Escape to Italy with the Best Pasta in Canberra

If there's one thing we can always agree on, it's Italian cuisine is a favourite for a reason. From wood-fired pizza and fresh Caprese salad to slabs of decadent tiramisu and perfected rolls of cannoli, there's no denying the Italians know how to cook a hearty feast.

But, there is no dish more loved than pasta. History claims the Italians have been eating pasta since 400 BCE, and it has been a household staple ever since. To experience a taste of Italy right here in the ACT, we've tried and tested bowls of gnocchi, pesto, bolognese and carbonara to bring you the best pasta in Canberra. Buon appetito!

Solita Pizzeria & Pasta Bar

Solita may be best known for its delicious pizza (they are Canberra's only pizzeria accredited by the APN in Naples), but it also does a mean bowl of pasta. Think of any pasta, they probably have it, from fettuccine pollo e funghi and beef ragu rigatoni to squid ink linguine and pesto gnocchi. Sensitive tummies and allergies? No stress - all sauces are gluten-free and you can order gluten-free gnocchi, too!

143 London Circuit, Canberra City

The Italian Place 

Expect authentic Italian served in a welcoming and warm restaurant at The Italian Place. No fuss or pretension, just hearty bowls of gorgonzola gnocchi, Blue Swimmer crab risotto and orecchiette with sausage and broccolini. Save room for dessert - the butter pumpkin doughnuts dusted in cinnamon sugar are worth the food coma.

38 Mort Street, Braddon

Otis

Otis Dining Hall is a beloved destination among locals seeking sophistication and comfort. Located on Jardine Street, what distinguishes Otis is its commitment to showcasing the best Australasian produce, a commitment reflected in longstanding signature dishes, including the Otis Raviolo, a single (large) raviolo hand-rolled daily and stuffed with pumpkin, ricotta and spices. Yum!

29 Jardine Street, Kingston 

Molto Italian

Blending traditional flavours with modern style, Molto celebrates the joy of simple Italian food shared with family and friends. Take a seat in the chic lakeside venue and take a minute to browse the extensive deli, pizza and pasta menu, and with the pasta made fresh in-house, you know you're in for a treat. Our order? The cacio e pepe - served tableside from a cheese wheel for a real taste of la dolce vita.

155/43 Eastlake Parade, Kingston

Briscola Italian

Stylish and welcoming, this family-favourite prides itself on providing customers with an authentic Italian experience, starting with an apertivo and ending with a digestive. Owned by Italians passionate about simple and wholesome food, expect perfectly cooked pasta paired with light sauces and rich bolognese and ragus at Briscola Italian.

60 Alinga Street, Canberra

La Cantina 

Walking into La Cantina is like stumbling into a hidden trattoria in the streets of Rome, all exposed brick, arched ceilings, white tablecloths, classic oil paintings and a welcoming ambience the Italians do best. And, just like in Rome, the pasta here is superb. Try the asparagus risotto with garden peas for a dose of greens, or keep it traditional with the gnocchi with slow-cooked tomato beef ragu. 

4 Iluka Street, Narrabundah

Mezzalire

High-quality, seasonal pasta is the order of the day at Mezzalire, an icon within Canberra's dining scene. Serving authentic dishes since 1996, enter through the gorgeous Art Deco arches of the Melbourne Building for an evening of 

Sitchu tip: this venue is the sister restaurant to multi-award-winning Italian and Sons, and you guessed it - they also know how to craft the perfect pasta.

Melbourne Building, 55 London Circuit, Canberra

Now that you've had a bowl of the best pasta in Canberra, why not explore more worldly cuisines? Canberra's restaurants serve global delicacies from the best Japanese to Mexican.