Brisbane’s 8 Best Italian Restaurants of 2021

If you’re looking for the the best Italian in Brisbane, you’ve come to the right place.
From pizzerias to wine bars and local Italian family-owned eateries, Brisbane is topped with mouthfuls of some of the best Italian food.
So, to help you enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine around, we’ve found the eight best Italian restaurants in Brisbane that are a must-visit in 2021.
Casa Nostra Ristorante
Translating to ‘our house’, Casa Nostra is where delicious Italian food meets an intimate and comfortable setting, oozing tradition and authenticity. This local favourite boasts hand crafted gems and Sicilian-inspired seafood dishes, with the menu encompassing everything from the famous authentic flavours of Italy to Sicilian influenced dishes. Plus, as an added bonus, Casa Nostra Ristorante also has a wine list topped with outstanding Italian wines.
OTTO Ristorante
Brother to the famous OTTO Sydney, OTTO Ristorante Brisbane celebrates people, place and, of course, outstanding Italian cuisine. Located overlooking the Brisbane River to the Captain Cook Bridge, OTTO brings a touch of vibrancy and glamour to the Brisbane dining scene. The menu is unashamedly simple – modern Italian celebrating regional produce, taking inspiration from the southern regions of Italy. One of the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane and a must visit in 2021.
Tocco Italiano
The idea is to make diners think they’re in Italy, and it seems to be working thanks to this Italian restaurant. The team at Tocco Italiano have created an Italian eatery in the heart of Brisbane where detail is important; where respect for Italian and Australian ingredients is pinnacle and where they aim to share the creativity, simplicity and traditions of southern Italy through their brilliant food. With a menu that changes seasonally, Tocco Italiano has a mouthwatering selection of specials that reflect the locally-sourced produce. If you’re stuck on what to order, we’d recommend the Nduja e Gorgonzola pizza that’s topped with fior di latte mozzarella and hot salami.
1889 Enoteca
Tucked along Logan Road in Woolloongabba, just a touch away from The Gabba stadium is an Italian restaurant and wine bar that is worth visiting whenever you’re in need of an Italian cuisine fix. Featuring a basement level cellar for private dining and a small wine store, this Italian restaurant goes far beyond your standard Italian fare. The food is modern Roman and made to be enjoyed with their extensive wine list which features a potent selection of natural wines. As for the menu, you simply must try the pork and fennel sausage Gnocchi ($27) with parmesan cream and black truffle tapenade. Just be sure to leave room for the Tiramisu ($17) – it’s the best in Brisbane!
Salt Meats Cheese
With three venues across Queensland, Newstead that sits along the Brisbane River is by far our favourite. First opening in 2017, this family owned restaurant group is renowned for its outstanding food, brilliant service and it’s overall complexion that just makes you want to return time and time again. Using on the freshest and highest quality ingredients available, their passion and focus is well and truly based on ensuring that their guests are wined and dined to the best of their ability. For your visit be sure to try the Lamb Ragu Pappardelle ($26) that pairs seamlessly with their deliciously made Amaretto Sour ($18).
Popolo Italian Kitchen and Bar
One of the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane, Popolo Italian Kitchen and Bar focuses on creating an authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of South Brisbane. While drawing on the concepts of sharing and spending quality time together over meals, Popolo is all about food, family and friends. The specially designed share menu promotes local seasonal produce and high quality authentic ingredients – thereby delivering outstanding meals. This is one Brisbane Italian restaurant you must try in 2021!
Beccofino
If the smell of wood-fired pizza has you sold, then this Italian pizzeria in Brisbane will soon become your favourite restaurant for any occasion. Beccofino is a casual and modern Italian restaurant that has been rolled into one. Commonly titled as one of the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane; Beccofino’s menu is more than substantial and offers a wide range of pizza, pasta, antipasti and, of course, authentic Italian desserts. From Pannacotta ($11) to Tiramisù ($11) and Frittelle ($13.50), you can’t go wrong with Beccofino.
Coppa Spuntino
If you haven’t already, this Italian restaurant and wine bar in the heart of Brisbane is a must try. Open for lunch through to dinner, Coppa Spuntino ensures that wholesome meals and vibrant cocktails are at the forefront of their scene. Revolutionary Italian cuisine to say the least, for your visit to Coppa Spuntino we’d recommend the Warm Focaccia Bread ($9) to start; the Tiger Prawn & Fraser Island Crab Linguine ($38) as your main; and the Rosemary and Parmesan Fries ($11) if you’re still feeling peckish.
Looking to explore more of what Brisbane has to offer? Start by eating your way through Brisbane’s 10 best steak restaurants in the CBD before heading out for a drink at one of these 7 waterfront bars around Brisbane.