Isabel Cant

Australians are constantly in a heavenly food coma, courtesy of Italian cuisine. This is thanks to the huge influx of Italian immigrants who arrived on our shores after World War II, bringing not just a suitcase of dreams, but a whole lot of pasta, pizza and parmesan. Whether you’re craving fresh antipasti straight from The Boot, hand-rolled pappardelle with rich ragu, wood-fired sourdough pizza or boozy tiramisu made just like nonna, we’ve scoured out the best Italian restaurants in Australia for every occasion. Our team of expert local writers has independently chosen these spots for their authentic flavours, prime locations, buzzing ambience and signature Italian hospitality. In Sydney, a cheery waterfront spot has been serving classic Italian hits for more than a decade. In Brisbane, live lobster is plucked from tanks and tossed through house-made spaghetti. And in Hobart, a tiny CBD wine bar keeps the vibes flowing with vinyl records all night. Take your pick! 🍽️ All the best restaurants in Australia right now🍕 The best pizzas in Australia🍔 Where to find the best burgers

Not to toot our own horn, but Australia’s coffee scene is unbeatable. Our laid-back café culture is underpinned by vast caffeine consumption, with most locals kicking off their day with a good ol' cup of Joe. Our thriving industry of roasters and baristas earns international acclaim year after year, and Sydney and Melbourne have even been named among the top ten cities for coffee worldwide.  We've tapped into the wisdom of our most devoted coffee enthusiasts and writers around the country to bring you this list of Australia's best coffee roasters. These masters of the craft excel in every part of the process: from sourcing and roasting beans to ultimately brewing them expertly. Whether you're a fan of Ona and Industry Beans, or swear by Sample and Single O, here's our pick of the top coffee suppliers in Australia right now. 🥐 The best croissants in Australia🍹 All the best bars for a boozy night🥖 Our favourite bakeries in Australia right now

There’s just something superior about sipping an Aperol Spritz high in the sky rather than on solid ground. Maybe it’s the stellar skyline views and the magic of golden hour, or perhaps it’s just the alcohol talking – either way, we can’t resist the temptation of a top-notch rooftop bar. Luckily, Australia is spoiled for choice with spectacular spots to drink and dine in the sky. Our expert local writers have risen (quite literally) to the occasion to bring you this list of the best rooftop bars across the country. From a trendy terrace with an infinity pool to an open-air oasis with 360-degree skyline views, these are the trendiest spots to be seen or not be seen by the revellers down below. 🍹 The best bars in Australia🍺 Australia's greatest pubs for a pint🍷 The best wineries to visit Down Under

Although it’s a known fact that The Beatles’ motto is ‘All you need is love’, sometimes a good old-fashioned cup of Joe is actually all you need – we don’t make the rules. Lucky for us Westies, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to great coffee in Perth. Whether you’re into filtered, cold brew, in-house roasted beans or those from afar, there’s quality liquid energy served from the seaside to the hillside. Here’s our pick of the best places for a coffee in Perth right now. ☕️ The best coffee roasters in Australia😋 Perth's cutest cafés🥐 Where to find the best baked goods in Perth

Bakeries provide comfort and certainty in an increasingly hectic world. They know that if you mix flour, water, salt and yeast, you’ll get a loaf of goodness to carry you through the working week.  Whether you’re looking for a sourdough loaf to make epic sandwiches or a doughnut to get you through the afternoon, these Adelaide bakers are always there for you. Start working your way through the list. 🥐 Australia’s greatest bakeries☕️ The best cafés in Adelaide🌳 What to do in Adelaide

Combining seriously stylish design with access to abundant fresh produce from the surrounding wine regions, Adelaide’s restaurant scene has the best of both city and regional dining. Forward-thinking mod oz cuisine is informed by food traditions from across the world, which are also visible in everything from Afghan comfort food to Parisian classics and what might be Australia’s first pizza restaurant.  The accompanying wine lists are just as wide-ranging, encompassing powerful Barossa reds, spritzy natural wines and everything in between, all served by knowledgeable staff. And the best bit? Even the extended degustations sit at a price point that will come as a pleasant surprise to East Coast diners. Time Out’s expert local writers have curated this of the best restaurants in Adelaide for all your eating pleasure – tuck right in! 🍷 The best bars in Adelaide🍕 Adelaide's best pizza joints☕️ The best cafés in Adelaide

Our Bush Capital might not always top the charts for fun, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that it’s home to some of the coolest bars in the country. The good stuff is also fermented right here in the region – from craft beers to cool-climate shiraz and Australia’s only locally produced bourbon – making Canberra the perfect base for a day of winery hopping and cellar door shopping.  But, within the city itself there are buzzing wine bars, proudly Australian breweries, pumping pubs and even hidden basement whisky bars. Whether you're seeking a quiet, cosy drink or a party atmosphere, this city delivers. Drink your way through our guide to the best watering holes in Canberra. 🍽 Canberra's best restaurants🥘 Where to go for the best Indian in Canberra🍕 The best pizza in Canberra

Finding a stellar steak in a country with almost 30 million cattle is no hard task. But claiming your favourite to be the absolute best? That’s sure to stir some serious beef. Whether you’re into rib eye or rump, medium rare or well-done, smothered in peppercorn or chimichurri sauce, and paired with chips or mash – the ways to enjoy a steak are as endless as they are delicious. Our local expert writers have sliced into the best steaks across every capital city to bring you this list of our favourite steaks in Australia. Now, go get up in their grills. 🍔 The best burgers in Australia🥧 Australia's best pies🌭 15 mouthwatering sausage rolls in Australia

A good steak is one of Australia’s best simple pleasures. Nothing beats the deep brown crust and juicy pink interior of a well-seasoned, prime cut of beef. But with the cost of beef rising, the stakes have never been higher when deciding to drop some dollars on a steak.  With prices soaring into the hundreds for prized cuts, reassurance that your steak is in good hands is essential. Thankfully for Canberrans, our proximity to Australia’s best cattle and top chefs means we can get our hands on the perfect steak. Whether you’re looking for a meaty pub meal or you’re going all out on a marbled cut of Wagyu, Canberra is grilling it all. 🍔 Canberra's best burgers🍱 The best Japanese joints in Canberra🥘 Where to find the best Indian food in Canberra

No matter where you live in Australia, we take our baked goods very seriously. Between our sourdough-centred meals, we all need a little sweet treat (trust us, you deserve one). Luckily for us, Australian bakers are giving Parisian pâtissiers a run for their money, creating their own takes on classic baked goods to create one-of-a-kind products.  You’ve undoubtedly heard of the big players (hello Lune Croissanterie), but there are plenty of neighbourhood gems to spend your hard-earned dough. While we wish we could shower love on every flaky, buttery layer of pastry, we’ve narrowed it down to a few of our favourite bakeries in Australia. 🥧 The best pies in Australia☕️ Australia's greatest coffee shops and roasters🥪 The best cafés in Australia

With trendy restaurants and bars popping up all over the city, it’s no wonder Brisbanites and visitors alike can feel a bit overwhelmed when deciding where to eat. That’s where we come in! Our expert local writers have tasted their way through Brisbane’s diverse food scene to bring you this list of must-try restaurants. From a sprawling Greek taverna overlooking the river and a tiny, Nordic-inspired fine diner to a contemporary Chinese eatery with a spicy Sichuan fish broth that will make your eyes water, these are the places Time Out recommends for a culinary adventure in the River City. 🍸 The best bars in Brisbane☕️ Brisbane's coolest cafés🥐 Where to find the best pastries in Brisbane

Is there anything better than getting together with your mates over some glasses of Australia’s finest drops and most creative cocktails? We say the only thing that beats it is doing it with an incredible view overlooking the city.  We’ve compiled a list of Canberra’s rooftop bars doing a top job when it comes to sippable drinks, smashable food and ripper scenes. Whether you’re looking to throw a party or pop in for a cheeky after-work bevvie, here are the bars in Canberra that soar above the rest. 🍺 More of Canberra's best bars and breweries🍽️ The best restaurants in Canberra right now🍔 Canberra's best burgers for a late-night feed

What is it? Part Italian restaurant, part inventive wine bar with a few modern twists up its sleeve. Why go? Traditional Italian dishes mingle with other cuisines at Anchovy Bandit to create playful, inventive dishes. Bucatini is tossed through Goolwa pippies, yuzu kosho and chives, and pineapple on a pizza gets a revamp with prosciutto, pineapple, kimchi and spring onion joining forces on their puffy dough. Anchovy Bandit's pizza crusts are so thick and round, you could roll your hair with them. Except don’t; it’s put to much better use paired with one of the house-made “crust dips”. Choose from garlic butter, taramasalata or XO sauce mayo. Wine is taken very seriously here too, with a great range of South Australian and Italian varieties to try.

What is it? A family-run Adelaide institution operating since 1985.  Why Go? Siblings Jessica Favaro-Richards and Nicholas Favaro have taken the baton from their parents to balance tradition and modernity with grace on their seasonal menu. Start with addictive rabbit croquettes, crunchy and soft in all the right places, and served with dragoncello sauce (tarragon salsa) and pickled carrots. Meaty centrepiece dishes are chargrilled over sangiovese vines, like juicy half-chicken with Jerusalem artichoke and porcini. Explore it all through the five-course menu – excellent value at $95 per person.

What is it? Simple, unpretentious Italian fare tucked away in Kingston Foreshore. Why go? Nab a table outside at this lakeside joint for straightforward, comforting Italian dishes by the lake. House-baked focaccia is warm and fluffy – perfect to dip in olive oil, but even better with their antipasto plate. Their secondi will have you feeling like you’ve just been fed by Nonna. Generous portions of rich veal saltimbocca and a pollo parmigiana are finessed but comforting.

What is it? A woodfired pizza staple with outdoor seating in the heart of town on Lonsdale Street.  Why go? Past the happy revellers parading down Lonsdale Street with takeaway boxes and through the restored stained-glass windows, lies some of Canberra’s finest pizza. For over a decade, Pizza Gusto’s oven has been cranking out pizzas and calzones cooked at a sizzling 400 degrees. Toppings range from classic Margheritas and capricciosas to less traditional (but packed with flavour) butter chicken and other specials, like beef brisket and jalapeño.

What is it? A part cool and casual wine bar, part luxurious takeaway on Lonsdale Street. Why go? Chez Frederic was born on Perth’s Cottesloe Beach in 2002, but has found a home in Braddon. Here, friends can share a cheeky bowl of gnocchi and a glass of vino, or opt for takeaway, where boxes of pasta fly out the door on any given night. The menu is Italian with some playful modern twists here and there. Crisp spring roll wrappers hide Italian flavours inside with garlic prawns and mozzarella, and cheeseburger gnocchi is the devilish dish that will revive you on a cold winter night. 

What is it? Canberra’s only Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana-certified pizza restaurant, located in Griffith.  Why go? Sometimes, no number of toppings will outdo a simple marinara pizza, where the sweetness of San Marzano tomatoes shines against the blistered bubbles of wood-fired dough. That’s exactly what earned this Griffith pizzeria, restaurant and bar certification from the strict Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Quick lunches here are also some of Canberra’s best, with their charred bread becoming the vessel for moreish Neapolitan sandwiches.

What is it? A relaxed eatery slinging woodfired pizzas and mozzarella plates.  Why go? As the name suggests, come to this laidback restaurant for some of the best wood-fired pizza in this city. And don’t forget about their mozzarella plates! Their fresh buffalo mozzarella with beef carpaccio and pickled green tomato reminds us that simplicity really is bliss. Follow it up with a pizza, fresh out of their two hand-built woodfired ovens, roaring at 400 degrees. Our favourite is the calabrese, sticking to its roots with the addictive Calabrian nduja spread, hot salami and chilli. Learn the secret to their perfect dough at their monthly pizza-making classes.

What is it? An Italian stalwart with more than 20 years under its belt.  Why go? This Italian institution has been serving this city since 1988. Since then, their two venues in Woden and Manuka have become Canberra’s go-to restaurants when it comes to classic Italian food. The Manuka location’s sleek black marble pass sees fluffy house-baked ciabatta with unfiltered olive oil, and crisp zucchini flours stuffed with four cheeses and honey vinaigrette. Both locations offer tried and true pizza and pasta, but the magic happens in their hefty secondi offering, featuring spatchcock with perfectly caramelised skin or hearty slow-cooked lamb shank that falls apart.

What is it? A longstanding family-run restaurant with hand-rolled pasta and an excellent wine list in Narrabundah. Why go? Walking through the brick arches at La Cantina feels like you’ve descended into a secret Italian wine cellar and not a leafy corner of Narrabundah. However, you would be right in some aspects, with stacks of Australian and Italian drops available from their impressive wine collection. Let their warm and savvy waiters steer you towards a drop to go with their traditional Italian menu. Their house-made pasta dough is a highlight here, with dishes like their umami-laden duck agnolotti being a favourite since opening in 2009.

What is it? A swish lakeside restaurant inspired by the Italian coast run by a celebrated Canberra chef.  Why go? Are we on the shores of Lake Como or Lake Burley Griffin? Carlo Tosolini’s expansive restaurant will transport you straight to the heart of Italy, with its comforting carbs and deli fridge, stocked to the brim with local and specially imported DOP cheeses and meats. Pair buffalo mozzarella and gnocco fritto with an Aperol Spritz on one of their outdoor tables and you could call it a splendid day, but you’ll want to order a dish from their woodfire oven. Butterflied king prawns in garlic and chilli oil, or one of their pizzas with a bubbly charred crust.

What is it? A handsome seasonally-focused restaurant in a famous Canberra setting since 1996. Why go? Behind the grand arched windows of the landmark Melbourne Building sits one of Canberra’s best and longest-running Italian restaurants. Between their fresh bread and pasta, and the peppering of woodfired dishes throughout their menu, the food at Mezzalira is truly special. Changing with the seasons, you may find pappardelle with smoked duck breast, casarecce with suckling lamb, and the mainstay wood-baked focaccia with whipped ricotta and chestnut honey.

What is it? Considered modern Italian fare in Hyde Park, perfect for your next date night.  Why go? In the warmer months, there may be no better place to be in Adelaide than dining al fresco at this contemporary Italian eatery. On the flip side, the best place to be in winter is with a bowl of ricotta gnocchi tucked into their booths. But before you go for one of their housemade pasta dishes, order as many Australian-inspired bites off their antipasti menu as you can. Their 'rootello bonnato' is a favourite, with diced kangaroo, shallots and bonito grated with cured egg yolk that’s worth its weight in gold. Local produce continues to shine on dishes like wood grilled Coorong mullet with artichoke velouté and a sprinkling of toasted seaweed.