Pasta is more than just food - it’s an experience, a ritual and a showcase of culinary craftsmanship. Whether it's a perfectly al dente linguine bathed in rich shellfish sauce or a housemade pappardelle embracing a slow-cooked ragu, great pasta tells a story of tradition and technique.
From elegant dining rooms to lively trattorias, these venues serve up some of the best handmade and housemade pasta dishes, proving that true Italian cuisine is all about simplicity, quality and passion.
Housed in a landmark 1920s Melbourne Building on Canberra’s leafy West Row, Mezzalira exudes classic Italian charisma. A mainstay since 1996, this refined yet welcoming institution caters to all - from business lunches to elegant evening affairs. Inside, the art deco architecture frames a stylish dining space, where guests enjoy a menu that seamlessly transitions from aperitivi to premium wood-fired meats and seafood.
The pasta here is nothing short of sublime. The mafaldine - a striking ribbon-shaped pasta - is tossed with prawns, vongole, nduja and a fragrant herb gremolata, balancing spice, seafood and silkiness in every bite. If you’re after something heartier, the veal saltimbocca alla Romana with prosciutto, sage and baked semolina is a timeless classic. Handmade pasta, wood-fired delights and house-baked bread round out an experience that reinterprets Italian traditions with a contemporary touch.
Bella Italia – Newcastle City, NSW
At Bella Italia, tradition is more than a word - it’s a philosophy passed down through generations. Nestled on Hunter Street in Newcastle, this family-run ristorante delivers an authentic Italian dining experience in a warmly lit, stylish space of exposed brick and dark wood. It’s the kind of place where conversation flows as easily as the wine and every dish is a celebration of Italian heritage.
Lunchtime diners are drawn to the silky linguine bathed in a creamy pesto sauce with crunchy walnuts, offering a rich yet balanced flavour. By night, the menu expands to include robust dishes like beef and pork meatballs smothered in garlic Parmesan sauce. For mains, the chicken scaloppina, bathed in a delicate white wine sauce with prosciutto, sage and roasted vegetables, is a standout. Whether it’s a beloved classic or a modern twist, each dish reflects the best of Italy - from Lake Como to Sicily.
ArtDeco Bar and Kitchen – Craigieburn, Vic
Imagine indulging in a bowl of expertly crafted pasta, then strolling straight into a cinema for a movie. That’s the unique experience at ArtDeco Bar and Kitchen, an elegant Italian eatery nestled within United Cinemas in Craigieburn. A long marble table runs through the restaurant, making it an ideal spot to sip wine, share plates and soak in the lively atmosphere before catching a film.
The menu is a testament to Italian comfort food with a refined touch. The tortelloni, generously stuffed with mixed seafood and coated in a luxurious saffron and cream sauce, delivers indulgence in every forkful. Those with heartier appetites can dive into the American-style wood-fired BBQ beef ribs, served alongside thick-cut steak fries and a crisp garden salad. Whether you’re craving pasta, pizza, or premium cuts from the grill, this is the perfect pre-movie dining destination.
Figo Restaurant & Bar – Rushcutters Bay, NSW
A hidden gem in Sydney’s Rushcutters Bay, Figo Restaurant & Bar blends rustic charm with refined Italian cooking. Exposed concrete, dark wooden tables, plush velvet booths and walls lined with wine bottles set the stage for an intimate dining experience - perfect for a date night or a relaxed catch-up with friends.
The pasta steals the show here, with the housemade pappardelle tossed in a rich, slow-cooked osso buco ragu and topped with pecorino cheese. Each bite offers the depth of flavour only achieved through hours of slow braising. Seafood lovers can opt for the decadent spaghetti with rock lobster, white wine sauce, cherry tomatoes and a luscious lobster bisque. For those looking beyond pasta, the crumbed veal rib eye, served with rocket, cherry tomatoes, and double-cooked potatoes, is an excellent alternative.
Bringing la dolce vita to the tropics, Flynn’s Italian on Cairns Esplanade is all about lively communal dining and bold Italian flavours. Part of the Crystalbrook Collection, this vibrant eatery combines an energetic atmosphere with a playful yet sophisticated menu that showcases the best seasonal produce. Bright murals, cane pendent lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows create an inviting space to enjoy a long, leisurely meal.
The pasta dishes here highlight expert craftsmanship and fresh local ingredients. The housemade linguine, paired with charred Tiger prawns and a creamy shellfish sauce, is a must-try for seafood lovers, with the tomato concasse and parsley adding a fresh contrast. For something equally satisfying, the housemade gnocchi with veal ragu delivers a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. With every dish carefully designed to honour Italian traditions while embracing the region’s unique produce, Flynn’s is a true North Queensland gem.
Great pasta isn’t just about the sauce - it’s about technique, texture and a deep respect for tradition. These restaurants are perfecting the art of pasta-making, offering everything from silky seafood-infused linguine to slow-cooked ragu-laden pappardelle. Whether you’re craving a comforting classic or an elevated twist on Italian favourites, these venues prove that when it comes to pasta, perfection is always on the menu.
