Pasta way: 10 Italian Spots for the Best Pasta in Sydney

Enter the bustling warmth of Aperitivo, a restaurant aptly named for the drinks that precede a wonderful meal with loved ones. Surrounded by rustic brickwork and illuminated by low lights, this family-friendly establishment is inspired by the flavours and ambience of Southern Italy and Rome. It even boasts an indoor play area for the kids to use while you gorge yourself. Favourites include the gnocchi (served in a pizza bowl!), or the more traditional Marinara or Napoletana pizzas.

This hidden gem is a favourite of locals that looks out onto the bright leafy Stanley Street. Colour and life bursts from every corner of this Milano-inspired establishment, its vibrancy further intensified by each bite. The all-female team at Harry’s produces a menu with too many crowd favourites to count. Their fried polenta with spicy aioli, burrata la stella with ratatouille and vodka pasta with scallops are among those that keep people coming back time and time again. 

Engage all your senses in Forli, the Italian restaurant nestled within the Portofino style home on Darling Street. Here you can watch the world bustle by from the terrace or settle in among the lively colour and patterns of the interiors. Enjoy sampling delectable food and drink, including wine hand-picked from both Italy and Australian vineyards. Feast on such delicacies as squid ink spaghetti, sizzling garlic prawns or Cozze - Australian black mussels cooked in a fragrant Napoletana sauce. 

Tucked into a leafy corner of Rushcutters Bay is Figo Restaurant; a warm and inviting place boasting over 200 labels of Italian wine and an extensive cocktail list. Start with a flavourful beginner like local NSW buffalo ricotta, acacia honey, San Gimignano black truffle & Sardinian carasau bread. For antipasti, moscardini in guazzetto is a popular choice, slow-cooked octopus in a tomato sauce. The crab gnocchi is raved about here, and if you can manage dessert, so is the Figo Tiramisu. 

In a venue that is stunning in its simplicity, Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano’s walls are lined with famous philosophers and politicians, history and gravitas matching each bold flavour served. With menus updated seasonally, you can be assured only the freshest and finest ingredients are being used for your meal. Fiori di zucchini fritti (stuffed and battered zucchini flowers), freshly made spinach and ricotta ravioli, and pappardelle duck ragu in rich Madeira sauce are just some favourites of those who frequent Machiavelli’s.  

Views of Sydney Harbour during the day can only be rivalled by the sparkling city at night, and Cucinetta offers both. Threatening to outshine the panorama is the food, lovingly prepared by Vincenzo, the Italian-born chef. With well-lauded offerings like the Tuscan 16-hour slow-roasted lamb, your biggest challenge will be choice. Perhaps you should try the 6-Course Luxury Share Experience that includes wagyu steak, Vincenzo’s famous gnocchi and finishes with a classic tiramisu. 

Out on Jones Bay Wharf, you are invited to enjoy a delicious meal on the water amongst sleek finishes and cosy seating. Whether you’re seated outside or shielded by the massive windows, you will be able to enjoy the views and flavours comfortably here. “Sala” means room, and this particular room offers such delicacies as dry-aged Huon salmon Crudo, rock lobster pasta and New Zealand John Dory with seaweed butter, all of which come highly recommended by Sala’s patrons. 

Bathed in bright light from its stunning bay windows, Pilu at Freshwater provides exceptional views and flavours. This award-winning restaurant overlooks gardens and the ocean while taking you to new culinary heights with its Sardinian menu. The free-range suckling pig, Sydney rock oysters with honey and mandarin dressing, and focaccina with Pilu bottarga and Pape Saye butter are just some dishes that bring enjoyers of Italian cuisine back time and time again.   

Looking out at blues, boats and hills, Ormeggia at The Spit creates a dining experience that’s coloured with cream and blue, green and tan. This relaxing eatery is Italian food with a sustainable seafood focus, and contains both a cocktail and a gelato bar. Heaven? More than likely. Ormeggia favourites include the spanner crab and tortelli, Oscietra caviar and the pan-fried Murray cod. And their exceptional Amalfi lemon gelato provides the perfect ending to an exquisite meal. 

Unmissable from the first glimpse of giant red lampshades until the last mouthful of delicious flavour, Mordeo Bistro is modern, vibrant and exciting. Three generations of talent guide this eatery’s journey through Southern Europe, and it’s easy to follow their name’s simple instruction: to bite or devour. Wonderful dishes that will keep you coming back for more include the arancini with grana padana aioli, slow-cooked lamb ragu papradelle, and the fish of the day that is updated daily.