There’s no denying that Perth is home to some of Australia’s favourite foodie scenes. With new tastes, locations, chefs and delights, there is certainly plenty to choose from.
But, of course, if you’re in search of the best Italian food, these nine Italian restaurants in Perth will have you spoilt for choice when it comes to the European cuisine. So sit back, relax and eat your way through Perth’s nine best Italian restaurants that you need to visit in 2021!
Photographed by Kelsey Knight. Image via Unsplash.
Perugino
Titled as one of Perth’s best Italian restaurants, thanks to Perugino you’ll be spoilt for choice especially with their extensive menu. Traditional and authentic Italian cuisine is presented in an elegant restaurant, featuring elaborate decor typical of Italy. The West Perth-based restaurant prides itself on the balance of fine food and fine wine, offering a wine menu 30 pages strong. Having spent over 30 years building and refining Perugino, their team definitely know what they’re doing – and are well worth a visit for some of the best pasta in Perth.
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Caffé Italia
Perth’s favourite Italian restaurant, Caffé Italia, was founded and is still managed by Roberto Iazzi, an experienced restaurateur who follows a long standing family tradition by serving the finest authentic Italian cuisine. The menu is influenced by the flavours and techniques of Southern Italy, with the menu constantly changing and adapting to the seasons. The meals are rich, flavoursome and hearty – and likely to remind you of a Nonna’s home-cooked meals. Just be sure to leave room for dessert!
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Bistro Bellavista
Located in East Perth’s Bailey’s Motel, Bistro Bellavista is renowned for being one of Perth’s best Italian restaurants thanks to their win of the Gold Plate Award in the Best European/Mediterranean style restaurant. With a menu packed with variety, we recommend starting your visit with the Gamberoni in Tempura ($21.90) with a side of Focaccia Al Forno ($7.90). Be sure to dive into their red sauce and mozzarella cheese based pizzas like the Prosciutto e Bufala ($26.90) which screams luxury and heaven all rolled into one.
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Lalla Rookh
Think of Lalla Rookh as Perth’s go-to inner city watering hole, but for some of the best Italian food. Hanging off St Georges Terrace, this eating house is easily described as casual meets fine dining without ever compromising on quality, focusing on the staples of Italian food with a menu that reveres produce, tradition, plus a bit of creativity in equal measure. To fall in love, we’d recommend Lalla Rookh’s Lemon & Mascarpone Risotto ($26). Otherwise, if you’re also a wine lover, pop into the Lalla Rookh Wine Store, an intimate 27-seat enoteca style bar with a global outlook on wines. The wine list is over 300 labels long and can be paired perfectly with the full restaurant menu.
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No Mafia
Taking inspiration from the neighbourhood wine bars of Southern Italy, No Mafia is a Perth locals’ favourite, a venue that attracts both food and wine lovers. Titled as one of the best Italian restaurants in Perth, their menu is equally versatile offering both mouth-watering mains and share-plates for larger groups or those wine tasting. For foodies, No Mafia’s menu comprises a fun and eclectic mix of antipasti and pasta to replenish your tastebuds. Otherwise, for wine lovers, you’ll have the best of both worlds with their impressive list of both Australian and Italian drops. Be sure to add this one to your list!
Photographed by Rebeca G. Sendroiu. Image via Unsplash.
Lulu La Delizia
If premium, fresh pasta is your kind of thing – you can’t go past Lulu La Delizia. A small eatery and wine bar specialising in some of the best pasta in Perth. Lulu encapsulates the flavours of north-east Italy, bringing a world of culinary traditions and wonderful foods all to Perth! Believing that pasta is one of the most ‘beautiful crafts in the world’ Lulu La Delizia aims to put the focus on the staple, and not the sauce that often covers it. The pasta is house made using a range of techniques, equipment, recipes and flours, transporting the pasta-lover in a heaven of sorts. The wine list is predominantly Italian and Australian wines, carefully selected to complement the exquisite meals.
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Francoforte Spaghetti Bar
You’ll be surprised to learn that the idea for the now Perth-famous Francoforte Spaghetti Bar was inspired by Germany, not Italy. Owner, Julian Staltari, was in Frankfurt when he noticed the then growing trend of micro-restaurants. Coming home inspired, Julian decided to pursue the restaurateur’s career, and from this Perth’s specialty-spaghetti restaurant was born. The menu is small and each dish is distinctive, all involving spaghetti – served with either the classic sauces or more unusual options. To taste some of the best pasta in Perth, we recommend Francoforte Spaghetti Bar’s Chicken & Rosemary ($17) or the Squid in Vino ($18) for your visit.
Photographed by Maks Styazhkin. Image via Unsplash.
Maruzzella Restaurant
Family owned, Italian heritage, with years of Italian culinary experience – this is Maruzzella. High quality ingredients are a staple, with the team importing their fior di latte mozzarella cheese, flour, buffalo cheese and wine directly from Italy every week. The menu is inspired by the family’s Nonna, with their recipes passed down through the generations. If you’re stuck on what to order, we recommend the Melanzana N’taccata ($13.50) deep fried eggplants baked with mozzarella cheese and Napoli sauce to start; and the Prawns and Scallop Saffron Risotto ($29.50) for your main.
Photographed by Dean Drobot. Image via Shutterstock.
Garum
A collaboration between Guy Grossi and The Westin Perth, Garum is an exploration of ancient Roman cooking teamed with contemporary inspiration and consideration. Using Roman techniques and flavours as the focus of the menu, Garum is described as uncomplicated and pure. With a food menu highlighting the richness and quality of Western Australian produce, the wine list follows the drinking practice of the ancient city: categorised by colour and then grape, making for a simple drinking guide. The wines highlight the region of Lazio whilst supporting and showcasing the diversity of producers Western Australia.
Ready to explore more of what Perth has to offer? Start by scooping your way through the six best gelato and ice-cream shops around Perth. Or, if you’d rather say cheers, get ready to bar-hop to one of Perth’s 10 best rooftop cocktail bars that are great to visit year-round!
Are you in search of the best pizza and pasta in Perth? These nine Italian restaurants around Perth will have you saying ‘that’s amore‘ in no time!