If you’re craving la dolce vita but couldn’t afford Euro summer this year, we’re bringing the sunshine your way instead. We’ve teamed up with Peroni Nastro Azzurro to bring you a slice of the good life from the best Amalfi-inspired spots all over the South Coast.
From great pasta and gelato joints to charming boutique bottle shops to find all your aperitivo hour supplies, here are six ways to live your best Italian life around Southern New South Wales.
Eat Up
It’s no secret that the way to any true Italian’s heart is food—so, of course, hunting the best authentic Italian-inspired restaurants has to be priority number one. We suggest grabbing a table overlooking the fisherman’s wharf at the charming rustic Il Passaggio in Bermagui or go luxe at Rick Stein At Bannisters in Mollymook—arguably the best seafood fine dining experience in NSW. Gerringong’s Bella Char Restaurant And Bar puts an Italian spin on modern Australian, or check out Silica sitting pretty on Kiama’s Surf Beach for stunning ocean views and some of the best fresh seafood this side of Positano.
Graze On Gelato
In our humble opinion, there are very few problems gelato can’t fix, especially when it’s lovingly made by the best in the biz. For your authentic fix, Bermagui Gelati Clinic has been awarded some of the best gelato across the state. The Dairy Bar and Treat Factory in Berry lets you watch the dairy cows graze while you lick up your gelato, or the family-owned Bodalla Dairy is worth detouring for if you’re passing by.
Live It Up On The Coastline
We may be biased, but we reckon our coastlines are easily up there with the sandy shores of bella Italia. So if Euro summer’s been a no-go this year, the pristine beaches of NSW’s South Coast are a pretty glorious backup plan. For your own little isolated patch of paradise, Murray’s Beach in Booderee National Park or Greenfields Beach are musts. More of an adventurer? Head down to Jervis Bay and try your luck at spotting the humpbacks and their sweet baby calves as they migrate during the cooler months.
Bring Home Those Amalfi Vibes
Italian design is all about bold patterns, vivid colours and plenty of texture. Wander through Bliss Gifts & Homewares effortlessly chic coastal-vibe homewares, or treat yourself to some luxe ceramics fit for a Roman king or queen at Home by Montague based in Narooma.
Learn To Cook Like Nonna
Adored Italian actress Sophia Loren once proclaimed that spaghetti can be eaten most effectively when you inhale it like a vacuum cleaner. We’ve never heard anything more relevant, but before you can eat the pasta, you have to make the pasta, so why not take a shot at whipping it up from scratch? Far Meadow Table at Bangalay in Shoalhaven Heads will teach you how to make authentic pizza bases and sauces from scratch, while Hampden Deli, Dining And School has a range of fun 2-hour classes that are guaranteed to impress at your next dinner party with amici.
Sip As The Locals Do
After a relaxed Peroni bevvie? Head to Kiama Inn or FIGTREE Hotel for a relaxed afternoon drink in the sunshine with friends and admire their Peroni range perfetto for aperitivo hour.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Peroni and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image: Urban List