Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar, Broadbeach: Bringing a little taste of coastal Europe with a mouth-watering menu that is designed for sharing, Sofia’s is one of our go-to venues in Broadbeach. The owner Henry Hunt wanted to bring people together with good food and good wine, which is precisely what you’ll find here. While it’s all delicious, you simply must try the Cacio e Pepe with spaghetti, cream and cracked pepper, it’s served at the table tossed in a 40-kg parmesan wheel, because who doesn’t love a side of drama with their pasta?

Sogno Italiano, Mermaid Waters and Burleigh Waters: When Sogno Italiano opened its doors in Mermaid Waters almost two years ago, it captured the hearts of pasta lovers, leading to a second spot at Treetops Shopping Centre in Burleigh Waters. Fan favourites at both locales are the Moreton Bay bug linguine and pappardelle ragu loaded with slow-cooked ossobuco ribs with napoli sauce, white wine and parmesan – yum!

FARINA & Co, Southport: Named after the Italian word for flour, FARINA & Co has sprung to life is Southport’s new Alcove wellness hub, dishing up drool-inducing baked goods and an all-day Italian-inspired menu. The Moreton Bay big linguine with house-made fettuccine and pan-kissed tomatoes is a true standout.

Tommy’s Italian, Currumbin: This one needs little introduction, a Gold Coast icon, this modern coastal trattoria brings a touch of luxe with its famed seasonal menu celebrating local produce. You can’t go wrong with any dish on Tommy’s menu, but our recommendation is the classic Pappardelle lamb ragu with red wine and pecorino.

Balboa Italian, Palm Beach: Start your pasta journey at Balboa Italian, where the handmade pasta is a true embodiment of Italian cuisine – simple, classic and incredibly satisfying. For an exceptional treat, indulge in the Fettuccine al Gamberi – squid-ink fettuccine, prawns, tomato, garlic, chilli, parsley and prawn bisque.

Orzo, Broadbeach: If you’re in the mood for Italian, Orzo is always an excellent choice. Dive into the handmade cavatelli (house-made pork and fennel sausage, rapini and roasted n’duja sauce) or keep it classic with the likes of rigatoni smothered in deliciously rich ragu bolognese.

The Deli by Pepe Italia, Palm Beach: Bringing people together over traditional homemade Italian food, the refreshed deli-restaurant continues to showcase quality Italian ingredients and recipes, including antipasti, traditional woodfired pizzas and handmade pastas, that are sure to tantalise taste buds. Get your Pepe fix by keeping it classic with a cheesy pecorino-topped carbonara or Pepe’s Pappardelle Alla Bolognese.

Crispy Italian Bar, Burleigh Heads: As the name suggests, crispy paninis reign supreme at Crispy Italian Bar, but the pasta selection is equally enticing. Experience a vacation on your plate with the fettuccine Amalfi – featuring prawns, lemon, thick cream, garlic and parsley.

MOZZA MOZZA, Southport: If you’re looking for pasta with a side of fun, MOZZA MOZZA is it. With giant cheese wheels and edible pizza-dough bowls filled with pasta, this modern trattoria’s menu is designed to surprise and delight.

Cucina Vivo, Broadbeach: At Cucina Vivo in The Star, every meal feels like a celebration, showcasing the Italian flair for festivity. Dive into a seafood pasta extravaganza with a linguine marinara, loaded with king prawn, snapper, calamari, black mussels and pipis, all swimming in your choice of red or white sauce.

Enzo’s Cucina, Surfers Paradise: The focus here is on fresh and homely Italian food that is served with the warmth of southern Italian hospitality. Every bite that makes its way on to a plate has been lovingly crafted by the team to deliver a flavour bomb to your taste buds. The gnocchi, for example, are made from scratch by Enzo’s nephews. The meatballs pay homage to Enzo’s mother’s cooking. In true Italian style, every meal is a celebration.

Gemelli (Broadbeach) and Gemellini (Nobby Beach): For those craving authentic, nonna-style pasta, Gemelli in Broadbeach and its sister location, Gemellini in Nobby Beach, deliver with handmade pasta and comforting Italian classics. For even more local flavour, visit Roy’s by Gemelli in Sorrento for hearty, beloved dishes.

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, Southport: This dedicated gnoccheria won over hearts and stomachs in Brisbane for years before making the move south, setting up shop in Southport in early 2020. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers specialises in authentic handmade Italian gnocchi, all made from scratch on site. The menu is kept intentionally simple with a choice of six gnocchi variations, plus sides and snacks.

Ioesco, Sanctuary Cove: If you’re a firm believer that pasta is best enjoyed on the water’s edge, then Ioesco will certainly tick that box for you. Steeped in tradition, Ioesco has been delighting diners with its modern Italian fare for more than a decade – it’s well known for its true Italian hospitality and contemporary interpretations of classic Napoli cuisine.

Lello’s Pasta Bar, Brunswick Heads: Venturing further south from the Gold Coast, head to local Lello’s at Brunswick Heads for pasta approved by Nonna.  Sit out on the side verandah and drink in the small town hospitality, where the staff make you feel like family. It’s all about simple dishes done well – the classic flavours of fresh basil, tomato and mozzarella sing and the tagliatelle lamb ragu will not disappoint. Lello’s is a glorious celebration of Italian food.

Modo Mio, Broadbeach: This elevated Italian eatery nestled inside Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is by Max and Amanda Alfieri, who have owned and operated restaurants at Sanctuary Cove for years. When it comes to the menu, it’s a culmination of favourites from their 28 years in hospitality, so you can expect the best of the best. 

Salt Meats Cheese, Surfers Paradise: Pizza, pasta, cheese, charcuterie, wine – this is where you’ll find all of life’s greatest pleasures under one roof. The famed cheese-wheel pasta is what dreams are made of. 

More in the mood for pizza? Check out these top spots for pizza on the Gold Coast.