Welcome to your ultimate guide to the best Italian restaurants in Newcastle and the Hunter region.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this will lead you to an incredible (or molto bene) meal and dining experience.
Featuring 11 of the finest establishments ranging from traditional to trendy, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect spot to satisfy your Italian cravings.
Parry Street Garage, Newcastle West
Parry Street Garage is an Italian restaurant in Newcastle, and a local favourite for good reason.
The menu showcases an impressive selection of traditional Italian favourites – think spaghetti carbonara, lasagne, chicken parmigiana, and arancini – alongside modern twists like sweet potato gnocchi, mozzarella sticks, and prawn and chilli pizza.
Complementing the food is an exceptional drinks menu, featuring classic cocktails like margaritas and Aperol spritzes, plus an extensive selection of wine, beer, and house spirits.
And the best part? Enjoy half-price pizzas and $8 wine, beer, and house spirits between 5-6pm on weeknights and 3-6pm on weekends. The perfect excuse to gather with family, friends, or that special someone on any day of the week.
106 Parry St, Newcastle West
Napoli Centrale, Newcastle
Come to Napoli Centrale, located on King Street’s eastern end, for the freshest woodfired pizzas in town. This Italian restaurant in Newcastle features an impressive pizza menu that ranges from classic, signature and chef’s special. The menu also features your Italian favourites, from pastas like gnocchi and ragu, to salads like caprese. And, yes, they even serve calzones for the ultimate pizza indulgence.
Also enjoy their exceptional cocktail and spritz menu, as well as live music on Sundays; and take advantage of weekly deals like $25 Margherita & Margarita Night on Wednesdays and kids eat free with an adult meal purchase (Monday–Wednesday, 5–6.30pm). Pizza night has just found its new home.
173 King St, Newcastle
Don Beppino’s Restaurant, Merewether
Merewether’s authentic touch of Italian is found at Don Beppino’s. The restaurant has been rooted in Sicilian tradition since 1972, maintaining its heritage through serving home-made pastas inspired by regional recipes. You can find owner Jackie and family continuing their ritual of home-style cooking six days a week.
There is sure to be something on the menu at this Italian restaurant in Newcastle that will tickle your fancy. From traditional, specialty and artisan pizzas to authentic Sicilian pastas, all dishes are sure to taste as comforting as a meal cooked by your Nanna. Although timeworn, Don Beppino’s is versatile through offering an affordable takeaway or dine-in option. Whether you’re grabbing a pizza for a beach picnic or settling in for a cosy weeknight dinner, it’s the perfect spot for any occasion.
45 Railway St, Merewether
Alfie’s, New Lambton
Alfie’s is your friendly neighbourhood Italian restaurant in Newcastle. One of the best things about it is its inclusivity – whether you’re a gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian, you’ll find something you enjoy. While it’s not the most budget-friendly spot, the flavours are definitely worth it. Their menu features artisan pasta, an exquisite selection of entrees and mains, and the beloved antipasti menu. And, let’s not forget dessert. Alfie’s brags a hazelnut tiramisu and a chocolate mousse that are irresistible.
Alfie’s is also a wine bar if you’re looking for a nightcap or late-night drinks with friends. They are open until midnight every Friday and Saturday.
52 Regent St, New Lambton
Emilio’s Ristorante, The Junction & Warners Bay
With locations in The Junction and Warners Bay, Emilio’s Ristorante guarantees a meal tasting straight from Italy. The restaurant is imbued in Italian heritage, founded in 1983 by the late Emilio and Barbara Falcon, a passionate Italian couple who have set the standard of authenticity for serving homestyle Italian food using traditional ingredients.
A top feature of Emilio’s is its extensive menu. Opening at noon, they offer an Italian-infused breakfast menu, as well as a thorough pizza, pasta, salad and dessert menu for lunch and dinner. A sweet touch that sets Emilio’s apart from other Italian restaurants is its takeaway gelato – a perfect treat for kids. Whether you’re wanting to dine-out for breakfast, lunch or dinner with family, friends or a special someone, this Italian restaurant in Newcastle will not disappoint you.
188 Union St, The Junction
75 King St, Warners Bay
In Forno, Charlestown & Hamilton
In Forno is a beloved neighborhood favourite, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for your Italian dining experience. With locations in both Hamilton and Charlestown, the Italian restaurant in Newcastle serves a great variety of traditional pizzas, while also spicing it up with more creative recipes, like their BBQ beef, pumpkin or seafood pizza.
Craving pasta instead? In Forno has got you covered. Their menu boasts pasta options from carbonara, to meatballs, as well as pesto or gamberetti (seafood). Also, there is an impressive selection of main course meat dishes for all you Newcastle meat lovers, serving a range of tasty chicken, veal or rib dishes.
79, Shop 5-6/81 Beaumont St, Hamilton
36 Pearson St, Charlestown
3 Sicilians Ristorante, Stockton
The 3 Sicilians Ristorante is as true to its name as it is to its authentic homestyle Italian food. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands when you dine here. Your meals will be carefully crafted by the three Sicilians themselves – Franco, Joey and Vincenzo – who are all equally equipped in separate specialties of pizza, pasta and sauces. This Italian restaurant in Newcastle is award-winning and there is no doubt why.
Their menu shows-off a phenomenal variety of traditional Italian pizza, pasta, salads and meat-dishes. Another bonus is that their gluten-free friendly. They also do $15 lunch specials from Monday-Friday which would be rude not to try. For Stockton locals, or Italian-food lovers from wider Newcastle, this Italian restaurant is perfect for you.
Corner of Clyde &, Douglas St, Stockton
The Italian Cottage, Cessnock
Calling in all Cessnock locals (and non-locals) to the Italian Cottage. This Italian restaurant is the perfect spot for a quiet dinner, romantic evening, special celebration or Friday night takeaway expedition. Winning the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award in 2022, it is clear customers are likely to return here. The menu features solid, traditional and delicious Italian meals like calamari fritti, burrata, caprese salad and salmone e pesto, as well as long-established pizza, pasta and dessert options.
The Italian Cottage also features weekly meal specials to always keep your taste buds excited, as well as further bonuses like kids can eat free on Tuesday and Wednesday nights when you dine-in.
109 Wollombi Rd, Cessnock
Pasta di Porto, Anna Bay
To spice up your variety, Pasta di Porto in Anna Bay is an exceptional and authentic Southern Italian-cuisine retail store/cafe. Although not a traditional Italian restaurant, Pasta di Porto attracts customers near and far to try their quality, rustic Southern Italian pasta dishes. Established in 2009, they’re a small family business who strive to blend locally sourced seasonal produce with traditional methods.
Their quality pasta dishes are hard to come by along the Port Stephens peninsula, bragging three championships at the Sydney Royal Fine food show. Opening at 6am, the Italian-style cafe lures in coffee-lovers as well as pasta-lovers, highlighting a well-rounded cafe experience.
Shop 4/134 Gan Gan Rd, Anna Bay
Café Enzo, Hunter Valley
Planning a weekend away to the Hunter Valley? Café Enzo is a must-try Italian restaurant located in the Tuscan Inspired Peppers Creek Village. The café is an extension of Enzo Weddings Hunter Valley, promising an elegant, enchanting and picturesque dining experience. Enjoy Italian foods like tiger prawn linguini, salmon gnocchi, antipasto and burrata, made from locally grown produce.
Another highlight is its option for outdoor courtyard dining, which will immerse you in the charming Tuscan ambience. Open for breakfast and lunch only, come to enjoy an exquisite selection of breakfast and lunch mains, along with sides and a dessert menu.
1946 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Pescara, Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley’s Pescara blends local Hunter produce with food inspired from the infamous Italian town of Pescara. The menu offers seasonal selections focused on simplicity and freshness, including current starters like oysters, arancini and fresh bread, as well as an incredible variety of duck, veal, lamb and beef all expertly cooked in the main course options.
One of the best parts is the restaurant’s breathtaking view of Hermitage Lodge, leaving guests in awe of both their meal and the stunning surroundings. Pescara is open for dinner five nights a week (excluding Tuesday and Wednesday), and open for lunch on weekends only.
Hermitage Lodge, 609 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin
For more food and wine stories:
- Ultimate guide of cheap eats in Newcastle
- Newcastle’s best Indian restaurants
- Dog-friendly cafes in Newcastle
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