That’s Amore: Adelaide’s top Italian eateries from old favourites to new kids on the block

What’s not to love about Italian cuisine. Here’s restaurants offering the best around – and you may even spot a celeb or two.

Who can resist that scene in animated classic Lady and the Tramp where they share a plate of spaghetti bolognese! Fancy, re-creating it with your hot date? Just make a booking at one of Adelaide’s top Italian restaurants:

Enoteca Lounge and Cucina Adelaide

Enoteca Lounge and Cucina. Picture: Supplied

From the family behind Hindmarsh institution Enzo’s Ristorante comes this East End fine diner which combines contemporary Italian cuisine with traditional flavours. Enjoy old-school hospitality from husband and wife duo Alessandro Ennor and Natalie Fazzari, as you tuck into small plates such as wagyu bresaola crostino, arancini al prosciutto and cured kingfish. The tagliatelle with black angus short-rib ragu is a favourite among the pasta dishes, while you can’t go wrong with the classic linguine and blue swimmer crab. If you’re not up for a big meal, grab a cocktail or negroni and soak in the atmosphere by the big windows at the Vardon Ave end.

281/283 Rundle St, Adelaide

La Trattoria

La Trattoria. Picture: Supplied

One of Adelaide’s oldest and most famous restaurants, let alone Italian restaurants, La Trat has played host to Mick Jagger, Tom Jones, Sir Cliff Richard, Jon Bon Jovi, Andre Agassi and during Adelaide’s Grand Prix days Alain Prost and Jean Alesi and the late, great Beatle George Harrison and Ayrton Senna. It’s the place to people watch – whether it is rich and famous visitors or the who’s who of Adelaide enjoying a long lunch or late night Italian feast. Enjoy old-school hospitality and house specialties such as homemade minestrone soup, the legendary spaghetti marinara and its gourmet pizza equivalent, the Andy’s Marinara Fresh Seafood.

346 King William St, Adelaide

Oliveti

Five to Try – Oliveti

A stylish new addition to the Bay, Oliveti has filled a much-needed void in the area since launching last year. Named after a tiny town in Abruzzo, central Italy, this trendy trattoria offers a versatile menu focused on pasta and steaks but with plenty of piccolo (small) plates for those seeking an afternoon snack. The anchovy with sago fritti, chilli and salsa verde is a delight, along with the gnocco fritto and mortadella, which comes with a healthy serving of reggiano cheese. If you’re particularly peckish after a long day by the beach, the casarecce or rigatoni with duck ragu are among the top pasta choices. There’s a mixture of Italian and local bottles on the extensive wine list.

43 Broadway, Glenelg

Fugazzi Bar and Dining Room

Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room. Picture: Supplied

Be sure to book because snagging a table at this CBD hotspot without a reservation is near impossible. MasterChef star Laura Sharrad and hubby Max’s Leigh St restaurant is a favourite with culinary queen Nigella Lawson and has also played host to rockers Jimmy Barnes and Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose. Must-try dishes on the menu include the Roman Vegemite toast, with anchovy, butter and lemon, the rigatoni alla vodka pasta and the tiramisu which may or may not be on offer but is always a generous serve, spooned on to your dessert plate from a huge silver bowl. The ambience is sophisticated and the service is outstanding.

27 Leigh St, Adelaide

Osteria Oggi Adelaide

Osteria Oggi. Picture: Supplied

The city’s pre-eminent house of pasta, Oggi’s has become a staple for lovers of Italy’s favourite carb since opening its doors in 2015. Always busy regardless of day or time, this eatery makes a wide array of fresh pasta daily, served up with a modern touch. Regulars will be familiar with the menu, highlighted by 12 pasta options. The oven-baked reginette, spicy campanelle and more traditional spaghetti alla carbonara are among the most popular offerings. The elegant, piazza-like interior also draws people inside, with its cobblestone floors, intimate booths, big arches and shared tables giving off strong Mediterranean vibes.

76 Pirie St, Adelaide