Italian food brings people together, and Adelaide’s Italian restaurants do exactly that. From steaming plates of pasta to perfectly crispy pizzas, these family-friendly venues capture the warm, welcoming spirit that Italian dining is famous for.

While some Italian restaurants have been around for years, passing down secret recipes through generations, others are newer additions that bring exciting twists to traditional favorites.

In this guide, we’ll explore eight of the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide where you will find the most amazing Italian food.

No matter if you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or just craving an authentic Italian meal, these restaurants offer something special that keeps locals coming back for more.

Best Italian Restaurants in Adelaide

1- Osteria Oggi

Google Rating: 4.5

Located on 76 Pirie Street, Osteria Oggi is probably the best Italian restaurant in Adelaide CBD. The name ‘Oggi,’ meaning ‘today’ in Italian, perfectly captures their philosophy of blending traditional Italian cooking with modern culinary innovations.

The restaurant’s interior features distinctive high-chair seating along the front wall, creating an engaging atmosphere that encourages social dining.

What truly sets Osteria Oggi apart is their commitment to freshly made pasta, crafted daily in-house with meticulous attention to detail.

Their inclusive approach to dining is evident in their thoughtfully designed separate menus catering to vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-intolerant diners.

While the vibrant atmosphere can create a lively noise level, it adds to the authentic Italian dining experience rather than detracting from it.

2- Anchovy Bandit

Google Rating: 4.4

Located at the bustling Prospect Road, Anchovy Bandit has established itself as a dynamic presence in Adelaide’s Italian dining scene.

This authentic Italian dining place combines the warmth of traditional Italian hospitality with a contemporary dining approach.

Their extensive pasta selection showcases Italian craftsmanship through various shapes and styles, from the ridged tubes of Rigatoni to the elegant ribbons of Mafaldine.

Even the pizza menu is equally impressive, featuring classics like Margherita and more innovative combinations topped with creamy Burrata.

Moreover, their carefully curated beverage program complements the food perfectly. They have an impressive variety of wines and beers that pair beautifully with the Italian dishes.

3- Chianti

Google Rating: 4.5

Chianti is located on 160 Hutt Street and is one of those restaurants that refined Italian dining in Adelaide.

This Italian food place has earned its stellar reputation through an unwavering commitment to seasonal cooking and the artful fusion of Australian ingredients with Italian culinary traditions.

Their menu is a journey through Italian gastronomy, beginning with traditional Spuntini (small bites) and Antipasti before progressing to their masterfully prepared pasta dishes.

The attention to detail extends beyond the kitchen to the dining room, where uniformed staff provide impeccable service in an atmosphere of understated elegance.

While the pricing reflects the premium dining experience, the quality of both food and service justifies the pricing for the exceptional dining experience.

4- Borsa Pasta Cucina

Google Rating: 4.5

Located on 25 Grenfell Street, Borsa Pasta Cucina offers a refreshing take on casual Italian dining. The restaurant’s retro-styled dining room and open gallery kitchen create an inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements their honest approach to Italian cuisine.

Their dedication to house-made pasta sets them apart, with an impressive range of options including gluten-free varieties that don’t compromise on quality or taste.

The inclusion of gluten-free tagliatelle, a long pasta perfect for seafood dishes, demonstrates their commitment to accommodating dietary requirements without sacrificing authenticity.

The kitchen’s efficiency is remarkable, maintaining quick service times even during peak hours, while the generous portion sizes ensure satisfied diners.

The friendly staff and well-paced service complete the experience, making it a reliable choice for both quick business lunches and leisurely dinners.

Also Read: Best Steak Restaurants in Adelaide

5- Carmine And Co.

Google Rating: 4.5

A cornerstone of Adelaide’s dining scene since 1968, Carmine and Co. stands proudly on 49 Commercial Road as an award-winning Italian restaurant that perfectly balances fine dining with authentic Italian charm.

Their commitment to traditional Italian cuisine shines through their expertly crafted menu, which features generously portioned dishes at reasonable prices.

The restaurant’s signature Paccheri Ragù and Spaghetti Frutti di Mare have earned devoted followers among pasta enthusiasts, while their beef cheek ravioli showcases their mastery of handmade pasta.

Pizza lovers aren’t left behind, with good options like the Calzone Ragu and Italiano pizza drawing praise from diners.

While their extensive wine list might run slightly expensive, it perfectly complements the menu offerings. The attentive and friendly staff complete the experience, ensuring each visit feels special.

6- Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room

Google Rating: 4.4

At number 6, on our best Italian restaurants in Adelaide list, we have Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room which is located at 27 Leigh Street.

This Italian restaurant stands out for its remarkable attention to detail, delivering excellence across every aspect of the dining experience.

The kitchen’s expertise shines particularly bright in their Rigatoni ‘Alla Vodka,’ a dish that has become legendary among locals.

For those on the quest for a heartier option, the 350g wood-grilled ‘Angus Pure’ sirloin demonstrates their skill beyond Italian classics.

The restaurant’s sophisticated ambiance creates the perfect backdrop for special occasions, while the exceptional service ensures every guest feels valued.

Each dish emerges from the kitchen as a masterpiece, consistently exceeding diners’ expectations.

7- Ruby Red Flamingo

Google Rating: 4.4

Situated in North Adelaide’s vibrant Tynte Street, Ruby Red Flamingo offers a refreshing take on Italian dining by blending traditional flavors with contemporary style.

The restaurant’s unique layout, featuring separate dining rooms instead of an open floor plan, creates an intimate atmosphere that sets it apart from conventional dining spaces.

Their menu caters to various dietary preferences, with their gluten-free gnocchi receiving particular praise from diners.

Moreover, the fettuccine pasta and tender beef cheeks demonstrate the kitchen’s versatility, while their tiramisu provides a perfect finale to any meal.

The thoughtfully curated interior, featuring recycled dinnerware and furniture, creates an atmosphere that’s both sustainable and stylish without compromising on elegance.

In addition, the friendly staff complement the warm environment, making every visit memorable.

8- Parlamento

Google Rating: 4.5

Last but not least, we have Parlamento on our best Italian restaurants in Adelaide list. The food place captures the essence of authentic Italian dining with its sophisticated urban atmosphere and consistently excellent cuisine.

Moreover, the restaurant distinguishes itself by focusing purely on traditional Italian dishes, notably excluding pizza to maintain its bistro identity.

Their menu showcases classics like the Caesar salad and Spaghetti alla puttanesca, each prepared with meticulous attention to authentic Italian techniques.

The restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in their gluten-free pasta options, ensuring all diners can enjoy their offerings.

The genuine Italian staff brings both expertise and warmth to the dining experience, while the carefully curated wine selection perfectly complements the menu.

The combination of exceptional food, knowledgeable staff, and elegant ambiance makes Parlamento a standout destination for Italian food lovers.