The Best Italian Restaurants in North Adelaide for a Legit Taste of the Bel Paese
Italian food is an offer you can’t refuse. After all, who could possibly say no to a home-made steaming plate of risotto or a classic Margherita from your favorite pizza delivery place?
It’s even harder to say no if you get your fix from North Adelaide. The area has joints like Cafe Palazzo and Pippo, restos we visited for a slice of Naples or Venice—minus the jet lag, of course.
This list spills the beans on these trattorias, cafes, and ristorantes with insider tips and top flavors even your nonna would love!
Da Vinci Ristorante
From davinci.adelaide
Address: 10 O’Connell St
Contact Details: (08) 7079 6801
Operating Hours: Daily – 7 am to 3 am
Website
At Da Vinci Ristorante, modern Italian fare doesn’t mean soul-sucking blandness. Their wood-fired pizzas are a testament to that.
This mastery of fire and dough is perfectly captured by their calzone al forno, a 13-inch folded pizza that’s practically an entree in itself. With San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, mild salami, fetta, and prosciutto cotto, this one is worth ditching your diet.
But if you’re game for a serious food coma, the Mediterranean Mixed Grill for two is your ticket. It’s a meaty Italian buffet featuring lamb skewers, lamb cutlets, wood-oven bread, and more.
Tip: Da Vinci Ristorante is always buzzing with activity. For a more laid-back meal, visit during quieter periods, like early afternoon or late evening.
Also, remember that the place gets especially crowded during live sports events, so avoid these times if you’re seeking a more intimate meal.
Cafe Palazzo
From cafepalazzoadl
Address: 180 O’Connell St
Contact Details: (08) 8239 1199
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 7 am to 10 pm
- Fri to Sat – 7 am to 11 pm
- Sun – 7 am to 10 pm
The down-to-earth and easygoing Cafe Palazzo is where we normally go for drool-worthy pasta and pizza.
For our pasta enthusiasts, their homemade Napoletana crowned with basil is the usual order. Bolognese comes in second with its mouthwatering, herb-infused sauce and exceptionally meaty character.
When it comes to pizza, you can’t throw shade at their classic Margherita—fior di latte, San Marzano tomatoes, and all that jazz. The cafe’s burrata is a winner too, adding in rocket and creamy burrata for added sharpness and creaminess.
Tip: Cafe Palazzo’s alfresco area is perfect for enjoying relaxed city views and some prime people-watching. For the best experience, choose a nice day to dine outside.
Cafe Pellegrini
From cafepellegrini
Address: 179 O’Connell St
Contact Details: (08) 8361 7133
Operating Hours: Daily – 7 am to 11 pm
Website
Cafe Pellegrini made us forget about fancy restaurants that focus on flash rather than flavors. Their authentic servings and humble venue work like a charm, as evidenced by the large crowds they pull.
Well, that, and the fact that this haunt’s pollo prosciutto is a revelation. Chargrilled chicken, prosciutto, bocconcini cheese, and a garlic-white wine sauce make it an unmissable comfort food.
Their traditional lasagna is another classic masterpiece, with its thick coating of Bolognese sauce, mozzarella, béchamel, and rock-shoved parmesan. Finishing this with the simple vanilla banana split is the best way to sweeten the deal.
Tip: Looking for deals like coffee and cake combos for just $8? Check their Instagram for any posts about these offers.
If you find one, just mention the post to the staff to get the discount!
Tony Tomatoes
From tonytomatoesadl
Address: 155-157 O’Connell St
Contact Details: (08) 8239 0080
Operating Hours:
- Wed to Thu – 5:30 pm to 9 pm
- Fri to Sat – 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Sun – 5:30 pm to 9 pm
The moody Tony Tomatoes is home to the town’s most unique pizzas, with quirky names and oddball ingredients that stand out.
Favorites include the Mr. Pig, flavored with broccoli puree, pecorino, fior di latte, meat toppings, and a kick of chili. Their hazelnut affogato complements this pick.
Then there’s the Flying Anchovy, a seafood ‘za that swaps out the pork cuts and sausages with kalamata olives, anchovies, and capers. It has a strong, umami profile best balanced with a couple of pastry cream Italian donuts.
Tip: Why pay extra when you can save? Skip the service and delivery fees, and snag an additional 10% off by ordering from Tony Tomatoes’ website!
Cafe Fellini
From cafe.fellini
Address: 102 O’Connell St
Contact Details: (08) 8239 2235
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 10 pm
Website
Spacious, sun-soaked, and sophisticated, Cafe Fellini keeps it classy without being overly pretentious. In terms of food, the kitchen cranks out home-style Italian dishes.
The last time we dropped by, we had their famous arancini balls. With earthy peas, stretchy mozzarella, and a tangy Napoletana sauce, each element of this starter complements the others beautifully.
We then followed it up with the fettuccine bolognese, the house specialty that has been around for generations. Comforting and satisfying is the best way to describe this meaty pasta finished with freshly shaved pecorino.
Tip: Planning a function? Cafe Fellini’s rental deals include a special menu with a range of mains and wines that are sure to impress.
Pippo
From pipponorthadelaide
Address: 67 O’Connell St
Contact Details: 0431 409 005
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 7 am to 3:30 pm
- Wed to Sun – 7 am to 3:30 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm
The stylish Pippo is for all who crave handmade pasta. Take, for instance, their best-selling marinara Nero, an intense plate enriched with briny squid ink, ripe tomatoes, and savory seafood undertones.
On top of that, they roll timeless wood-oven pizzas that fly off the shelves. The Mediterranean-style lamb version loaded with yogurt and slow-cooked lamb is the star of the show.
If you aren’t in the mood for Pippo’s pasta or pizza, though, eat your way through their tapa selection. Calamari, sausages, lamb ribs—it’s your call.
Tip: Pippo’s naturally lit space is ideal for relaxed events. Consider booking it for your gathering.
River Cafe
From redochre_rivertorrenscafe
Address: Par 3 – North Adelaide Golf Course, War Memorial Dr
Contact Details: (08) 8211 8666
Operating Hours: Tue to Sat – 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Website
River Cafe served us modern Italian fare—with seasonal, local produce—in a posh, glass-walled pavilion. Need we say more?
Their small plates also packed quite a punch, especially since we started with kalamata olives and homemade focaccia drizzled with balsamic. However, it was the whipped ricotta accented with parmesan that stole the spotlight.
We couldn’t decide between crab linguini and spaghetti with tiger prawns, too, so we went full glutton and had both. No regrets—those natural, robust flavors hit hard, and they paired perfectly with panna cotta and affogato.
Tip: Just a heads-up: the food we talked about was from our last trip. Since the menu changes seasonally, make sure to visit their website for the current offerings.
Cafe Di Roma
From cafediroma_prospect
Address: 116A Prospect Rd
Contact Details: (08) 8342 6040
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Thu – 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Fri to Sat – 4:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Cafe Di Roma may look like your grandma’s living room with its simple decor and lattice chairs, but don’t let that fool you; the food here is top-notch.
Bolognese pasta with veal swimming in Napoletana sauce is their ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s followed by their signature Roma pizza, a diet-buster with mozzarella, smoked leg ham, Italian salami, and mushrooms.
Oh, and don’t sleep on the arancini ai funghi. These mushroom and mozzarella-stuffed rice balls in the same sauce might be small, but their umami and herby profile pop with rich flavors.
Tip: Fed up with North Adelaide traffic? Skip the drive and order online!
Anchovy Bandit
From anchovybanditbar
Address: 96 Prospect Rd
Contact Details: 0401 188 845
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 11 pm
- Sun – 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Anchovy Bandit catches the eye with its timber-art-deco aesthetics, but don’t let its looks distract you. The real star here is their upmarket, flavor-loaded food.
We’re talking about beloved snacks and small plates consisting of Sicilian olives, Coffin Bay oysters with curry butter, sourdough focaccia, and wood-fired flatbread. Blue swimmer crabs and fried quail are also up for grabs, but they’re on the pricier side.
Moreover, pizza lovers can rejoice, as they have classics and a few BOLD ones—particularly the prosciutto cotto with pineapple and kimchi. To no one’s surprise, though, the Margherita tops the selection, but the pepperoni isn’t far behind.
Tip: For a taste of the unexpected, try Anchovy Bandit’s “Trust the Chef” menu. It’s available for at least 2 people and usually costs around $55 to $75 per guest.
Ruby Red Flamingo
From ruby.red.flamingo
Address: 142 Tynte St
Contact Details: (08) 8267 5769
Operating Hours:
- Wed to Thu – 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Fri – 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sat – 5:30 pm to 10 pm
Ruby Red Flamingo might look like a Bohemian dream, but the creative and innovative menu is where the magic happens. For a start, their A-tier mezze maniche is a ring-shaped pasta dish that throws delish prawns, pancetta, and saffron into the mix,
In addition, they know how to share the love, as the servings can handle both small and large crews. The hefty plate of beef cheeks braised in red wine is the perfect example of this.
They also have something to quench every thirst, with a drink list flexing local brews, imported reds, and cocktails as inventive as those from the best local bars.
Tip: For a party you won’t forget, consider renting their private function spaces, which accommodate up to 60 to 100 guests!
My Maria
From mymaria.adl
Address: 101-103 Prospect Rd
Contact Details: (08) 8245 0128
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 10 am to 11 pm
- Fri – 10 am to 11:30 pm
- Sat – 8 am to 11:30 pm
- Sun – 8 am to 11 pm
My Maria’s set out to bring the taste of an Italian home to Adelaide, and if it were up to us, they nailed it.
Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss their take on marinara. The medley of seafood, chili, aromatics brandy, and white wine results in briny, tangy, and subtly acidic flavors.
Another comfort bite is their chicken pesto pasta. It combines chicken, spring onions, mushrooms, and pecorino cheese to create a dish that will take you to old-school ristorante.
Tip: Because it’s one of the hottest brunch spots in town, make sure to call the number above to secure your seat.
Ur Pizzeria
From ur.pizzeria
Address: 115 Melbourne St
Contact Details: (08) 7111 9931
Operating Hours: Mon, Wed to Sun – 5 pm to 9 pm
Website
Wrapping up our list is UR Pizzeria, where hand-stretched dough, generational recipes, and wood-fire cooking take center stage.
Their Saucy Tomato epitomizes their pizza philosophy. It’s simple but sublime flavor-wise, with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, bocconcini, and basil as the main ingredients. For something daring, the Sassy Salami is your best bet.
On the other hand, those who prefer an upmarket snack should opt for the Prosciutto Crust Co. It boasts a mix of prosciutto di Parma, burrata, and parmesan—ingredients that might make you think you’re feasting in a Tuscan villa.
Tip: Stretch your dollar or score special deals by visiting on special occasions like Mother’s Day or Christmas. Check their Instagram for announcements.
