Wollongong’s food scene shines with authentic Italian flavors that transport you straight to the cobblestone streets of Rome or the seaside villages of Sicily.

From family-owned Italian restaurants to modern eateries with ocean views, Wollongong serves up pasta, pizza, and tiramisu which rivals the best in Italy.

Whether you’re craving a wood-fired margherita pizza, handmade ravioli in sage butter, or a classic osso buco that falls off the bone, Wollongong has something to satisfy every Italian food lover.

The Italian immigrants who settled here decades ago brought their treasured recipes and cooking techniques, creating a rich culinary heritage that continues to evolve.

Join us as we explore the 8 best Italian restaurants in Wollongong.

Best Italian Restaurants in Wollongong

1- Ciao Cucina

Google Rating: 4.7

Located at 112 Corrimal St, Ciao Cucina offers authentic homestyle Italian cuisine in a cozy setting. This traditional Italian restaurant serves some of the most impressive Italian food you’ll find outside of Italy. The owner personally guides guests through the menu, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Start your meal with the Atlamura garlic bread and arancini before moving on to their standout mains. The gnocchi and veal scaloppine are customer favorites, while the seafood marinara is absolutely worth trying. Save room for dessert – their homemade lemon vanilla cheesecake and tiramisu are exceptional.

Ciao Cucina also has an impressive variety of Italian wines at reasonable prices. The staff is quick and attentive, making for a satisfying Italian dining experience from start to finish.

2- Restaurant Santino

Google Rating: 4.8

Located at 2/17 Globe Ln, Restaurant Santino brings Italian bistro dining to Wollongong with style. The Italian food place features classic decor with art deco prints adorning the walls, creating an elegant atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a dirty martini and Nina Simone playing in the background.

Their pasta menu stands out from the rest. While you can order classic spaghetti pasta, we recommend you to go for options like Conchiglie or Mafaldine pasta that offer unique flavors worth exploring. Moreover, their pickled mussels are so amazing that you can’t miss them.

For a sweet ending, the Gianduja Zuppa Inglese provides a delightful finish to your meal at this chic Italian bistro.

Also Read: Best Italian Restaurants in Surry Hills

3- Osteria Lume

Google Rating: 4.7

Located at 1/74 Kembla St, Osteria Lume is known for its traditional southern Italian cuisine cooked in their signature woodfire oven. The restaurant combines excellent food with the perfect ambiance for a memorable dining experience.

Seafood lovers will be impressed by their woodfire-cooked Italian seafood dishes, widely considered the best in Wollongong. Their gnocchi consistently delivers the ideal fluffy texture and rich flavor. The pizza and pasta options are equally impressive, and the desserts are simply outstanding.

Beyond the food, Osteria Lume offers modern decor and exceptional service, creating a complete dining package that keeps customers coming back.

4- Kneading Ruby

Google Rating: 4.7

Located at 5 Crown Ln, Kneading Ruby has established itself as Wollongong’s go-to destination for authentic Italian pizza. Their diverse menu features creative combinations to satisfy every palate.

Their must-try pizzas include the classic Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes and Fior di Latte cheese, the Pancetta with scamorza and potato, and the Soppressata with fermented chili. Vegetarians will enjoy the Cavolo Nero or Pumpkin pizza options, while seafood fans can order the Octopus pizza with amatriciana sauce.

Adding to the experience, Kneading Ruby offers an impressive variety of cocktails. The restaurant provides a lively atmosphere with generous portions that leave diners satisfied. Their commitment to quality ingredients and perfect wood-fired crust makes them a standout in Wollongong’s Italian dining scene.

5- Ain’t Nonna’s

Google Rating: 4.6

Located at 83-85 Market St, Ain’t Nonna’s delivers authentic Italian food that rivals what you’d find in Italy itself. Their homestyle cooking shines through in each Italian dish, especially their divine gnocchi that locals rave about. The zucchini flowers are another must-try specialty that you must order.

What makes dining here special is their popular “feed me” option, where dishes keep coming to your table in a true Italian family-style experience. Each plate surpasses what you’d expect from typical Italian restaurants in the area.

The outdoor seating area remains comfortable even on cool evenings thanks to well-placed heaters, while their drink menu perfectly complements their Italian dishes.

6- Da Orlando Pizzeria

Google Rating: 4.6

Located at 348 Keira St, Da Orlando Pizzeria has earned its reputation for serving the best wood-fired pizza in Wollongong. Their dough is light and airy with that perfect char that only comes from authentic wood-firing techniques.

Moreover, we recommend you to try their homemade gnocchi which earns consistent praise from locals who appreciate traditional Italian craftsmanship.

The restaurant balances attentive service without being intrusive, allowing you to enjoy your meal at your own pace. Their garlic bread makes an excellent starter, and the pasta dishes are also amazing.

Also, the generous portion sizes ensure that you won’t leave hungry. Walking in, you’ll be immediately greeted by friendly staff and the mouthwatering aroma of authentic Italian food.

Also Read: Best Italian Restaurants in Surfers Paradise

7- Ambiance Ristorante

Google Rating: 4.6

Located at 4/63-67 Princes Hwy, Ambiance Ristorante lives up to its name with a truly atmospheric dining experience. The rustic interior features exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and intimate table settings that create a cozy yet sophisticated environment.

Their ravioli alla lasagna stands out as a customer favorite, cooked to perfection. Starters like arancini and garlic ciabatta consistently impress diners with their authentic preparation. The restaurant offers superb Italian cuisine at reasonable prices considering the quality, making it a hidden gem in this suburban location.

Portion sizes are also more than adequate, ensuring excellent value for your dining dollar.

8- BASTA Trattoria

Google Rating: 4.0

Located at 60 Market St, BASTA Trattoria offers traditional Italian cooking with modern flair. Under Head Chef Harry Tagg’s direction, the restaurant has developed a menu that honors Italian traditions while incorporating contemporary touches.

Their Neapolitan pizzas, cooked in a specialized Marana woodfire oven, achieve that perfect authentic texture and flavor that you rarely find outside Italy.

The restaurant is known for its signature cocktails that pair beautifully with their pasta dishes, which are consistently cooked to the ideal al dente texture.

Diners can choose between the cozy indoor space or enjoy al fresco dining on pleasant days. The inviting atmosphere makes BASTA a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions among Wollongong’s Italian food lovers.