22 Of The Best Italian Restaurants On The Gold Coast In 2026
Isabel Croker
Editorial Manager (AU + NZ) | Urban List
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List
Ask anyone what their favourite cuisine is and more often than not, it'll be Italian. Pizza, pasta and antipasti—what's not to love? So I've been salivating ever since I was appointed the task of sharing the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri with you. Hey, someone's got to twirl their fork, slurp that cheese and sip all the aperitifs and all I'm saying is I was up for the challenge.
With great palatable praise comes great responsibility, to not only deliver delicious meals to the masses, but to pay homage to the traditional recipes—some of which have been handed down and perfected through countless generations. And that’s what makes Italian food so damn great, it’s been tried, tested and tasted over and over again.
Here at Urban List, finding authentic Italian requires due diligence. Lucky for you, I’ve done the legwork (shovelled in kilos of carbs) and sorted the stayers from the players. You can say grazie mille to me later. Scroll on for 23 of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast in 2026, in North to South order.
The Gold Coast's Best Italian At A Glance
Northern Gold Coast Italian
Mad Over Italian
Shop 4, 99-103 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island QLD 4212
Yet to hear about Mad Over Italian (MOI)? It's not by accident. The locals are keeping this one quiet in hopes to nab the tables for themselves. Plating up Italian flavours with coastal flair in their casual dining space, I am seriously shocked this place is not booked out every night of the week—jump on this Italian restaurant before the rest of Gold Coast does and book your table 12-3pm or 4:30-9pm any day of the week.
INSIDER INTEL
- It's owned by a local Gold Coast family
- Head in Tuesdays for $24 gnocchi during dinner service
Jafa
Shop 7, 253 Ferry Rd, Southport, QLD 4215
Jafa is the cosy Italian gem that's won our hearts with their handmade pizzas and pastas. Their extensive wine list, features Australian, New Zealand, and European varieties, offering a robust selection of rare drops on the GC.
Interestingly, their pizzas undergo a complete fermentation period, which makes for light bases that don't sit as heavy in the belly. It's one of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast for carb-loading minus the belly ache.
INSIDER INTEL
- It's BYO Tuesday to Thursday
- For one of the more interesting Italian dishes on the Gold Coast, the gamberi limone spaghetti is a must-try. A symphony of fresh prawns, lemon, zucchini ribbons and white wine
Mr P.P.’s Deli & Rooftop
43 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Mr P.P's | Isabel Croker
Tucked inside one of the Gold Coast’s few historical buildings, Mr P.P.’s namesake was a Postmaster General whose family called the space home for a century. Today, this moody, multi-level haunt is arguably one of the best Southport restaurants for rooftop sips, generously loaded pizza, and top-shelf tipples.
The sopressa salami pizza with a ricotta base, roasted peppers, basil, and chilli-infused honey is a crowd favourite, best ordered at sunset on the rooftop, so you can watch the sun go down with pizza in hand.
INSIDER INTEL
- Pull up a barstool at the outer edge and overlook Southport’s hustle-bustle from the rooftop
- Percy's Bar is the vintage watering hole below, that hosts trivia every week
Bambino Ristorante
Shop 3/117 Ashmore Rd, Bundall QLD 4217
If you're on the search for dinner and a show, Bambino Ristorante is the best Italian restaurant on the Gold Coast for you. There's live entertainment every night, because according to the team "pizza and pasta taste better with a side of vino and song." They're not wrong.
Open Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm, then Friday and Saturday from 12 noon, you may have just discovered your new favourite night out without the cover charge.
INSIDER INTEL
- Book your birthday here and score your mail meal free
Roy's By Gemelli
Cnr Campbell & Panitz St, Sorrento QLD 4217
When Italian fare is this good, it’s worth hunting down. Which is exactly what you’ll need to do if you want try one of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast, Roy's By Gemelli. Helmed by the Gemelli crew—brothers Alec, James and Paul Carney—it's one of their formidable six Italian venues across the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
The brothers aspired to create a social meeting place for the neighbourhood of Sorrento, where residents could wine and dine without needing to drive or book a babysitter. Roy's is also named after the brothers' adorable dog, Roy, so extra points. They're open seven nights a week 5pm-8:30pm and for lunch 12pm-2:30pm Friday through Sunday.
The menu is bursting with Gemelli classics and authentic recipes from the motherland. And it's widely touted as the best Italian restaurant on the Gold Coast for midweek family dinners. It's widely known that the kids menu fave is Roy's classic margherita.
INSIDER INTEL
- Roy's tiramisu is so damn beautiful, it feels like I'm on a date with it and my partner just happens to be sharing the table with us
Papa Rolly's
1/124 Pappas Way, Carrara QLD 4211
Image Credit: Papa Rolly's | Clayten Fowler Photography
Speaking of the Gemelli empire, I would be remiss not to include their newest Italian venue, Papa Rolly's. Named for the very first food truck twins Alec and James Carney (along with older brother Paul) launched back in 2016, Papa Rolly’s brings Gemelli’s signature handmade Italian fare to Carrara, with a casual, family-friendly vibe.
Alec and James explained why they felt drawn to Carrara, saying “We feel our company ethics of growing up cooking with mum resonates well in a community location and we want to bring that vibe to Carrara like we did with Roy’s By Gemelli.”
So what’s on the menu? There's an emphasis on wood-fired pizza and handmade pastas. The Bella Donna pizza with San Marzano tomato, double mozzarella, provolone cheese and New York pepperoni is a must-order, as is the Rigatoni Roy’s pasta with chicken breast, mushrooms, avocado, cherry tomatoes and Napoli sauce.
INSIDER INTEL
- Papa Rolly's boasts an on-site Gelato Gemelli bar
- You can BYO with a $10 corkage fee
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Central Gold Coast Italian
Cucina Vivo
The Star Gold Coast, Lobby Level, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Cucina Vivo | Instagram
Step past the open-plan kitchen and crackling wood-fired pizza oven and you’ll be transported to a little slice of the Amalfi Coast right here in Broadbeach. Cucina Vivo’s retro ‘60s colour palette of dusty pink and seafoam blue is decorated with oversized pendant lights, plantation-style shutters and a chic white terrace overlooking The Star’s sparkling resort pool.
Keep an eye out for ticketed events like the Italian Long Lunch where you'll indulge in a three-course share-style lunch with a 2.5 hour drink package and live entertainment. Or, ogle the menu to mentally order before your booking.
INSIDER INTEL
- Bring your appetite because you must not leave without trying Cucina Vivo’s legendary Cioccolato Rosso Ferrari. I'll leave it at that to not ruin the surprise.
Sofia's Restaurant & Bar
Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Sofia's | Instagram
Sofia’s Restaurant and Bar is a homage to the dreamy tones of coastal Europe and this Italian gem delivers a magnificent share-style menu that's stripped back, refined and lets the quality produce speak, nay, sing for itself.
What really makes this one of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast is the raw bar. Which features live oysters opened to order, served with a side of Chardonay mignonette. Or the cheekily named Caviar Bump, served with a glass of frozen Beluga vodka.
Created by the team behind Luna's Broadbeach and Southport's Farina & Co., the menu showcases the flavours of fresh, local produce—as well as some delectable European specialties thrown in for good measure. A short wander from The G Broadbeach north tram stop, book any day of the week for lunch, midday - 2.45pm or dinner 5 - 9.30pm.
INSIDER INTEL
- The white-washed space with mirrored wall arches filled with Aperol bottles is seriously stunning.
Gemelli Italian
2/2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: Gemelli Italian | Instagram
A packed dining room seven nights, plus lunch Friday to Sunday, is a testament to the Gemelli crew. Gemelli, translating to ‘twin’ in the mother tongue, is the original trattoria in the brothers' hospitality empire and is somewhat of an institution among pizza and pasta lovers. View their menu here.
Come for the wood-fired pizzas and melted gnocchi bowls and stay for the extensive dessert menu, which features a selection of digestivi to sip or throwback, depending on your mood.
INSIDER INTEL
- The Nutella Bomba is recommended for 2-4 people, but sink your spoon into the cinnamon sugar-laced, scoop-topped dish and you may just slide the plate a little closer to you when no one's looking
Mario’s
Shop 48-52 Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Mario’s offers a staggering 20-plus pizzas to tempt you, from the simple Capricciosa to the Zingara with garlic prawns, spinach and camembert, it’s inevitable you’ll be rolling outta here. I literally eat my weight in smoky fettuccine carbonara each time I dine in and have not regretted lapping up that classic garlic cream sauce once. Browse menus here.
With over 20 years on the scene and a big favourite with both locals and tourists, it would be a crime to leave Mario’s off a list of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast.
INSIDER INTEL
- Eating your weight in smoky fettuccine carbonara and lapping up the classic garlic cream sauce is strongly encouraged
Double Zero
2/2715 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Neapolitan pizzas are known for their simplicity, and after a decade delighting diners with their authentic woodfired pizzas, Double Zero is hands down one of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast for pillowy bases bouncing with fresh mozarella. They’re certified by Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana as one of Australia’s most authentic Italian pizzerias. An impressive feat indeed. View their menu here. Book your table any time from 4.45pm for dinner service that runs until 8.30 or 9pm, depending on the day.
INSIDER INTEL
- Dishes are best paired with an aperitif, like a Campari or Limoncello Spritz, to really feel like you've transported to Italy, minus the jetlag
Ciccio's Pizza and Gelato
104 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Ciccio’s Pizza and Gelato is helmed by the Sicilian-born pizza and pastry chef Emanuele Malara and since launching onto the Broadbeach dining scene in October 2024, this casual, pint-sized spot has certainly made its mark.
Drawing on Emanuele’s decades of culinary expertise—honed in Rome and at the iconic Gemelli Group—Ciccio’s celebrates Italy’s most iconic duo: pizza and gelato. At Ciccio’s, “Si mangia con le mani,” meaning “to eat with your hands,” is taken quite literally. Here, you’re encouraged to forgo cutlery and dive in. If you weren't already sold, Emanuele recently won 'Pizza Chef Of The Year' and 'Best Classic Pizza' at Australia’s Best Pizza Awards 2025.
With 30 different options, choosing just one is no easy feat. Dessert isn’t an afterthought—it’s a necessity. Their housemade gelato comes in 18 rotating flavours. Ciccio's is open from 5:30pm during the week and from 12pm on weekends, so you really don't have an excuse to not visit... just saying.
INSIDER INTEL
- Ciccio’s pizzas are an experience in themselves, featuring a highly fermented dough that changes colour seasonally
Sapori
Santa Cruz Village, 60 Santa Cruz Blvd, Clear Island Waters QLD 4226
INSIDER INTEL
- For families, drop by Tuesdays where kids eat free with every adult main or pizza
Piatto
2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
"Cooking is what I’ll do until I die," says Harry. And the family affair is all part of that expression. "Brad and I are in the kitchen, he taught me everything so I’m basically a replica of him." You can taste the love in these dishes.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's a dizzying collection of beautiful imported Italian wines to pair with each dish
- Book via text on 0405 607 729
Gemellini
2247 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Baby brother to Broadbeach’s much-loved Gemelli Italian, you may be tempted to dine at Gemellini for the beautiful fit-out alone. A refined feature in Nobby’s dining scene and one of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast for moody dining and serious carb-loading,
Gemellini dishes up authentic wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas with recipes inherited from the team's Nonna. View their menu here. They're open Monday through Saturday for dinner from 5pm and Sunday for lunch from midday.
INSIDER INTEL
- The banquet is not for the faint of heart and makes for perfect birthday dining
Lenny’s Pizzeria & Bar
Shop 5/58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
Lenny’s Pizzeria & Bar is the kind of sprawling pizza joint that's reminiscent of balmy Euro summers sipping spritzes alfresco, except with an Aussie spin, under the shade of poincianas. This place is founded by Rob, one the OG Justin Lane crew who has a real passion and knack for next-level pizza bases - chewy, thin and proved generously.
But you’ll have to get there in a flash, because keep slingin' food until its sold out - which late in the night is often (and we assure you, it’s not for lack of preparation). View the menu, or check their Instagram for weekly pizza specials which have included the likes of Rick and Mortydella, The Gorgon Hamsley and Keanu Leaves. Hilarous.
Open 4:30pm-9pm Tuesday through Saturday it's one of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast for an early seating. With so much more to satisfy your Italian cravings, Lenny’s Pizzeria & Bar is a skeleton key for picky eaters, and has your next catch up written all over it.
INSIDER INTEL
- The prawn pizza with spicy confit garlic, fermented chili and lemon is a winner every time
- There's a careful selection of vegan and vegetarian options
Southern Gold Coast Italian
Crispy Italian Bar
1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Crispy Italian Bar | Instagram
Crispy Italian Bar's charming owners Ricky Proserpio and Matteo Tricario believe that traditional Italian bars or ‘Bar Italianos’ seamlessly blur the lines between restaurant, cafe and bar—a place where you can grab a panini for lunch, an aperitivo at sunset or sit down with friends and chow down on pizzas. There are no rules and that’s just how we like it.
16 pizzas grace the menu, all of which can be made gluten-free. Expect ultra-crispy yet thick pizza crusts—hence the very aptly named ‘Crispy Italian Bar’. Specials to keep an eye out for are the half-metre wood-fired pizza which serves three people and Wednesday night Gnocchi Night—four different types of gnocchi in a wood-fired pizza bowl. Crispy is open from 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 12pm on Sundays
INSIDER INTEL
- The wild mushroom with mozzarella, mixed mushrooms and truffle oil is delectable as is the vulcano, with prosciutto di parma, Calabrian nduja and stracciatella. If you have room, the chilli honey stracciatella is also next-level.
Justin Lane
1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Justin Lane | Instagram
The king of Italian food in Burleigh, Justin Lane has been around since 2011 with their iconic attitude 'eat, drink and be messy'. It's a local institution and one of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast for sourdough pizza and handmade pasta. There's a constant thrum to this vibey spot. Browse their impressive collection of menus, including an entirely vegan Italian menu and banquet option. From my experience, it's the only fully vegan-specific Italian banquet on the Gold Coast.
Of note is Justin's Long Lunch which runs Friday to Sunday and delivers endless food and drinks for two hours for $70 per person. Switch your next bottomless brunch for a bottomless Italian feast at JL.
INSIDER INTEL
- Get in early to nab a seat on the open-air terrace for a few negronis in the late afternoon sunshine
- The prawn, calamari and garlic wood-fired pizza on sourdough is hard to beat
Balboa Italian
1069 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Image Credit: Balboa Italian | Instagram
Widely considered of the best Italian restaurants on the Gold Coast is Palm Beach’s Balboa Italian. Like a glistening beacon of beauty on the Gold Coast Highway, this treasured neighbourhood haunt serves the locals fine Italian fare with a contemporary twist, all in the most magnificent of settings.
With towering ceilings, a grand chandelier and the perfect amount of rustic charm, Balboa’s decor is all kinds of Insta-worthy. Plus, it's open seven nights for dinner and Friday through Sunday for lunch. View the menu here. Add it firmly to your date night roster.
INSIDER INTEL
- I suggest starting with the Byron Bay burrata, a chef’s special served up with house-harvested honey, followed by the chestnut gnocchi with black truffle and sage
- If the weather forecast is fine, request a seat on the upstairs outdoor balcony
The Deli By Pepe
Shop 13/1102 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
INSIDER INTEL
- Admittedly, they had me at Cheese Wheel Wednesday
- They're open from 3pm and the kitchen fires up from 5pm, naturally it's heaving every night of the week
Tommy's Italian
818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223
Image Credit: Tommy's Italian | Instagram
Located on pristine Currumbin Beach, Tommy’s Italian is the breezy southern hang with all the charm of a coastal Amalfi getaway. The bright, airy venue features an upstairs balcony with prime position for those unbeatable ocean views with your long, lazy Italian lunch.
The menu encapsulates the perfect Italian food philosophy—simple food done well, with a focus on fresh, high quality ingredients. Load up the lunch table with antipasti including burrata and chicken liver parfait, as well as something hot and fresh from the grill, before diving into the classic pizza and pasta selections with a modern twist. They're open 5pm - 9pm from Monday to Thursday and for lunch and dinner from Friday to Sunday.
INSIDER INTEL
- Tommy's is perfect for big group catchups, but you'll need to book well in advance
Bar Evelyn
58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Last yet certainly not least, Bar Evelyn has made a serious impact since it landed on the Gold Coast dining scene a few years ago. While not technically an Italian purist, Bar Evelyn has Italo-American influences but with sourdough pizza, hand made pasta, seasonal antipasti and natural wines making the vast majority of the menu.
Melbourne hospitality legends and the driving forces behind Bar Evelyn, Mark Catsburg and Nick Stanton, opened Bar Evelyn in part due to their love of pizza and the lively culture that surrounds it. The 70s-inspired venue is almost diner-style with subtle American influences but it oozes intimate charm both inside and out.
While the menu changes frequently, must-orders include the salami and hot honey pizza, the vodka sauce rigatoni and jiggly tiramisu which are to-die-for. Bar Evelyn is open from 5pm Monday to Thursday and from 4pm Friday to Sunday untill 11pm.
Honourable mentions: Baskk Italian, Enzo's Cucina, La Calabrese, Bar Monte and Tamero Burleigh.
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Main image credit: Balboa Italian | Instagram
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