Sydney’s love affair with pasta runs deep, thanks to generations of Italian chefs and nonnas who have made the city a carb-lover’s paradise. From breezy beachside osterias to moody inner-city wine bars, greater Sydney offers pasta experiences to suit every mood. Whether you’re craving a humble bowl of cacio e pepe or a theatrical fine-dining experience complete with tableside pasta service, these restaurants deliver with style. Below, we profile ten of the most highly recommended pasta destinations across fine dining, casual trattorias, traditional institutions, and regional specialists – all guaranteed to leave you twirling your fork in delight.
Palazzo Salato
Palazzo Salato marries the charm of a Roman trattoria with the polish of a contemporary Sydney restaurant. Tucked in the CBD, this expansive 120-seat venue features curvy leather banquettes, art-adorned walls, and a lively walk-in wine bar. The atmosphere is warm and convivial – inspired by New York’s Gramercy Tavern and the group’s favorite Italian haunts – yet undeniably “downtown” Sydney in its buzz and sophistication. It’s the latest (and most ambitious) project from the Love Tilly Devine team, and it has quickly earned critical acclaim for its vibrant dining room and outstanding wine program.
On the menu, Palazzo Salato is all about pasta. The kitchen rolls out labor-intensive, regionally inspired shapes – think delicate agnolotti del plin stuffed with Wessex saddleback pork, or spaghetti alla chitarra crowned with bottarga and a silky egg yolk. Sauces are perfectly glossy and deeply flavored, coating house-made casarecce and goat ragu or seasonal specials like scarpinocc filled with heirloom potato. There are also secondi (like wood-fired fish and steaks with house “Salato butter”), but pasta is the undisputed star here. Backed by a 600-bottle wine list and a Chef’s Hat (Good Food Guide 2025) to its name, Palazzo Salato delivers a pasta experience that’s both lovingly traditional and excitingly new.
Website: palazzosalato.com
Address: 201 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW
Alberto’s Lounge
Alberto’s Lounge is an intimate Italian trattoria hidden down a laneway on the fringe of the CBD. Stepping inside feels like entering a time-warp to a jazzy, dimly lit Roman wine bar – with a touch of Sydney swagger. Vintage posters line the walls, vinyl spins on the turntable, and the clink of Negronis and natural wines fills the air. Despite the retro cool atmosphere, there’s serious culinary pedigree here: chef Dan Pepperell (known for his creative twists on Italian classics) has imbued Alberto’s with a fun-loving yet expertly executed menu that swings from traditional to groundbreaking. Reservations are scarce in this cozy, brick-lined space, but the loyal crowd will tell you it’s worth the effort.
At Alberto’s Lounge, pasta is a passion. A bronze pasta machine sits proudly in the open kitchen, churning out fresh ribbons and tubes daily. Beloved staples include the paccheri Bolognese, served perfectly al dente with a rich, slow-cooked ragu that begs to be mopped up with focaccia. The bucatini all’Amatriciana (house-made bucatini with spicy guanciale, tomato, and pecorino) is unapologetically authentic, while specials showcase Pepperell’s creativity – think gnocchi cacio e pepe enriched with a touch of butter, or even a surprise ingredient here and there that elevates the flavor while honoring tradition. The chefs aren’t afraid to have fun (expect occasional riffs like a hint of garam masala in Roman tripe), yet fundamentals are never compromised. With creamy house-made gelato to finish and a pioneering natural wine list (Barolo to Aussie orange wine) to match, Alberto’s Lounge has earned a reputation as one of Sydney’s top pasta and wine bars. It’s frequently lauded by critics and diners alike for delivering “la dolce vita” – good food, good wine, and good company – in one stylish little package.
Website: albertoslounge.com
Address: 17–19 Alberta Street, Sydney NSW
Pellegrino 2000
Pellegrino 2000 is a Surry Hills trattoria that somehow feels like it’s been there forever – despite opening only recently. Housed on a corner with vintage tiled floors and an old-school neon sign, this garage-style restaurant exudes 1960s Italian charm. Inside, you’ll find checkered tablecloths, a lively soundtrack of Afrobeat and Italian pop, and a cellar-like ambience downstairs for late-night revelry. It’s the brainchild of the same hospitality dream team behind Bistrot 916, and their knack for creating “instant classic” venues is on full display. Casual and unpretentious, yet very much one of Sydney’s hottest tables, Pellegrino 2000 attracts a mix of trendy diners and seasoned food lovers (even a celebrity or two – it famously hosted a certain pop superstar during her tour).
The food is heartfelt Italian with a focus on impeccable produce and traditional techniques. Every morning, chefs hand-roll pasta for the day’s service. The signature dish – prawn ravioli in sage and brown butter – has achieved cult status; delicate parcels of pasta are generously filled with fresh prawns and bathed in nutty, aromatic butter that will have you savoring every drop. Other highlights might include lumache (snail shell pasta) with rabbit ragù, strozzapreti tangled with clams, or a classic tagliatelle Bolognese slow-simmered to perfection. Portions are generous and bursting with flavor. The antipasti and desserts are equally tempting, but it’s the pasta that headlines here. With a mostly Italian wine list and jovial service from staff in vintage-style white jackets, Pellegrino 2000 delivers an experience that’s both nostalgically old-world and vibrantly of-the-moment. It has already earned a Chef Hat and a loyal following, encapsulating what people love about Sydney’s new wave of Italian dining – authenticity with a side of irreverence.
Website: pellegrino2000.com
Address: 80 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW
10 William St
10 William St may be tiny in size, but it looms large in Sydney’s dining scene – especially for pasta aficionados. This Paddington hole-in-the-wall is first and foremost a wine bar, famed for its ever-changing blackboard of natural wines and the lively, elbow-to-elbow camaraderie of its patrons. Yet the food coming out of its closet-sized kitchen has made as many headlines as the wine. With alum chefs who have gone on to open their own celebrated restaurants, 10 William St has become the place where boundary-pushing pasta dishes are born. The vibe is unfussy and vibrant: a handful of stools, communal tables, bottles lining the walls, and a no-reservations policy that often means a queue of eager diners spilling onto the street.
The menu is concise and market-driven, but there is always fresh hand-rolled pasta stealing the show. In fact, 10 William St’s creative pastas are legendary – one bite and you’ll understand why people fiercely adore this place. A must-try is their spaghetti chitarra tossed with King prawns, garlic, chilli and tomato, a deceptively simple “seafood pasta” that packs astonishing depth and aroma. It arrives as an aromatic tangle that effectively ends any thought of an early night – you’ll want to order another bottle of wine and settle in. The kitchen is known for clever twists (they once snuck a splash of fish sauce into a beef ragù to amp up the umami, to brilliant effect), so expect the unexpected. One night you might find strozzapreti with wild weeds and pecorino; on another, perhaps tagliolini with mussels and saffron. Whatever the iteration, the pasta is consistently al dente and daringly flavorful. Don’t miss their iconic snack, the pretzel with whipped bottarga, which perfectly primes the palate for the pasta to come. Awarded a Good Food Guide hat, 10 William St proves that a casual wine bar can also be a temple to pasta creativity – without ever losing its fun, bustling soul.
Website: 10williamst.com.au
Address: 10 William Street, Paddington NSW
Fratelli Paradiso
Fratelli Paradiso is a name that has become synonymous with Sydney’s Italian dining renaissance. Tucked away on a leafy Potts Point street, this all-day trattoria has been an enduring favorite since it opened in the early 2000s – and it’s still packed morning, noon, and night. The room buzzes with a chic European energy: waiters in crisp shirts glide between tightly spaced tables, delivering dishes with warm Italian hospitality and precision. Regulars stop in for an espresso and cornetto at breakfast, and by lunch the place is heaving with devotees of the pasta and wine. Fratelli Paradiso is often credited with pioneering Sydney’s love of natural wines (its groundbreaking wine list introduced many to “orange” wines and minimal-intervention drops), but it’s equally revered for defining modern Italian cooking in Sydney.
The pasta here can only be described as iconic. Their Lasagnette alla Bolognese – a signature dish of ribboned lasagna sheets layered with rich meat sauce and besciamella – is practically a rite of passage for any Sydney foodie. It’s deeply comforting and perfectly executed, illustrating how the kitchen respects tradition while delivering on flavor. Seafood lovers swoon over the spaghettini with spanner crab, cherry tomatoes, Napoli sauce and scampi oil, a dish that balances briny sweetness with luxurious richness. Other staples like the simple but sublime penne arrabbiata or squid ink risotto (when in season) demonstrate the chefs’ mastery of the classics. All pasta is made fresh or cooked to order, and it shows in the texture and taste. Fratelli Paradiso has accumulated countless accolades over the years (including international nods, such as a spot on a “50 Best Discovery” list), but it remains unpretentious at heart. The vibe is lively yet polished, perfect for anything from a quick bowl of pasta and a glass of nebbiolo at the bar, to a lingering celebration dinner. If you ask a local for the quintessential Sydney Italian recommendation, chances are they’ll point you to the green-and-white awning of Fratelli Paradiso – and with good reason.
Website: fratelliparadiso.com
Address: 12–16 Challis Avenue, Potts Point NSW
A’Mare
A’Mare brings grand European flair to the Barangaroo waterfront. Perched on the first floor of the Crown Sydney tower, this elegant restaurant by chef Alessandro Pavoni offers sweeping harbor views and a sense of occasion from the moment you arrive. White-jacketed staff, a glossy open kitchen, and marble finishes give it a luxury sheen, but A’Mare smartly balances the glamour with genuine Italian warmth. Pavoni – already acclaimed for his two-hatted restaurant Ormeggio – conceived A’Mare as an homage to la bella vita: excellent ingredients, table-side service with a flourish, and an atmosphere of effortless indulgence. It’s fine dining, yes, but with a spirited twist that has diners talking.
Nowhere is that more evident than in A’Mare’s signature pasta presentation: pesto alla Genovese prepared table-side. At the start of your meal, you’ll catch the intoxicating scent of fresh basil wafting through the dining room. A waiter wheels over a 30kg Carrara marble mortar – imported from Italy – and proceeds to pound together Genovese basil, pine nuts, macadamias, garlic, sea salt, and pecorino/parmigiano cheeses with an olive-wood pestle. This fragrant green pesto is then tossed with trofie, a short twisted pasta, cooked perfectly al dente. The performance is as delightful as the resulting dish, which bursts with garden-fresh flavor and silken texture. It’s a little piece of Liguria by way of Sydney Harbour. The rest of the menu continues the show: you might have lobster paccheri in a delicate bisque sauce, paccheri al pomodoro flambéed in a giant Parmigiano wheel, or perhaps seasonal truffle shaved over handmade tagliolini. Tableside flair extends to other courses too – from a caprese salad where burrata is theatrically pierced and dressed in front of you, to a roaming gelato cart offering scoops of pistachio or amarena cherry. Backed by a 15-page wine list spanning Italy and Australia and impeccable service, A’Mare has quickly earned a reputation (and a Chef Hat) as one of Sydney’s premier dining experiences. It’s the place for pasta with a side of theater, delivering Michelin-level craftsmanship in a relaxed, sun-lit Sydney style.
Website: crownsydney.com.au/…/amare
Address: Level 1, Crown Sydney, 1 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW
Buon Ricordo
Buon Ricordo is a true legend of Sydney’s Italian dining scene. Nestled in a quaint Paddington corner building (with its blush-pink facade and iconic green door), this fine-dining institution has been delighting pasta lovers since 1987. The name means “good memory,” and indeed, generations of diners have cherished memories of special meals here. Stepping inside, you’ll find an old-world dining room adorned with white linen, oil paintings, and floral upholstered chairs – it’s like being transported to a classic European salon. Impeccably dressed waiters move gracefully between tables, many of them serving Buon Ricordo’s loyal clientele for decades. The late founder-chef Armando Percuoco’s spirit infuses every detail, and his protégé David Wright continues the legacy today, maintaining the standards of hospitality and culinary excellence that have earned the restaurant countless accolades (including long-held chef’s hats and lifetime achievement awards).
The menu leans towards Napoli-style classics, executed with love and luxury. Buon Ricordo’s signature pasta is the stuff of local folklore: Fettuccine al Tartufo (also known as “Fettucine al Tartufovo”). This decadent dish features fresh fettuccine tossed in a rich sauce of butter, cream, and parmesan, topped with a fried truffled egg. At the table, the waiter dramatically breaks the yolk and folds it through the pasta along with a shower of parmesan. The result is a heavenly, velvety coat on each strand, perfumed intensely with truffle – a dish so famous that more than half the diners on a given night will order it. It’s an unforgettable sensory experience, often cited as a “must-try at least once in a lifetime.” Beyond that, Buon Ricordo offers a full repertoire of Italian delights: perhaps homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach in sage butter, or mafaldine with traditional Neapolitan ragù of pork and beef. Seasonal specialties (like porcini mushroom risotto or white truffle linguine in truffle season) further highlight the kitchen’s skill and commitment to premium ingredients. With professional service that’s warm but polished, and an extensive Italian wine cellar, Buon Ricordo delivers on its promise of enduring quality. Dining here feels like an embrace from the old country – a place where time-honored recipes and genuine hospitality reign supreme, leaving you, indeed, with very good memories.
Website: buonricordo.com.au
Address: 108 Boundary Street, Paddington NSW
Pilu at Freshwater
Pilu at Freshwater is where rustic Sardinian cuisine meets the Sydney seaside in spectacular fashion. Housed in a weatherboard cottage overlooking Freshwater Beach (on the city’s Northern Beaches), Pilu offers a one-of-a-kind setting: from the dining room and lush garden terrace, you can hear waves crashing and feel the ocean breeze. Chef Giovanni Pilu opened this restaurant in 2004 to honor the flavors of his homeland Sardinia, and in doing so created a destination that draws locals, tourists, and dedicated foodies from across Australia. The atmosphere is at once elegant and relaxed – whitewashed walls, wide windows framing the Pacific, and the warmth of Italian hospitality make it ideal for long, leisurely lunches that stretch into sunset. With multiple Chef Hats over the years and a string of awards, Pilu at Freshwater is widely regarded as one of Sydney’s finest regional Italian restaurants.
Naturally, pasta plays a starring role in Pilu’s Sardinian-inspired menu. You won’t find generic spaghetti bolognese here; instead, expect unique regional shapes and recipes handed down through generations. A standout is the culurgiones – Sardinian hand-crafted ravioli dumplings, plump with potato, pecorino, and mint. Pilu serves them the traditional way: drizzled in burnt butter and sage, allowing the delicate filling and the herbaceous aroma to shine. Another house favorite is the malloreddus (often called Sardinian gnocchi, small ridged shells) which might come tossed in a rich sausage and tomato sugo, just as you’d eat in a Cagliari trattoria. The pasta is made fresh and cooked impeccably al dente, highlighting the kitchen’s skill. Of course, being by the sea, Pilu also excels in seafood – pairing local fish and crustaceans with Sardinian fregola (toasted semolina pasta) or saffron-infused sauces. From the pane carasau (crispy Sardinian flatbread) on the table to the mirto liqueur offered as a digestif, the experience is deeply authentic. Yet it’s all presented with modern finesse and paired with a stellar wine list (including rare Sardinian labels). Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in la dolce vita on a sunny afternoon, Pilu at Freshwater delivers pasta with a view and a true taste of Sardinia, making it an essential stop on Sydney’s culinary map.
Website: pilu.com.au
Address: End of Moore Road, Freshwater NSW
Marta Osteria
Marta Osteria brings a slice of Rome to the leafy streets of Rushcutters Bay. This bustling osteria, led by chef Flavio Carnevale, is devoted to the cuisine of the Eternal City – and locals will tell you it’s the real deal. The setting is stylish yet casual: a spacious open-air dining room with a central round bar, a covered terrace, and a warm palette of wood and terracotta. By day, sunlight streams in; by night, the vibe turns cozy with a mix of modern beats and the clink of Aperol spritzes. Named after the Roman neighborhood Trastevere’s convivial spirit, Marta channels that easygoing Italian charm. It’s the kind of place where families share wood-fired pizzas on Sunday, and young professionals linger over Negronis and antipasti after work. In a city full of Italian restaurants, Marta stands out as the go-to for authentic Roman pasta and hospitality.
The menu reads like a love letter to Rome’s classic dishes, and pasta is unquestionably king. The most famous offering is the cacio e pepe, which Marta has elevated to an art form. Served in the pan it’s tossed in, this minimalist marvel of tonnarelli pasta comes glossy with a creamy emulsion of Pecorino Romano, cracked black pepper, and a touch of butter – nothing more, nothing less. With top-quality DOP pecorino and freshly ground peppercorns (sourced from Queensland to get just the right fragrance), the dish is a revelation in how heavenly simplicity can taste. Many declare it the best cacio e pepe you can find outside of Rome itself. Other Roman pasta staples feature as well: carbonara made the traditional way with guanciale, egg yolk and pecorino (no cream, of course), and amatriciana with smoky bacon and tomato – each executed with authentic technique. All the pastas are made in-house or cooked to order, ensuring ideal texture and freshness. Marta’s dedication to tradition doesn’t stop at pasta; you’ll find supplì (fried rice balls) oozing cheese, Roman-style pizzas (with a thin, crisp crust), and classic secondi like saltimbocca. The wine list highlights Italian regions (with a focus on Lazio) and the cocktail list puts twists on Italian staples. Service is upbeat and family-friendly, reinforcing the osteria vibe. For a relaxed night out that still delivers serious food cred, Marta Osteria offers a Roman holiday for your tastebuds – no airfare required.
Website: marta.com.au
Address: 30 McLachlan Avenue, Rushcutters Bay NSW
Beppi’s
Beppi’s is Sydney’s original Italian restaurant icon – a place where history, family, and pasta converge in one delightful package. Opened in 1956 by the late Beppi Polese, this East Sydney institution has been run by the Polese family for nearly seven decades, making it the longest-running Italian restaurant in the city. Walking into Beppi’s feels like stepping back in time (in the best possible way). The dining room, with its brick archways, red leather booths, and walls adorned with photos of celebrities and politicians who’ve dined here, exudes Old World charm. Generations of Sydney diners have celebrated milestones under its roof, and many of the waitstaff have been with Beppi’s for decades, contributing to the feeling that you are being looked after by family. It’s no wonder that Beppi’s is affectionately dubbed “the godfather of Italian dining in Sydney.”
The menu leans classic and hearty, reflecting both northern and southern Italian influences with a nod to what was available in Australia in the mid-20th century (Beppi famously helped introduce ingredients like olive oil and radicchio to Sydney). The pasta is made in-house and has stood the test of time. One legendary dish is the house-made pumpkin gnocchi, a recipe unchanged for decades: tender little dumplings served in a burnt butter and sage sauce, sprinkled with toasted amaretti crumbs for a delicate crunch. It’s a dish that encapsulates why Beppi’s endures – simple ingredients, prepared perfectly, evoking warmth and comfort. Equally renowned are the linguine alle vongole, brimming with fresh pipis (clams) in garlic, white wine, and parsley, and the classic lasagne al forno, which arrives bubbling from the oven just like nonna would make. The menu also features retro indulgences like fettuccine tossed in a giant wheel of Parmesan and finished with truffle (a showstopper at the table), and a wide range of secondi, from saltimbocca to market-fresh fish. While tastes have evolved over the years, Beppi’s has kept its charm by doing what it’s always done best: welcoming guests with open arms and feeding them generous plates of soulful, authentic pasta. Dining here isn’t just about the food – it’s about experiencing a slice of Sydney’s culinary heritage. Many a night ends with Beppi’s famous homemade limoncello and a happy promise to return, making sure the legacy lives on.
Website: beppis.com.au
Address: 21 Yurong Street, East Sydney NSW
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From the inner-city lanes of Surry Hills to the sun-kissed sands of Freshwater Beach, Sydney’s pasta scene is as diverse as the city itself. These ten venues represent the very best in their class – whether it’s cutting-edge chefs reinventing traditions, or venerable institutions guarding the old recipes. What they all share is a commitment to craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and the Italian ethos of enjoying life through food. In Sydney, enjoying a plate of pasta isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience: a chance to travel to the hills of Rome, the shores of Sardinia, or the kitchens of Naples, all without leaving town. So next time you’re craving a perfect bowl of pasta, you know where to go. Buon appetito!
