There’s something undeniably comforting about a well-made plate of pasta - whether it's twirled around a fork, folded into layers of rich sauce or stuffed with delicious fillings. Across the country, Italian kitchens are serving up soulful, handcrafted dishes that transport you straight to Nonna’s table. From creamy white Bolognese to fresh seafood spaghetti, these are the standout pasta dishes you need to try.
Il Nido - The Nest, Castle Hill, NSW
A mainstay in Castle Hill for more than a decade, Il Nido - The Nest brings the warmth of Southern Italy to Sydney’s North-west. Owned by the Dell’Aquila family, this cosy trattoria exudes rustic charm, with its wood-fired pizza oven burning bright thanks to carefully selected Ironbark and Yellow Box timbers. It’s the kind of place where locals settle in for long, leisurely dinners over a bottle of red and a generous plate of pasta.
Speaking of pasta, the pumpkin and sage ravioli is a must-order. These delicate pasta parcels are filled with a velvety blend of pumpkin, sage, shallots and chicken, then tossed in a silky cream sauce infused with honey for a touch of sweetness. It’s rich, comforting and utterly satisfying - perfect for those who love a little sweetness with their savoury.
Lygon Street’s dining scene wouldn’t be the same without IL Gambero, a Melbourne institution that’s been dishing up Italian classics for more than 40 years. The restaurant has seen a revamp over the years, but it still holds onto the charm of a traditional trattoria, with its exposed brick, dark wood furnishings and buzzing alfresco dining area. It’s the kind of spot where friends gather over bottles of wine, sharing plates of antipasti and, of course, bowls of handmade pasta.
For those who can’t decide on just one dish, the mixed pasta platter is a stroke of genius. Choose three different pasta dishes from the menu and have them served together on one platter - a perfect way to sample multiple flavour combinations. Whether it’s the seafood-laden spaghetti marinara, a rich ragu or a creamy carbonara, this dish is all about indulgence and variety.
Perched on the first floor of Beachfront Towers, Cala Luna delivers an authentic taste of Italy with sweeping ocean views to match. The name translates to ‘Moon Bay’ and there’s a dreamy, old-world elegance to this Maroochydore gem, where walls are adorned with eclectic artwork and the bar is stocked with Italian wines and aperitifs. Using a combination of high-quality Italian ingredients and fresh local produce, Cala Luna creates dishes that are both nostalgic and innovative.
The lasagna di Manzo is a prime example - layers of homemade pasta filled with lean beef, rich tomato sauce, fragrant basil and bubbling mozzarella, all oven-baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm embrace, a taste of tradition that never goes out of style.
Ramona Trattoria - Coorparoo, Qld
A stylish addition to Brisbane’s dining scene, Ramona Trattoria brings a modern yet deeply authentic take on Italian cuisine. Set on Leicester Street, this neighbourhood favourite has an effortlessly cool vibe, with an inviting alfresco space perfect for balmy Queensland evenings. The menu is a love letter to Italian tradition, with a focus on quality ingredients, bold flavours and a touch of creative flair.
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss the spaghetti allo scoglio - a dish that sings of the Mediterranean coast. King prawns, calamari, clams and mussels are tossed with grape tomatoes, bottarga and parsley, creating a beautifully balanced dish that’s briny, fresh and utterly delicious. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine and let the flavours transport you straight to the Amalfi Coast.
Joe's Trattoria - Oxenford, Qld
For a laid-back yet flavour-packed Italian experience, Joe’s Trattoria on the Gold Coast delivers. Known for its generous portions and home-style cooking, this family-friendly spot is all about comforting, no-fuss Italian fare done right. Whether you’re after a wood-fired pizza, a plate of ribs or a big bowl of pasta, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.
The standout? The marinara - a seafood lover’s dream. Prawns and mixed seafood are simmered in a rich Napoli sauce with just a touch of cream, then topped with a generous grating of Parmesan. It’s a classic done right, bursting with the bold flavours of the sea.
From creamy, indulgent ravioli to fresh, briny seafood spaghetti, these Italian restaurants are delivering some of the best pasta dishes around. Whether you’re a fan of rich, slow-cooked sauces or prefer lighter, fresher flavours, there’s a bowl waiting for you. So, next time you're craving a taste of Italy, you know exactly where to go.
