Who can blame us for this enduring love affair with Italian restaurants? These true maestros have deliciousness down to a fine art. Even bad Italian tastes pretty damn good, but why waste your carb quota on the sub par? Finding authentic Italian in Perth/Boorloo requires due diligence.
Lucky for you, at Urban List, we’ve done the legwork and sorted the stayers from the players. You can say grazie mille to us later. Unbuckle your belt, these are the very best Italian restaurants in Perth.
Lulu La Delizia
Subiaco
Image credit: Lulu La Delizia | Instagram
Are you one of those delulu types who refuses to order pasta in a restaurant? Think you can just whip up a carbonara at home, huh? Sorry, but you’ll soon be eating your words, along with a slice of humble pie after feasting on Joel Valvasori’s creations. Lulu La Delizia has earned its accolades as one of the best in the game, not only in Perth, but nationally. Trust us when we say, this is a very good place to start if you’re looking for the best Italian restaurant in Perth.
Post
Perth
Image credit: Post | Instagram
Nestled in the foodie mecca that is The State Buildings, Perth restaurant Post has made a name for itself as one of the best Italian restaurants in Perth. Expect full-flavoured, modern Italian dishes guided by the season’s best Western Australian produce, beautifully served up in the most stylish surrounds. Whatever you do, just be sure to leave room for dessert because the tiramisu is next level.
Vin Populi
Fremantle
Image credit: Vin Populi | Instagram
Brought to us by the same legends behind No Mafia, Vin Populi (Italian for 'wine for the people') is a light, breezy and sophisticated wine bar slash restaurant serving up antipasti, fresh made pasta and beautiful local meats alongside a cracking 160-bottle Italian-Australian wine list and sexy Italian cocktails. Start with a few tasty morsels to share then dive head first into a bowl of pasta before finishing with some Italian doughnuts and a nip of Frangelico.
Si Paradiso
Highgate
Image credit: Si Paradiso | Instagram
Si Paradiso’s retro Italian vibes will have you feeling like vintage Amalfi has arrived in Perth and offers two ways to dine depending on your mood. Keep things laidback with a couple of woodfired pizzas and a bottle of chilled red with the DJs in the amphitheatre or take a seat in the dining room and get stuck into Italian snacks, share plates and the most divine bowl of gnocchi in burnt butter sauce with sage, pioppino mushrooms, pine nuts and parmigiano.
Perugino
West Perth
Image credit: Perugino | Supplied
Perugino has long been held as one of the best Italian restaurants in Perth. Head chef and owner Giuseppe Pagliaricci and his wife Rosalba provide an authentic and sophisticated Italian experience that has stood the test of time—serving up delectable Italian fare since 1986. The food is classic, with a modern twist, the dessert trolley is legendary and the wine list is extensive.
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Testun Bar
Inglewood
Image credit: Testun Bar | @michael_tartaglia
You won't get the traditional spag bol here, but don't let that steer you away from Perth's coolest Italian joint. Testun Bar is the playful neo-Italo bar from the same family behind Three Coins & Sons. With the younger family members leading the charge here, it’s giving 'when mum and dad are away, the kids will play' energy, with vibrant nonna-core interiors and loads of playful dishes that don't stick to old rules. Grab some mates, throw on a few cheap vinos from the bar and make a night of it.
La Madonna Nera
Mount Hawthorn
Image credit: La Madonna Nera | Instagram
La Madonna Nera is not only dishing out some of the finest Italian food in Perth but it’s home to one of the best-curated wine lists we’ve seen in a hot minute. The menu changes with the season, so you might shed a few tears here and there when your fave leaves the list but there’s always something fresh and exciting to make up for it.
Cecchi’s
Inglewood
Image credit: Cecchi's | Instagram
Cecchi’s packed up and moved down the road in 2023, with a bigger space even more beautiful than the last. We're still just as obsessed with their gorgeous Italian menu which features tasty antipasti like panzanelle (that's deep fried pizza dough for those playing at home), Le Delizia Latticini stracciatella with heirloom tomatoes and the most moreish prosciutto croquettes around. For a great value night out, come back Wednesday to get stuck into their Pizza and Cozze specials.
Dilly Dally And Bar Loiter
Subiaco
Image credit: Dilly Dally | Instagram
We sure lucked out with this delightful two-for-one deal in Subiaco. The venue is split in two, with the full Italian restaurant, Dilly Dally, out front and an aesthetic Italian bar, Bar Loiter, out back that slings drinks til late. In between, you’ll also find the most beautiful long table nestled in an arched corridor that’s perfect for any special group dinner party you’re planning.
Each venue has its own menu, but you can always ask to order from Dilly Dally if you’re seated in the bar and chasing something a little more substantial—we’re mad about the Blue Swimmer crab bucatini with tomato, fennel and chilli and the campanelle (a ruffled cone like pasta) with rabbit ragu.
Capri
Fremantle
Image credit: Capri | Instagram
Anywhere that serves complimentary soup with a main meal gets two ticks from us. Capri has been thriving since the 50s, providing the people of Fremantle with honest, hearty Italian meals and quality service. We highly recommend the minestrone soup, and don’t be afraid to pack on the parmesan.
Threecoins & Sons
Mount Lawley
Image credit: Threecoins & Sons | Instagram
Another reopening that caught our attention in 2023, Threecoins—Inglewood’s well-loved family Italian —closed up for a little refresh this year, with the younger family members (of Testun fame) taking the reigns. It’s still sporting the classic red and white tablecloths and slinging your traditional Italian eats, including their iconic baked rigatoni, alongside a whole host of banging new pinsas and seasonal dishes that are well worth a look in.
STAMPA!
Perth CBD
Image credit: STAMPA! | Ryan Cubbage
Headed up by two Italian powerhouses, STAMPA! (the new Italian restaurant inside Print Hall) is bringing traditional recipes and authentic Italian charm to Perth's CBD. The menu showcases dishes from Italy's diverse regions, from classic seafood delights to hearty plates of pasta. The showstopper for us? The huge shareable gnocchi, duh.
Francoforte Spaghetti Bar
Northbridge
Image credit: Francoforte Spaghetti Bar | Nancy Hanna
A neat little joint tucked away in Williams Lane, Francoforte Spaghetti Bar is experimental, unpretentious and too damn tasty to stay a secret. Their popularity has seen them expand into the arcade and they’ve even submitted to demands for gluten-free ‘spaghetti no regretti’. Bring your own chianti and go all Lady and the Tramp over a kangaroo bolognese or pasta broccoli.
Ischia
Highgate
Image credit: Ischia | Instagram
Located on the bustling Beaufort Street strip in Highgate, Ischia has impressed us from day dot with its no-fuss vibes and carbolicious eats. They've got plenty of cheesy delights like fondue, croquettes and burrata salad, as well as quality classics like chilli mussels, gnocchi and pappardelle ragu, but honestly, we can't go past their epic pizzas that you can order by the metre.
Mummucc
Wembley
Image credit: Mummucc | Instagram
If you're on the hunt for authentic Italian goodness, look no further than Mummucc (pronounced ma-mooch) in Wembley. The menu is short and sweet, with super friendly staff on hand to guide you to your next plate or pour. The pastas are next level but we’re also pretty big on just taking a seat at the bar, ordering whatever antipasti they’ve got going and working through the wine list. Be patient, this spot is walk-in only and it's generally busy, but oh so worth it.
No Mafia
Northbridge
Image credit: No Mafia | Instagram
Perth wine bar No Mafia takes inspiration from the recipes of Southern Italy—offering a simple but delicious lineup bolstered by an impressive wine list and Italian cocktail menu. We can’t go past the cheese-filled Roman arancini and the rich and silky duck pappardelle, but it’s all pretty darn delish. Grab a seat inside or if there’s just two of you we suggest opting for a balcony seat so you can look out onto the street—what could be more European?
La Sosta
Fremantle
Image credit: La Sosta | Instagram
Tucked upstairs away from the streetside action on Market Street in Freo, La Sosta is one of those places that if you don't know about it, you could miss it. But boy what a tragedy that would be. With the silkiest handmade pasta and super fresh seafood, this spot boasts one of the finest Italian menus south of the river, not to mention absolutely stunning interiors and authentic Italian service.
Birraz Ristobar
Mount Hawthorn
Image credit: Birraz Ristobar | Instagram
First-class Italian tapas, sexy pastas, friendly vibes and killer drinks—Birraz ticks all the boxes. If you still struggle to decide, though, just go with Egidio’s special selection—starting at $55 per person for the meat option (or $65 for seafood) you’ll get all the best stuff delivered straight to your table without the fuss of narrowing down options.
Keen to visit Birraz Ristobar in the future? Purchase a gift voucher.
Garum
Perth
Image credit: Garum | Instagram
Brought to us by Melbourne restauranteur Guy Grossi, Garum is a large-scale, rustic Roman restaurant championing the quality local produce that originally enticed Grossi over to WA in the first place. The menu is inspired by Roman food and dining culture and it's bringing a moody feel to the original heritage building it's located in.
Spritz Spizzicheria
Mount Hawthorn
Image credit: Spritz Spizzechiaria | Nancy Hanna
As soon as you see the layers of thinly sliced prosciutto draped over tiny clotheslines on everyone’s tables, you’ll know Spritz Spizzechiaria is pure fun. Their menu treads gently on your wallet too, leaving you with more dollars for an Aperol Spritz. The catch? The Mount Hawthorn locals keep their favourite joint tightly packed so we suggest you book ahead.
Santini Bar & Grill
Perth
Image credit: Santini Bar & Grill | Instagram
Santini Bar and Grill is dishing up a mix of elevated Italian cuisine with local West Australian produce all from an open kitchen so you can sit back and watch it all unfold. From handmade linguine with Blue Swimmer crab to the most beautiful tableside tiramisu, Santini offers Italian with a flair for the theatrics. The lavish dining hall is perfect for special occasion dinners.
Acqua E Sale
North Perth
Image credit: Acqua E Sale | @inexology
If you’re a fan of the Italian classics, let us introduce you to Acqua E Sale in North Perth. Here you’ll find nothing short of the most delicious interpretations of Italian staples, like panzanella with burrata, warm rosemary focaccia and fresh handmade pasta.
Monsterella
Wembley
Image credit: Montserella | @statedigital
One visit to this family-owned and run neighbourhood joint and you’ll be wishing Monsterella was your local. Casual, BYO and serving up saucy pizzas and banging pastas, Monsterella is your absolute go-to for an effortless night out. The place is usually packed out every night of the week with avid locals and loyalists alike. Far from a bad thing, Monsterella’s busyness is a testament not only to the quality of the food served, but the warmth of the family-style service too. The Bufalina and Frankie combo is the go.
Lalla Rookh
Perth
Image credit: Lalla Rookh | Instagram
If you’re craving authentic Italian with a dose of elegance and a good splash of top-quality wine, head to Lalla Rookh—a super-sophisticated wine-store slash restaurant with sleek interiors and a drinks list longer than most young adult novels. Order a Tuscan wine from their enoteca and head to the eating room for a fresh modern Italian feast. Their six-course Il Capo menu will leave you utterly sated.
Il Lido
Cottesloe
Image credit: Il Lido | Instagram
We couldn't possibly wrap up this list without slipping a mention of Il Lido in. The swoon-worthy seaside joint has long served up delectable Italian dishes. By day, you'll wanna grab a seat out on the checkered red and white tables and soak up the salty air. While nighttime dining is all about the family-style long tables. Oh and if you happen to be here on a Sunday, you need to find a spot for Chef's iconic lasagne for two on your table—it's a long-running Sunday special and one of the best lasagnas you'll find anywhere in Perth.
Tommasinos
Mount Lawley
Image credit: Tommasinos | Instagram
This popular laneway joint is dishing up a little slice of Rome, right here in Perth. And when in Rome, make like the Romans…which in this case means it’s all about pinsa, not pizza. Pinsa dough is made a little differently and is way more digestible and has less carbs and fats than other pizza doughs you’ll find around town, so feel free to ditch any guilt. But aside from that, it’s just really freaking delicious. You could also go to town on their pasta menu—they just so happen to serve one of Perth's best and cheesiest cacio e pepe that's whipped up in a giant cheese wheel and served right at your table. Say no more.
Pizzaca Pizzeria And Bar
Doubleview
Image credit: Pizzaca Pizzeria And Bar | Instagram
Opening up a few doors down from the family's much-loved pizza cafe, Pizzaca Pizzeria & Bar is their first foray into licensed dining and we reckon they're onto a winner. For a blissful Italian experience, order a bottle of red and the cheesy artichoke gratinato with wood-fired bread followed by a coupla bowls of pasta. The ricotta gnocchi with artichoke, broad bean and sage butter goes down an absolute treat.
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Main image credit: Vin Populi | Instagram
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