Surry Hills isn’t just another Sydney neighborhood – it’s a secret spot for killer Italian food. If you love good eating, this is where magic happens. The Italian restaurants here mix classic Italian cooking with Sydney’s cool style, creating meals that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Think fresh pasta made by hands that know exactly what they’re doing. Think pizzas that are crisp, loaded with flavor, and totally worth every single bite. These aren’t fancy restaurants with large menus – these are real places where food tells a story. A story of great ingredients, smart cooking, and people who really care about what lands on your plate.

Here are the 7 best Italian restaurants in Surry Hills that you need to try if you are visiting the inner-east suburb of Sydney.

Best Italian Restaurants in Surry Hills

1- Pellegrino 2000

Google Rating: 4.5

Nestled at 80 Campbell Street, Pellegrino 2000 stands out as one of the top Italian restaurants in Surry Hills. This restaurant delivers an authentic Italian experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. The warm and inviting atmosphere, particularly in the charming cellar dining area, sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable Italian meal.

The menu at Pellegrino 2000 is a celebration of traditional Italian flavors with modern finesse. Their focaccia bread served with truffle Parmesan butter is a must-try starter that hints at the culinary delights to follow. If you are a pasta lover, you will be impressed by their signature dish which is the rich Ragu and succulent prawn linguine. The meal culminates perfectly with their heavenly Tiramisù alla nocciola, a dessert that truly captures the essence of Italian sweetness.

2- Giuls

Google Rating: 4.6

Located at 1/515 Crown Street, Giuls brings a fresh approach to Italian dining in Surry Hills. This neighborhood restaurant offers a delightful twist on classic Italian cuisine, complemented by an impressive selection of cocktails and wines. Drawing inspiration from the Tuscany region, Giuls emphasizes seasonal ingredients and fresh, homemade pasta.

The menu is a testament to culinary creativity, with standout dishes that are sure to impress. Their arancinis are particularly noteworthy, described as “to die for” by enthusiastic diners. The Vodka Pasta emerges as a crowd favorite, while the tiramisu provides a sweet conclusion to the meal. Although the concrete interior might affect acoustics, the restaurant’s commitment to flavor and quality more than makes up for any acoustic challenges.

3- Mark And Vinny’s

Google Rating: 4.6

Situated at G07/38-52 Waterloo Street, Mark And Vinny’s represents the modern face of Italian cuisine in Surry Hills. This contemporary restaurant pushes the boundaries of traditional Italian cooking with its innovative flavor combinations and unique pasta dishes. The gnocchi special with carrot rosemary purée has been highlighted as a standout dish that demonstrates the restaurant’s creativity with flavors.

What sets Mark And Vinny’s apart is not just its exceptional food but also its extensive spritz menu and welcoming atmosphere. The friendly and attentive servers contribute to the restaurant’s charm, making it a popular Italian food place for those on the quest for a comforting Italian meal in Surry Hills. Given its popularity, it’s recommended to book in advance, even on weekdays.

Also Read: Best Italian Restaurants in Adelaide

4- Pan Divino

Google Rating: 4.9

Located at 560 Crown Street, Pan Divino offers an intimate dining atmosphere that immediately feels warm and welcoming. This Italian food place delights diners with an exceptional menu that showcases the true essence of Italian cooking. The hand-made pasta stands out as a highlight, with each dish carefully crafted to perfection.

You also must order the beautifully fresh kingfish, tender octopus, and the perfectly cooked veal cutlet. The cacio e pepe emerges as a comfort dish that elevates simplicity to an art form. The gnocchi, in particular, has earned high praise as potentially the best in Surry Hills.

Their desserts are equally impressive, with a zesty lemon sorbet and a rich, creamy tiramisu that provides a perfect finale to the meal.

The restaurant offers a plentiful selection of beer, wine, and spirits at reasonable prices, making it an accessible yet sophisticated dining destination for Italian food in Surry Hills.

5- Bastardo

Google Rating: 4.6

At number 5, on our best Italian restaurants in Surry Hills list, we have Bastardo. Located at 50 Holt St, Bastardo brings energy and excitement to Surry Hills’ dining scene.

The restaurant offers a dynamic atmosphere that balances bustling energy with attentive service. Despite the noise level being somewhat challenging, the dining experience more than makes up for it.

The menu features standout Italian dishes like the Corn Agnolotti and the amazing Kingfish Crudo. Their cocktail menu is equally impressive, with the margherita cocktail receiving special mention. The restaurant provides a leisurely dining pace, allowing guests to truly savor each course.

The wine and drink selection is comprehensive, with staff consistently attentive to guests’ needs. While the environment can be loud, the welcoming staff and delicious cuisine create a memorable Italian dining experience.

6- Bar Conte

Google Rating: 4.8

Situated at 340 Riley St, Bar Conte is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of Italian culture. Known as the world’s first dedicated Negroni bar and Italian restaurant, it offers an extraordinary selection of over 30 Negroni variations using premium ingredients.

The intimate space feels like a home away from home, with food and drinks prepared with genuine passion. During the day, Caffè Conte serves ONA coffee and authentic Italian panini on freshly made focaccia bread. The evening menu features shared Italian dishes ranging from light aperitivo snacks to hearty pasta and main courses.

This restaurant truly captures the essence of Italian hospitality, inviting guests to experience a part of Italy in the heart of Surry Hills.

7- Pasta Emilia

Google Rating: 4.2

Situated at 259 Riley St, Pasta Emilia stands out for its commitment to authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine. The restaurant excels in creating dishes that are both flavorful and thoughtfully prepared, with particular attention to vegetarian options.

Signature dishes include a delectable lamb with fennel and lentils, and the Rigatoni all’Arrabiata con Burratina—a pasta featuring tomato, basil, chili, and fresh burratina cheese. The restaurant is especially praised for its vegetarian offerings, with staff going above and beyond to create memorable meals.

While serving sizes are modest, each dish is packed with rich, intense flavors that reflect the restaurant’s dedication to quality over quantity. The friendly staff and excellent atmosphere complete the dining experience.