Do you know anyone who doesn’t like Italian food? There’s something about a comforting plate of handmade pasta, resting in a creamy or tomato sauce that is hard to deny.
Then there’s gourmet slices of pizza just waiting to be devoured with a glass of good red wine…mmm, it makes us hungry just thinking about it.
When the urge for Italian takes over, here are five Chef Hat-awarded restaurants that should be top of your dining list:
Rustic Chic Hotel Cellar Venue
Indulge in upscale Italian dishes served in an intimate, rustic chic hotel cellar venue at Stefano’s Restaurant on Langtree Avenue in Mildura. Nestled in the cellars of Mildura Grand Hotel, find a warm and inviting vibe of exposed brick walls, moody lighting and white-clothed tables while the walls are covered with an eclectic mix of vibrant artwork.
Photo credit: Nic Fulton.
Chef Stefano de Pieri delivers a five-course set menu which changes daily to showcase fresh and locally sourced produce; expect dishes like mussels, tomato sugo, lemongrass and ginger. For the main, perhaps cannelloni, mushrooms and ricotta will be the choice on the night.
Italian Pizza and Pasta Favourites
Bringing the best of Italy to Coorparoo, discerning foodies head to Ramona Trattoria on Leicester Street. Inspired by deep-seated culinary traditions and with a name meaning ‘protector', Ramona breathes new life into Brisbane dining from stylish surrounds spilling out to the alfresco area to take advantage of balmy Qld nights.
Sip a Ramona's Margarita while perusing a menu of favourite Italian pizza and pasta offerings, starting with baked scallops, garlic and herb butter and crumb; then twirl your fork around spaghetti with King prawns, calamari, clams, mussels, tomato, bottarga and parsley.
Tantalising Italian Dining Journey
Prepare for a tantalising journey of Italian dining at Bella Venezia, a popular hot spot on Mooloolaba’s vibrant Esplanade at Pacific Beach Resort. Calling this iconic precinct home since 1983, Bella Venezia offers several dining options from plush blue velvet seating and red velvet booths to tables overlooking the beautiful Mooloolaba Esplanade and alfresco Champagne garden dining.
Savour plates of yellowfin tuna crudo, fennel, caper, lime, chilli and leek oil; before memorable mains such as confit pork belly, celeriac and apple purée, green bean and almond vierge, crackling and jus gras, enjoyed with a glass of red.
Heart of Italy Meets Soul of Casual Dining
Indulge in rich, authentic flavours at Firma Italian on Grey Street in South Brisbane where the heart of Italy meets the soul of casual dining. Find yourself transported to the charming streets of Europe as you dine in elegant surrounds of banquette and intimate table settings, floral arrangements and wine racks on dishes from handmade pasta to slow-cooked sauces, with every bite a celebration of tradition crafted with passion and precision.
Say grazie to starters of scallops, pine nuts, tomato and basil, or octopus salad with potato, lemon oil, black olive and parsley; moving on to malloreddus pasta with swordfish ragu, cherry tomato and pangrattato, or roast pork belly, cabbage salad and apple vincotto.
Dine in the Beautiful Country
Discover Modern Italian dining at Ollie’s on the exclusive waterfront dining precinct of Marlin Parade in Cairns. This North Queensland restaurant boasts a team of European trained Chefs whose passion is to deliver you a taste of modern Italy; with fresh local produce and seafood delivered every day the food is what the Italians call squisito (exquisite).
From delicious Australian steaks dry-aged in house to fresh local seafood and artisan housemade pasta and pizza let Ollie’s take you on a culinary journey through the Bel Paese (the beautiful country).
