Corbett & Claude, Elizabeth St 

Housed in the basement of heritage-listed Corbett Chambers on Elizabeth St, Corbett & Claude is a laneway restaurant and bar serving up pastas, pizzas, share plates and antipasti. Complement your carbs with a drop from their selection of sparkling, white and red wines, cocktails and craft beers. With a pizza list as long as your arm, it's tough to choose a favourite, but we love ‘the cigar’ rolled pizza for something different. There's also gluten-free bases and vegan cheese available if that's your style.  

Firefly, George St 

By day Firefly serves coffee, casual breakfasts, and burgers and fresh pizzas, but on Thursday and Friday nights they offer the perfect after-work drinks-and-dinner vibe with live music and a fully stocked bar. Stop by for their signature ‘make your own’ pizza where you can curate your perfect combination of sauce and toppings on their freshly made dough. 

Marchetti, Queen St 

Situated in the stunning Tattersall’s Arcade, Marchetti is a charming café and wine bar where you’ll feel like you’re in Italy for the morning. Stop by for a coffee and croissant or stay for a bite from their breakfast and lunch menu. Sweet tooths will be taunted by their iconic Nutella scroll. 

Massimo, Eagle St 

Perched in a prime spot overlooking the river at Eagle St is Massimo. Be treated to a taste of Amalfi with their fresh house-made pasta and focaccia and freshly caught seafood. Gather the girls for the famous bottomless lunch available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday overlooking the Story Bridge. 

Olive and Angelo, Edward St 

Italian can be a tricky cuisine for those with allergies but fear not at Olive and Angelo. Not only is their authentic Italian food insanely delicious, but they also offer a generous selection of fresh house-made gluten-free and vegan pastas and pizzas. The best bit – you can devour your Italian feast in their gorgeous green courtyard hidden away from the city streets.

Toscano Bar and Kitchen, Edward St 

Whilst Toscano Bar and Kitchen serves all the Italian classics, it’s their traditional ‘panuozza’ pizza sandwich that really sets them apart. Swing by for one of their original cocktails or spritzers and some Sicilian olives, then stay on for dinner. We recommend the Neapolitan-style pizza topped off with their delicious tiramisu. 

Persone, Brisbane Quarter  

Award-winning Persone, by the Gambaro Group, is breaking the mould of classic regional Italian cuisine. Indulge in delicious Italian food with specialty ingredients imported from Bologna, Parma, and more. Bask in the unbeatable Italian experience with a glass of wine from the extensive wine list while enjoying the riverside view.  

Vapiano, Albert Lane 

Vapiano prides itself on serving only the freshest made-to-order pizzas, fresh house-made pasta, hand-tossed salads and delicious dolci in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. They even have their very own fresh herb garden growing right in the restaurant! 

Scugnizzi, Adelaide St

Not a restaurant but worth a mention is the authentic Italian hole-in-the wall, Scugnizzi. This tiny takeaway joint specialises in Roman-style pizza, pasta and more. You can place an order online to skip the queue.