Vapiano: It’s a rare treat to be able to actually see food materialise before your very eyes, and that’s what you get at Vapiano. Patrons choose their style of house-made pasta, a delicious sauce and then look on as trained chefs whip up orders fresh on the spot, adding personal touches to every dish.

Pane e Vino: Perched on the corner of Charlotte and Albert Streets, the striped awnings of Pane e Vino echo an authentic Italian vibe. It doesn’t stop there – the menu is packed with traditional staples and then some. A standout is the heart-stopping beef, veal and pork ragu. Three meats in one dish? Yes please.

Verve Cafe: Tucked away under the hustle and bustle of Edward Street is this absolute banger of a basement-style restaurant that dishes up very legit Italian eats with kick. Pasta offerings such as pork belly linguine and Cajun prawn fettuccini are just a taste of the impressive list to choose from.

Ciccio’s Pasta Bar: Ciccio’s offers up the best of both worlds, combining modern Mediterranean vibes with rustic Aussie charm. Boasting both a homemade and imported pasta menu, it’s hard to go past the classic combination of pappardelle truffle and chicken – al dente, of course.

Jamie’s Italian: If an international culinary superstar has put their name behind it, you know it’s legit. Jamie Oliver’s Brisbane digs are packed to the rafters with old faves and modern innovations, including a famous prawn linguine with fish broth sauce that’s plate-lickin’ good.

Coppa Spuntino: The team behind Public and Red Hook have truly outdone themselves with Coppa Spuntino. Generous portions and genius flavour combinations like duck pappardelle with port and peppered marscapone nail the true essence of hearty Italian fare while keeping it interesting.

Il Centro: Sitting pretty on Eagle Street, Il Centro is full of fancy Italian fare and has a Chef Hat to back up its reputation as a fine dining destination. Fresh and seasonal flavours are a focus, with the spanner crab tortellini a melt-in-your-mouth example.

Milano: This one here is a Brisbane institution – locals know Milano as a Queen Street Mall mainstay. The pasta menu is strictly old school with timeless choices executed exceptionally. Bolognese, carbonara and marinara reign supreme – classics are classics for a reason, people.

Alimentari Bar e Trattoria: Four cheese gnocchi, anyone? Alimentari Bar e Trattoria use a great mix of locally sourced fare as well as the finest imported Italian ingredients to create dishes that pack a flavour punch, keeping it ever-tasty.

OTTO Brisbane: Another restaurant on the list boasting a Chef Hat, OTTO Brisbane stakes its claim on bringing a modern edge to the Euro food scene and using Australian ingredients to keep it grounded. The carbonara with pecorino and smoked ham hock is a must-try.

Hankering for more delicious eats? Check out the smorgasbord of foodie gems on offer in Brisbane City’s new eating and drinking guide, Dish.