The Best Italian Restaurants in Adelaide for Bellissimo Food

Savour the full flavours of Italian cuisine at the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide – these venues will be transporting you to the heart of Italy. Buon appetito!

When it comes to an Italian feast, nothing but the finest authentic meals will do. From beautifully blistered wood-fired pizzas to homely restaurants rich in tradition, there is plenty to see, taste and experience. Whilst the venues may be very different, one thing they all have in common is a traditional flare in the kitchen. Whether you are after a hearty serving of pasta or the best aperitif to accompany your meal, there is an eatery to suit every appetite. Once dinner is done – why not check out some of the Adelaide bar scene?

Before you book your next dinner date, take a look through our lineup and say ciao to some of the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide.

Valentinos 101

Step in through the arches and discover a delicious land of brioche and burrata, cannoli and calamari, coffee and chianti. An Italian hybrid even chicer than a Fiat, Valentinos 101 is an antipasto bar, cafe and pasticceria all in one - and it's serving up the goods morning through night. For city workers and Italian-lovers, it provides everything from a Roman breakfast of espresso and bombolini, to antipasto and a daily roast for lunch, and even knock-off drinks and then dinner on a Friday. We can't think of a better way to end the work week than with a limoncello spritz, a heaped bowl of olives and a deep pan funghi, truffled mushroom and ricotta cream pizza. 

101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide 

Market & Meander 

Step into this vibrant Italian restaurant in Adelaide and be greeted by the comforting aroma of oven-baked focaccia, the smoky scent of chargrilled dishes and the perfume of rich, slow-cooked pasta sauces. Also tempting you into Market & Meander is the earthy brick interiors, local handmade ceramics, and beautiful American Oak furnishings, forming a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Chicco Palms

Chicco Palms is a Palm Springs-inspired pizza bar serving Italo-American classics alongside old-school hospitality. The space is a cool and airy retro hangout where you and your friends can delve into wood-fired pies, pasta, cocktails and gelato. Start with antipasto misto, burrata and fried tomato suppli oozing with mozzarella, then devour vodka pasta, ravioli cacio e pepe and plenty of retro-style pies, from potato to capricciosa. Coming in with a large group? Order up a couple of jugs of bianco spritz. Salute! 

437 Henley Beach Road, Brooklyn Park 

ITL Kitchen at SkyCity

They're all about keeping it simple at iTL Italian Kitchen, delivering up contemporary and uncomplicated Italian food from the ground floor at SkyCity. The space is gorgeous day or night, and sprawls out to the festival plaza (or should we say piazza?), where you'll see the hustle and bustle, no matter the time of day.

This is a spot to come with family for a special dinner of unmissable hand-made pizza and pasta guaranteeing the freshest flavours and a charming dining experience for all. 

SkyCity Adelaide, 125 North Terrace, Adelaide

Carmine & Co

Looking for a traditional, fine dining affair when it comes to Italian food in Adelaide? Head a little further north to neighbouring Port Adelaide and make a booking at Carmine & Co. The owners and chef's have been stalwarts of the Port Adelaide dining scene, having served up no-nonsense, delicious Southern Italian dishes to locals for over 50 years. 

Formerly a bank, the setting itself is simply stunning, with a wrought-iron mezzanine and striking two-storey mural of Italy befitting of the restaurant's Southern Italian influence. A warm ambience thrums throughout, with huge windows, exposed brick and natural timbers serving rustic-modern flair. There's even alfresco dining for you to enjoy, drink spritz and devour plates of antipasti and pasta out in the sunshine.

Pizza, pasta, antipasti and other mains are the name of the game at Carmine & Co, with heartier fare like the eggplant rollatini and chargrilled Black Angus scotch fillet some the restaurant's more classic dishes. 

49 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide 

Bambini

Say ciao to an Italian restaurant in Adelaide that's offering up a little taste of homecooked Italy. Inspired by his family and recipes from his village upbringing in Abbruzzi, Bambini owner and executive chef, Franco Sorgini uses fresh, local produce to serve up dishes steeped in tradition and authentic flavours, albeit with modern sensibilities. The wine list is just as good as the pastas and vibrant mains, perfect for your next post-work dinner or mid-to-late-week lunch with colleagues. Squid ink tagliolini, eggplant parmigiana, roast porchetta and a duck and radicchio risotto are just some of the menu highlights.  

6/10 Peel Street, Adelaide 

Tony Tomatoes 

Visit Tony Tomatoes in North Adelaide, a local gem adored for its authentic Italian style pizza and family friendly atmosphere. It's all about traditional favourites mixed in perfectly with creative inventions here, using fresh local produce to deliver the goods.

Highlights include the Mr Pig (broccoli, mozzarella, pork and fennel sausage and fresh chilli), and the Gamberetti (fior di latte, smoked pancetta, zucchini, prawns and chilli). You also get to choose crust thickness, and whether you want a white flour base, a lighter crisp base, or gluten-free base. As for drinks, sip on the easy house red or a classic Negroni.

Real-deal Italian in Adelaide, by chefs who have been certified by the Accademia Italiana della Pizza in Italy. Buonissimo!

155-157 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

Italia Pasta Fresca

We all love going out for Italian (why else would you be reading this article!) but sometimes, nothing beats a home cooked, hearty meal. Bring the taste of Italy to you when you pop in for a shop at the haven of authentic ingredients at Italia Pasta Fresca. Elevate your cooking game at Adelaide's OG pasta factory, with a selection of fresh daily-made pasta varieties crafted right on site. With an impressive array of options – both egg-based and eggless – including spaghetti, gnocchi, tortellini, and ready-made lasagna, you're spoilt for choice. Their incredible pre-made sauces will have you serving a mouthwatering pasta dish in under 10 minutes, and the cannoli makes for the perfect sweet treat. Buon appetite!

219A Henley Beach Road, Torrensville

Bandit Pizza & Wine

Anchovy Bandit has a new trattoria sibling in town, sitting amiably in Hyde Park. Bandit Pizza & Wine's menu is short but sweet, consisting of classic and unique Neapolitan-ish pizza styles, flavour-packed snacks and a few desserts to close out the meal. The menu will change according to the seasons and inspiration, ensuring only the best quality produce. There are pre-batched cocktails and a winning wine selection to enjoy, and the space is surprisingly cosy despite its location on the ground floor of a modern apartment block. Low-ceilings, classic trattoria-esque curtains and inviting neighbourhood wine bar vibes make this a place you'll want to frequent. 

248 Unley Road, Hyde Park

Frankie Italo Dining & Disco Lounge

Disco inferno and Italian nirvana - the ultimate combination has arrived at Mitolo Wines in McLaren Vale, and we couldn't be more here for it. Frankie is the perfect place to kick your feet up, let your hair down and feast. Perhaps you're looking for a Roman-style pizza, a series of tasty snack plates, or a handmade pasta. Either way, Frankie's menu has been carefully curated to share. Inspired by traditional Italian 'cucina povera' (cuisine of the poor), these are dishes that were born out of necessity, emphasising frugality, humble ingredients and simple techniques with outstanding results!

 14 Mcmurtrie Road, McLaren Vale

Farina 00

Farina 00 is as fresh as it gets! Priding itself on creating high quality, gourmet Italian dishes, made from local and imported Italian produce. Their speciality is fresh pasta dishes, all served up with a unique twist.  Pasta is made fresh daily, and the space is open for lunch and dinner. A selection of Italian and South Australian wines compliment the house made, flavourful sauces, made using slow braising techniques. There are a range of lovely entrees, scrumptious pizzas, comforting mains and a delightful  homemade tiramisu for dessert. We highly recommend trying a little bit of everything, as this could be one the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide.

122-128 King William Road, Goodwood

Enzo’s Ristorante

Breathing new life into the historic Commercial Hotel building, this award-winning Italian restaurant has stood the test of time – and for good reason. One of the first restaurants in Australia to be awarded the Ospitalita Italiana accreditation (the official Italian tick of approval), Enzo’s Ristorante has been a staple on the Adelaide dining scene for over 20 years. There are two areas to choose from: the ristorante is a little fancier, while the pizzeria spins out pillowy pizzas and calzone with imported cured meats and all manner of fresh toppings. Sitting somewhere between a neighbourhood pizzeria restaurant and a trendy trattoria, the food is fresh, the atmosphere is warm, and the vino is always flowing.

46 Port Road, Hindmarsh

Borsa Pasta Cucina

Homey, comforting Italian food is Borsa Pasta Cucina’s bread and olive oil. The central Adelaide eatery is casual yet character-filled, sporting its own brand of Euro appreciation and a loyal local following who can’t seem to get enough. They do a hearty selection of crowd-pleasing favourites, with their main game being hunger-busting handmade pasta featuring indulgent buttery sauces, rich ragus and fresh Italian flavours. Mamma Mia! You’ll want to wear your stretchy pants for this one.

1/25 Grenfell Street, Adelaide

Ruby Red Flamingo

A modern Italian eatery with plenty of charm, Ruby Red Flamingo is loved for its hearty and flavoursome dishes. Add in top-quality wines and insta-worthy cocktails, and it's easy to see why this is one of the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide. Housed within a beautiful heritage building in North Adelaide, both the intimate dining room and leafy outdoor courtyard offer a relaxed dining experience to remember. Adored for their refined yet soulful fare, all the important categories are covered, from primi to secondi and dolci – think big flavours with zero pomp.

142 Tynte Street, North Adelaide  

Chianti

This sophisticated and upscale venue has been a fan favourite for many years. The menu at Chianti changes with the season and uses some of the finest local produce to maximise flavour and finesse. The selection of pasta dishes are full of flavour and a drawcard that has local Adelaideans coming back time and time again. Their wine list is possibly more impressive than their menu, featuring a reserve list that hosts some of the finest wines in the world. This has certainly won us over.

160 Hutt Street, Adelaide

Nido

The brainchild of Masterchef All Stars runner-up Laura Sharrad, Nido delivers a contemporary Italian experience dishing up nothing but the finest Italian in Adelaide. Drawing on the different seasons for their menu inspiration, it is unlikely you will visit and have the same meal twice. Fresh pasta whipped up daily, topped with juicy toppings and ingredients that are sourced locally and a wine list as good as their menu. Their carefully curated selection pays homage to Italian wine regions, as well as popular South Australian wines.

160 King William Road, Hyde Park

Osteria Oggi

Possibly one of the most stylish Italian piazzas going around, Osteria Oggi is dripping in style and finesse and everything they do is top-notch, making it one of the most popular and best Italian restaurants in Adelaide. A cobblestoned floor paired with arches, arbours and moody lighting make up this sleek venue and intimate booths contribute to the chic atmosphere. As 'Oggi' means 'today' in Italian, the whimsical crew behind this restaurant aims to create sophisticated Italian food inspired by tradition, but with today's tastes and touches. If you're feeling a little fancier, book out their private cellar and be wined and dined the proper traditional Italian way.

76 Pirie Street, Adelaide

400 Gradi

This moody, concrete and terrazzo restaurant is as sophisticated as it is laid-back. Starting in Melbourne by aspiring chef and now successful restaurant owner Johnny Di Francesco, 400 Gradi in Norwood is the sixth addition to this Italian success story. Featuring two wood-fired ovens that burn away most of the day, the ever-changing menu mixes seasonal produce authentically pouring flavour and zest into everything that is plated up. Plating up dishes like pappardelle ai funghi with truffle cream and truffle pecorino, it is evident why this bonafide Italian piazza is popular among locals.

121 The Parade, Norwood

Lucia's

It would be obscene to mention the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide and not mention Lucia's. This small restaurant in the heart of the Adelaide Central Markets exudes tradition that dates back to 1957. Don't let the size fool you! This restaurant boasts Italian charm and personality. If you're not in the mood for a meal, pop next door to their adjoining fine foodery that specialises in charcuterie and is home to their famous paninis. There are often lines so be prepared to wait, but we guarantee it's worth it!

Shop 3, Adelaide Central Markets, Adelaide

Prezzo

Located in the heart of Hutt Street, Prezzo serves as a nice little reminder that indulging in spaghetti and pizza is good for the soul. Priding themselves on their wood-fired oven creating smokey goodness day in and day out, their authentic classics like antipasto, carpaccio and burrata will get your meal running. This venue takes a simple approach to dishing up Italian goodness with its clean and simple elements. Be sure to try one of the restaurant's classic dishes like their cheesy Paccheri pasta or choose from their extensive wood-fired selections.

173 Hutt Street, Adelaide

Midnight Spaghetti

Gather your lovers and friends and meet us on the balcony at this ever so cool and low-key Italian restaurant in Adelaide. Dine on a modern take of traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes, and sip on plenty of plummy red wine and Aperol spritzes. Chicken and chive meatballs swim in a corn puree and prosciutto
XO sauce, mussels sit pertly atop sourdough and served with tomato, fennel, shallot and parsley, and the heaped bowls of pasta are as comforting as they are slurp-a-licious! No matter the season, it'll feel like a pasta party at Midnight Spaghetti. 

Sitchu Tip: Every Wednesday night is Family Night, where the pastas are cheap, the garlic bread heaped, the Nutella tiramisu a must-eat, and the waiter's choice vino and jugs of beer abundant.

196 Grenfell Street, Adelaide

Anchovy Bandit

We previously mentioned Bandit Pizza & Wine in this list, well – this is where it all began. Anchovy Bandit opened in Prospect in 2018 and this once small pizza and pasta bar has only grown bigger and better with each expansion. Booth seating and warm design bring a sense of nostalgia to the venue, and it is the kind of place family and friends will mingle for hours over a bottle of red or an expertly prepared cocktail. Named after a Quentin Tarantino screenplay - the restaurant does sit beneath a cinema after all - guests can dine in on the chef’s selection or opt for small bites and larger meals from the a la carte menu. Either way, this is an Italian restaurant you won’t want to miss!

96 Prospect Road Prospect

Pizzateca

While this is a list of the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide, we firmly believe this gem in McLaren Vale is absolutely worth the weekend drive out to wine region. In the summer months, the expansive lawn at Pizzateca hosts white tables and plastic chairs to enjoy your meal in the sun, while in winter you can cosy up inside the weather-proof pergola. The wood-fired pizza being turned out from the imported Italian pizza oven is fluffy and light– and the option for a gluten free base means no one has to miss out! There are plenty of share plates to try with friends too - in case you need a little extra. Come for the pizza, stay for the good vibes and the delicious cocktails.

319 Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale

Luigi Delicatessen

Created with rich Italian traditions of sharing meals made with love with your loved ones in mind, Luigi Delicatessan is a warm and inviting haven in the heart of the CBD. One of the most authentic Italian experiences leaning towards fine dining, award-winning Luigi encourages customers to gather and reminisce on the day over a beautiful meal or accompanied by relaxing live music on the weekends. The café is open each morning before welcoming dinner guests to choose from an array of exquisite pasta dishes, antipasti, fresh seafood and desserts. Make a booking in advance to avoid missing out!

 43 Franklin Street, Adelaide

Had a taste of all the best Italian restaurants around Adelaide and after more foodie inspo? Head down to the glistening bay in Glenelg and enjoy a sunset meal overlooking the ocean. Or if you're after something a bit fancier, take a tour through the best rooftop bars in Adelaide and enjoy a drink under the stars.