into the night.
You can also make the 10 William Street recipe for Trofie pasta with pesto and comte at home if you're looking for a night in activity.
13. Pizza Madre (Marrickville)
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Open: Every day from 5pm, and from midday on Saturdays
Pizza Madre has redefined what vegetarian Italian can look like. Ranked among the Top 50 Pizza Asia Pacific, the Marrickville restaurant champions seasonal produce across its seasonal, changing menu, serving inventive woodfired pizzas.
14. Benetti's Italian (Brighton)
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Open: Every day from 12pm till midnight
The menu at Benetti’s Italian is built around life’s greatest pleasures: house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and one more glass of wine. A night here should entail some of their kingfish crudo, along with a night cap of their tableside tiramisu.
16. Norma's Deli (Manly)
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Open: Every day 8am until 5pm
While technically a Greek deli, Norma’s earns its place on this list thanks to its unmistakable Mediterranean spirit and cult following. The Manly favourite does a little bit of everything – from sandwiches to foccaccia pizzas, cocktails and share plates – all inside a lively, retro-inspired space.
17. Buon Ricordo (Paddington)
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Open: Wednesday–Saturday from 5:30pm, and also serving lunch Friday and Saturdays from 12pm-3pm
Serving la dolce vita since 1987, Buon Ricordo remains one of Sydney’s most beloved Italian fine dining institutions. The Paddington restaurant blends exceptional food, art and wine with classic hospitality, making it a timeless destination for celebratory dinners and long-standing traditions alike.
18. Continental Deli (Newtown)
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Open: Every day from 12pm till 11pm
Open daily from midday until late, Continental Deli has carved out its own lane within Sydney’s dining scene. Equal parts deli, bar and bistro, the Newtown institution is known for its playful menu, iconic canned cocktails and effortlessly cool atmosphere that works from lunch through to late-night drinks.
Looking for more Italian food recs from the RUSSH editors? We've also got you covered with our list of the 19 best pizza spots in Sydney.
