Discover the tastiest Italian food in Newcastle

When it comes time to decide where to dine out, more often than not, the team here at HUNTERhunter are drawn to Italian food. I'm obsessive about this cuisine – its emphasis on using the best quality ingredients, simple but genius flavour pairings, and, of course, carbs, make it food I never get tired of.

Luckily in Newcastle, we're not short on outstanding Italian restaurants. Keep reading for our guide to Newcastle's Italian restaurants, including some restaurants that aren't strictly Italian – but their take on Italian food is too good to leave out.

alfie's

The divine pizza bread bears a resemblance to a dish from a certain Italian establishment in Sydney, but we reckon alfie's is even better. Smother it in an assortment of the restaurant's antipasti.
Where: 2/52 Regent St, New Lambton

Bar Solè

This joint has a buzzing atmosphere, and will have you lingering into the night over a few drinks and pizzas. The best part? Bar Solè is BYO, so you can choose a vino to suit your budget before devouring your pizza.
Where: 173 Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill

Bella Italia

Bella Italia is a delightful Italian experience, from the exposed brick walls, to the scent of freshly-baked pizzas, and the friendly staff. Pick one of the indulgent starters, then settle on a main from the whopping selection of dishes on offer. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Nic’s secret recipe tiramisu. Plus, Bella Italia has one of the most extensive vegan menus in Newcastle, so those eating plant-based won't miss out on an Italian feed.
Where: 545 Hunter Street, Newcastle

Casa Nova Italian

Heading to Honeysuckle for dinner? You can’t go past Casa Nova Italian for classic Italian dining with a modern interior.
Where: Unit 20/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

DiRoma Pizzeria

DiRoma has been a local favourite for authentic Roman pizza and pasta since its inception in 2017.  Expect classic pizza toppings plus DiRoma's own gourmet creations, all made from high quality, fresh ingredients. 
Where: 144 Glebe Rd, Merewether

Don Beppino's

Don Beppino's has been an iconic staple on Newcastle's Italian food scene for decades. The unmistakable little house on Merewether's Railway Street, decorated in the colours of the Italian flag, has been an unwavering supplier of quality Italian takeaway for 50 years in 2023.
Where: 45 Railway St, Merewether

Emilio’s

Situated on the corner of Union and Kenrick Streets in the former The Hood Milk Bar spot in The Junction. The original Emilio’s is located at Warners Bay, with The Junction venue their second spot – it’s home to warm Italian hospitality and homemade dishes.
Where: 188 Union St, The Junction

The Etna on Darby

The Etna serves up quality, home-style Italian food in a cosy dining room, complete with red-chequered tablecloths. BYO wine for a cheap and cheerful night out.
Where: 98 Darby St, Cooks Hill

In Forno

In Forno's menu is staggering in size, but don't let that deter you – it just means more Italian goodness to choose from. In Forno owner Harry is dedicated to using the best ingredients in his menu, including Caputo flour, which is made in Naples, the home of pizza. 
Where: 79-81 Beaumont St, Hamilton 

Market St Basement

Market St Basement has long been an inner-city favourite for Italian fare. It's an atmospheric spot perfect for a date night or a meal out with friends. Build your own antipasto to share, or choose from the classic Italian starters. Market St Basement is also known for its cocktails – the Limoncello Sorbita is an ideal accompaniment to an Italian feast.
Where: 2/2 Market St, Newcastle

MIINE

Whilst not technically just Italian, actually, they refer to themselves as Italian-ish or a New York-inspired Italian fusion restaurant – MIINE has one of Newcastle’s best sharing menus so it just had to make the list.
Where: 13 Darby St, Newcastle

Napoli Centrale

Head to King Street and you’ll find Napoli Centrale, creating authentic, hand-made Neapolitan pizzas. Peruse the menu for tasty pasta, calzone, and gnocchi, plus a selection of sweet treats.
Where: 173 King St, Newcastle

Nonna Bizzarro

It’s bold Italian-American dining served loud and late – expect cheesy starters, indulgent carbohydrates and creamy, chocolate topped desserts, all paired with a vibrant atmosphere built for after-dinner drinks and packed dance-floors.
Where: 125 Denison St, Hamilton

Osteria Papazzo

Osteria Papazzo began as a pop-up Italian kitchen by Alessandra Papazzo, bringing authentic Neapolitan cuisine to dining tables in Newcastle. Alessandra has since set up a warm and welcoming cucina on King Street. The menu at Osteria Papazzo changes up frequently, but Alessandra has definitely become known for a few signatures since kickstarting the business back in September 2023, like her slow-cooked ragu. Bellissimo!
Where: 40 King St, Newcastle

Parry Street Garage

Parry Street Garage's is a relaxed neighbourhood eatery that features a mostly modern Italian menu, and it’s been winning over locals for nearly 10 years. The huge industrial chic space is a favoured spot for big group hangouts, or cosy dates by the bar. The sweet potato gnocchi with cavolo nero, soft feta, toasted walnuts, and sage butter is a HUNTERhunter favourite, and we'd bet the Parry Street Garage team would struggle to ever take it off the menu without uproar from its loyal customers.
Where: 106 Parry St, Newcastle West

Rosina’s Pizza Restaurant

Located right in the CBD on Hunter Street, Rosina’s is a little known gem that has been family owned since 1985. Make sure to book a table because seats are limited!
Where: 39 Hunter St, Newcastle

Sapori at Tailors

Get your authentic Italian fix at Sapori at Tailors. Run by Roman husband and wife duo Francesca and Fabrizio, Sapori at Tailors is a cosy spot to enjoy pizzas, pasta, antipasti, and sweets. Everything is made fresh each day, including the desserts, which are a stand-out on the menu. Expect a Roman influence over the menu, with specialities like gnocchi amatriciana and supplí making an appearance on the menu.
Where: 10 Beaumont St, Islington

Scarpetta [coming soon]

Hamilton’s dining scene is getting a fresh taste of Italy, courtesy of the team behind Bistro Penny. Chefs and Restaurateurs Joel Humphreys and Nic Wong of Egg Shallot Hospitality are heading to Beaumont Street. Fresh from unveiling Bistro Penny's renovated upstairs dining room, and the recent opening of Blue Ribbon Bistro at Leichhardt Bowling Club, the pair will open Scarpetta, a snappy modern Italian eatery, at 106 Beaumont Street, Hamilton, in late October.
Where: 106 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Una Volta

Una Volta was inspired by owner Nikki's travels through Europe, in particular, a small family-run trattoria that she visited in Italy – known for changing up its menu each day depending on what was available. Bookings are essential at this Watt Street restaurant, where the 4-course set menu changes up each week. Or book your spot on a Wednesday or Thursday evening to enjoy either the set menu or choose from the a la carte menu. 
After 13 years, Una Volta will be closing – make sure you book in a visit before their last service on Saturday, October 10.
Where: 23 Watt Street, Newcastle

Special mentions

Arno Deli

When Italy produces some of the world's most iconic food products – think prosciutto di Parma, mozzarella di bufala, and balsamic vinegar – dedicating a deli to these culinary treasures was a no-brainer for Italophile Will O'Brien. Arno Deli serves up unreal panini, snacks, and wine alongside its deli offering. Try one of the paninis and you will quickly develop a religious-like devotion to Will's sandwich skills.
Where: 181 King St, Newcastle

Humbug

Now, let's clear something up before we cause controversy – you definitely won't find a margherita pizza or spaghetti marinara at Humbug. What you will find are contemporary takes on Italian snacks and pasta, often with an Asian twist. It's fusion cooking at its best, paired with a superb wine list focusing on small-production, thoughtfully-made wines.
Where: 87-89 Hunter St, Newcastle

Lock's Paddock

Lock's Paddock is home to the theatrical cacio e pepe, a Roman pasta dish of cheese and pepper, served in a wheel of pecorino cheese. Its service at your table is every bit as dramatic as you'd hope it would be. This buzzy spot is a favourite for Italian cured meats, pasta, and mains, as well as a selection of European-inspired dishes and flavours.
Where: 16 Watt St, Newcastle

Urban Restaurant and Wine Bar

A warm and inviting space, Urban Restaurant and Wine Bar is a European-inspired restaurant run by owners Tim and Kasia. Alongside the selection of tapas, and an excellent wine list, you'll also find a choice of fresh housemade pasta dishes with flavours like penne with porcini mushroom, pappardelle with beef cheek, and angel hair with blue swimmer crab.
Where: 143 Darby St, Cooks Hill

The businesses featured within this article have not paid to be featured, the content has been curated by the HUNTERhunter editorial team. We only promote businesses we love and think our readers will love too!