We know how hard it can be to resist quality Italian cuisine, and luckily, Canberra has plenty of Italian foods for you to try. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh pasta, antithetical pizza, or decadent tiramisu, these restaurants will have you covered. So get ready to be transported to the streets of Italy, Aperol spritz in hand, because these are the best Italian restaurants in Canberra.
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Image: Agostinis/ Gnocchi
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 trying their new fall menu on a recent trip and believe us when we say that the Burrata Con Fichi is absolutely the best we’ve had anywhere in the country. While they keep some staples on the deck (including burrata), the menu is seasonal, but some of our favorites to keep in mind include the gnocchi (pictured above), spaghetti Neri (spaghetti infused with squid mixed with tiger prawns, cuttlefish, cherry tomato and garlic) and for dessert we can’t get past the local cannoli. The wine is Italian sourced both locally in Murrumbateman (a real hidden gem) from Italian varietals and from abroad.
Direction: East Hotel, 69 Canberra Ave, Griffith
Phone: (02) 6178 0048
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12:00 – 15:30 / 17:30 – 21:30
Agostinis Italian Restaurant
Image: Italian Molto
2. Molto Italian
Molto Italian is one of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra that manages to perfectly blend the modern with the traditional. With the aesthetic appeal of a modern seaside trattoria, Molto features stylish interiors, an open kitchen and bar, and a wood-fired pizza oven. We recommend their Salsicce pizza, topped with Italian sausage, green spinach, black olives, and mozzarella. It will all be gone before you know it!
Direction: Kingston Elements Construction Unit, 155/43 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Phone: (02) 6140 7039
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 3 pm/ 6 pm – 10 pm
molto in Italian
Image: Mom’s Trattoria
3. Mom’s Trattoria
Italian comfort food at its finest, Mama’s Trattoria is authentic, simple and delicious. Dine al fresco and enjoy hearty meals straight from Mom’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!
Direction: Melbourne Building, Store 4/45 W Row, Canberra
Phone: (02) 6248 0936
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11:30 – 15:00/17:00 – 20:30, Thursday – Friday 11:30 – 15:00/ 17:00 – 22:00, Saturday 17:00 – 22:00
Mom’s Trattoria
Image: La Rustica
4. Rustic
With panoramic views over Lake Burley Griffin, this is just one of the attractions of this rustic Italian restaurant. You can expect to enjoy plenty of handmade pasta, including irresistible handmade Sorrento gnocchi with rich tomato 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.
Direction: Eastlake Parade and Trevillian Pier, Kingston
Phone: (02) 6295 0152
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12pm – 2pm/ 6pm – 9.30pm
the rustic
Image: Italian restaurant Mezzalira
5. Mezzalira Italian Restaurant
Mezzalira is affectionately known as the more sophisticated sibling to Italian & Sons, making it your go-to when you’re looking for something delicious and a little fancy. Housed in Melbourne’s historic building, the restaurant is known for its endless array of handmade pastas and authentic pizzas. If you like to enjoy a glass (or two) of wine while you dine, they also have an award-winning wine list for you to enjoy.
Direction: 55 London Cct, Canberra
Phone: (02) 6230 0025
Hours: Monday – Friday 12:00 – 14:30/ 18:00 – 22:00, Saturday 18:00 – 22:00
Italian restaurant Mezzalira
Image: Italian and Sons
6. Italian and children
One of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra, and the little brother to Mezzalira, Italian & Sons, it sure knows how to keep up with its bigger counterpart. The seasonal menu is constantly changing and always exciting. We recommend starting with zucchini flowers and smoked swordfish before moving on to asparagus, leek and ricotta agnolotti. For dessert, we cannot go beyond its classic cheese board.
Direction: 7 Lonsdale St, Braddon
Phone: (02) 6162 4888
Hours: Saturday, Tuesday 17:30 – 22:00, Wednesday – Friday 12:00 – 14:00/ 17:30 0-22:00
Italian and children
Image: Trecento Restaurant
7. Trecento Restaurant
When you can’t get on a plane to Italy, a visit to Trecento restaurant is the next best thing. Trecento also doubles as a pizzeria, restaurant and bar, serving Neapolitan-style pizza using a 300-year-old Italian recipe, adding modern twists to traditional Italian regional dishes. Located in the heart of Manuka, there is an open kitchen, so you are as involved in cooking as you are in eating!
Direction: Unit 33/18 Flinders Way, Griffith
Phone: (02) 6260 7111
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 17:30 – 21:30, Thursday – Sunday 12:00 – 14:30/ 17:30 – 21:30
Trecento Restaurant
Image: Instagram
8. Chez Frederic
Chez Frederic is one of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra when you are looking for something innovative and exciting. Located on Lonsdale St in Braddon, father and daughter team Frederic & Sara work wonders. Sara runs the restaurant with a passion for reproducing the dishes her father discovered through her travels, fusing them with classic French and Italian cuisine. Enjoy your meal!
Direction: 4/14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Phone: (02) 6248 0044
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 12:00 – 14:00/ 17:00 – 21:00, Friday – Saturday 12:00 – 22:00
Chez Frederic
Image: Italian Briscola
9. Italian Briscola
It’s no secret that Briscola is the real deal, with flour imported from Italy, they don’t cut corners when it comes to reproducing the best Italian cuisine. They offer an authentic and unpretentious dining experience that we cannot resist. We recommend one of the wood-fired pizzas and the affogato for dessert.
Direction: 60 Alinga St, Canberra
Phone: (02) 6248 5444
Hours: Monday 17:30 – 20:30, Tuesday – Sunday 12:00 – 14:00 / 17:30 – 20:30
briscola in Italian
Image: La Capanna
10. La Capanna
Another of the best Italian restaurants in Canberra is your thing: Uncomplicated and unpretentious dining – La Capanna is all about authentic and traditional Italian cuisine in the heart of Kingston. With streetside tables and affordable dishes, you might fall into the trap of thinking you were dining in Italy! Try one of their seven bruschetta selections, you won’t be sorry!
Direction: 32 Giles St, Kingston
Phone: (02) 6239 6712
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 6 pm – 9.30 pm
La Capanna
General FAQ
Where is the best Italian restaurant near Manuka?
The best Italian restaurant near Manuka is Trecento restaurant.
What is the best Italian restaurant in Canberra CBD?
Mezzalira Italian Restaurant is the best Italian restaurant in Canberra CBD.
Which Canberra Hotel also has a restaurant and bar?
East Hotel also has a restaurant and bar, Agostinis.
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Aimee O’Keefe
Aimee O’Keefe is a Sydney-based freelance writer with experience in content marketing, lifestyle, architecture and travel coverage. She completed a Media and Communications degree at the University of Sydney and has worked with Universal Magazines, several leading digital marketing agencies and The Local Project.