Dreaming of an Italian getaway? Across Sydney and Melbourne, you’ll find plenty of venues that channel the food, drink and atmosphere of Italy – no plane ticket required.
From handmade pasta to late-night wine and a refreshing Sanpellegrino with your meal, these are the spots where Italy feels close at hand.
SydneyCicerone
In Surry Hills, Cicerone Cucina Romana brings a slice of Rome’s underground to Sydney, serving nostalgic dishes with playful, contemporary twists. The moody, candlelit interiors and Italian playlist set the tone, while creamy tonnarelli carbonara, Roman-style woodfired pizzas and unique twists on classic Italian cocktails keep people coming back.
Machiavelli
Not much has changed at this CBD stalwart since it opened in 1988, and that’s all part of the charm. Portraits of local politicians and celebrities line the walls, while the menu sticks to Neapolitan classics like penne bolognaise, crumbed calamari, and tagliatelle with king prawns and mushrooms in a light bisque.
The Restaurant Pendolino
Inside the Strand Arcade, Pendolino is all about handmade pasta and polished service. Expect elegant interiors, a strong focus on extra-virgin olive oil across its set menus, and seasonal dishes that balance tradition and innovation. To drink, there’s a wide selection of Italian wines and Sanpellegrino to cleanse the palate between courses.
MelbourneDi Stasio Carlton
From the team behind Cafe Di Stasio and Di Stasio Citta , this Carlton spot is part gallery, part pizza-driven restaurant. Inside, you’ll find works by leading Australian artists; outside, a slate-tiled courtyard features a 17th-century stone fountain. It’s as close to a Roman piazza as you’ll get in Melbourne – especially with a slice of margherita in hand.
Marameo
Up a discreet staircase in the CBD, Marameo is intimate yet lively, suited to date nights and group gatherings alike. Settle into a corner booth for cocktails and squid-ink linguine, or swing by for aperitivo hour with drinks from $10. There’s even a rooftop terrace hidden away upstairs – ideal for soaking up the sun and pretending you’re in Positano.
The Melbourne Supper Club
An institution since 1998, this late-night venue doesn’t really get going until 11pm and stays open well into the morning – a haven for hospo workers and night owls. Come for wines by the glass, table service and old-world interiors overlooking Spring Street. The menu runs from polenta chips and cured kingfish to salsiccia sarda finocchietto, a cured salami from Sardinia.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Sanpellegrino.
Produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Sanpellegrino
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