The Best Italian Restaurants In Canberra Australia

For a taste of Italy on the other side of the world, Canberra will not disappoint as it offers up an array of fantastic Italian restaurants loved by many. Be sure to check them out if you’re visiting the Australian capital.

Provini

Provini is a blast from the past with a contemporary yet traditional menu. The interior has a hint of ‘yesteryear’ about it, with swirly carpets, prints of classic paintings lining the walls and lace curtains in the windows in homage to ‘Nona’s House’. Their menu includes all the classic courses accompanied by a great selection of wines from Italy as well as some local Australian ones. Their wood fired pizzas are a favorite of Provini diners, as is the traditionally made tiramisu.

Address: 50 BUNDA ST, CANBERRA CITY 2600

Mezzalira Ristorante

It has been an institution in Canberra for over 20 years, and shows no signs of stopping. The attentive yet unobtrusive native Italian staff help to bring this authentic little restaurant to life, and add to its calm and easy atmosphere. Mezzalira serves up a host of delicious, traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary twist. They offer a fantastic early bird menu, making it the perfect spot for a pre theater dinner, thanks to its central location. There is also a 5 course tasting menu, which brings together all the tastes and flavors of Italy.
Address: 55 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia +61 2 6230 0025

Joe’s Bar at East Hotel

Joe’s Bar is a brand new addition to the luxurious East Hotel. It’s interior, which was designed in tribute to the owners father Joe, who founded the group, mixes a quirky, vintage vibe with classic Italian elegance, which makes for a striking place to eat. This small, contemporary restaurant is the perfect spot for a casual dinner or an aperitif at the 10 meter long marble bar. Why not try their popular cocktail, the Bitter Pig, which uses pancetta infused bourbon to create its memorable taste. You even get a bowl of complimentary popcorn with your drink. They also serve many Italian wines, which will go perfectly with your meal here. As well as being a fantastic bar, the food here is also taken very seriously. Italian-born Head Chef Francesco Balestrieri is renowned for creating dishes bursting with flavor, like his polpettine de carne (meatballs in a tomato sauce), or lasagne al sugo di maiale brasato (lasagne with slow braised pork).
Address: 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston ACT Australia 2604, Australia +61 2 6295 6925

Briscola Pizzeria

Named after the popular Italian card game, Briscola Pizzeria is a firm favourite among the locals. Everything served here is locally sourced, except the special Italian flour imported for their home made pizzas and pasta. Their traditionally made, wood fired pizzas are a very popular choice and it’s easy to see why. But they also serve all the Italian favourites like arancini di porcini or the delicious tiramisu. Why not try Briscola’s signature dish, not pizza, but Mum’s ravioli, which is made with roast pumpkin and ricotta. Pair your meal with a glass of authentic Italian wine, craft beer or change it up a bit and order a pitcher of Sangria or Osteria Fizz. Its relaxed, friendly atmosphere also make it a great place to bring kids, as they also offer a broad children’s menu too.
Address: 60 Alinga St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia +61 2 6248 5444

La Rustica By The Lake

La Rustica is located in a prime spot in the Kingston Foreshore precinct. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views over Lake Burley Griffin on a warm summer evening. It has been owned and run by an Italian family for over 20 years now. La Rustica’s interesting and varied menu offers a huge selection of pizza and pasta, as well as many meat and fish dishes to choose from. And their desserts are no disappointment either. Try the pera affogato (cooked pears with cream and warm chocolate sauce), and they also have the best selection of sorbets and gelati.
Address: Eastlake Parade & Trevillian Quay, Kingston ACT 2604, Australia +61 2 6295 0152

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.