Time to Grabioli Some Ravioli at These 6 Pasta Joints

Ravioli come in all sorts of shapes and colours – these miniature pillows are one of the world’s favourite pastas.

Going by many names, ravioli is the English version of the Italian word ‘riavvolgere’ which translates as ‘to wrap’. Since the word for just one ravioli is raviolo, never say ‘raviolis’ especially when in Italy if you don’t want to face the wrath of the locals!

Here are six of our favourite restaurants to find ravi-only some of the best pasta on the plate:

Influenced by Southern Italy with tastes of the Mediterranean Sea and salty mountains, head to Acqua e Sale on Fitzgerald Street in the heart of Perth for wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta. With a name meaning ‘water and salt' – two of the key elements in Italian cuisine – this modern ristorante offers a retreat from the bustle of city life in industrial-style surrounds of polished concrete and warmly glowing lights.

 

Say buon appetito to starters of fresh local mussels, bugs, prawns, shrimps and clams in spicy tomato sauce, served with garlic bread; then delve into handmade beef cheek and stracciatella ravioli, served in Parmesan and truffle cream. Make sure to leave room for dark chocolate panna cotta, white chocolate ganache, Amarena cherries and Amaretto Disaronno.

Nestled in a charming heritage building on Essex Street in Fremantle, Nunzio’s delivers authentic Italian cuisine made with love. Just a stone’s throw from the iconic Cappuccino Strip and Esplanade Hotel, this family-owned and operated restaurant is ideal for romantic dinners, birthdays, family gatherings and corporate events with a warm and welcoming vibe of brick fireplaces, vibrant artwork and white-clothed tables.

 

Freshly made pasta, locally sourced seafood and fresh ingredients combine to plate up starters of grilled cuttlefish with lemon, pepper and housemade aioli, or scallops with breadcrumbs, rocket, pancetta, lemon and butter. For the main, think duck ravioli with Grand Marnier cream sauce and thyme orange zest, or deep-fried Red Emperor fish wings, with white vinegar and garlic.

Referring to the time period when pizza was first created in Naples, Melburnians stop by Circa 900 Pizzeria Napoletana on Sussex Street in Pascoe Vale to appease Italian cravings. Specialising in true Neapolitan pizza and street food using recipes passed down through generations, drop into this well-loved dining destination and relax in warm and rustic surrounds of exposed brick as tantalising aromas waft from the pizza oven.

 

Kickstart your culinary adventure with calamari fritti, seafood sauce and lemon wedges, or arancini filled with mozzarella, peas and Bolognese sauce; then devour ravioloni con ricotta di bufala e spinaci – housemade large ravioli filled with buffalo ricotta and spinach, topped with Napoli sauce and Parmigiano cheese.

Inspired by the rich heritage of Italy and named after a prized Moonacres Farm heirloom chilli, Jimmy Nardello on Hoddle Street in Robertson celebrates regional Italian food where embracing the seasons and using locally sourced produce is the only way to cook. Nestled in this quaint Southern Highlands village, Jimmy’s serves dinner on Friday and Saturday nights with family-friendly and set menus dishing up starters like whipped salt cod, radish and charred sourdough.

 

Pasta lovers are in heaven over Sardinian-style ravioli, filled with Robertson potatoes, with prawns, chilli, chicory and zucchini, or tortellini with broccoli, ricotta, Romanesco, guanciale chilli and spiagrello; pizza lovers opt for slices topped with salami, anchovy, chicory, chilli and mozzarella, or devour slow-roasted sirloin, bagna cauda, black pesto, white beans and red chicory.

Enjoy a rich heritage of Italian cooking handed down by many of the country’s grandmothers at Nonna and I on Pulteney Street in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD. Blond wood tables set with sparkling glassware await indoors under softly-glowing geometric pendent lights as tantalising aromas waft from the kitchen; while balmy SA days call for alfresco dining and people-watching with a glass of Shiraz in hand.

 

Starters like fried calamari and hot sauce set the scene for memorable mains such as ricotta and spinach stuffed ravioli topped with Napolitana sauce, or choose penne with smoked salmon in a rich, creamy garlic and basil sauce; signature dishes of chicken Rosanno, crusted with Parmesan and sautéed in rich Rosano sauce, served with mashed potatoes, always hit the mark.

Revolutionising how Gold Coast diners eat and enjoy casual fine dining, Bottega on Thomas Drive brings a little slice of Italy to Chevron Island. Founded by Enzo Loterzo – who wanted to deliver a piece of his previous award-winning Hawthorn restaurant to the GC – this stylish venue blends polished concrete, exposed brick and moody lighting, with a menu embracing housemade pasta, pizza and an extensive wine list. 

 

Dive right in with braised octopus tentacles, with pistachio nuts, pancetta, tomatoes and garlic ciabatta, then delve into a specialty dish from Bologna of housemade ravioli, stuffed with veal, mortadella, sage and Parmigiano, served in a light mushroom and roasting juice sauce; or boneless crispy roasted duck, green peppercorn and tawny port jus and caramelised pear.