The Italian Place Enoteca

Restaurant, Italian Add early morning cappuccinos and take-away paninis to the relaxed lunches and dinners with wine and cocktails, all made from top-quality imported products, and you get the Italian Place, the top spot for Italian food in Canberra. With a rustic trattoria vibe, genuinely warm hospitality and incredible house-made dishes featuring ingredients direct from the owner’s garden, the Italian Place is a heavenly taste of Italy on the streets of Canberra.

If you’re looking for a classic, pared-back, comforting atmosphere, delicious Italian food, and passionate and friendly service, look no further than The Italian Place. Run by hospitality veteran Tony Lo Terzo and head chef Francesco Petrillo, this cosy and inviting bistro specialises in rustic classic Italian dishes from regions all over Italy, made with handmade pasta and locally sourced ingredients. As Google reviewer and ‘Local Guide’ Mazine Ambler writes, “Absolutely love The Italian Place.

Fuelled by its Sicilian founder Tony’s love for Italian smallgoods, produce, and vino, The Italian Place serves a seasonal menu of Italian classics in a theatrical black and red interior. Eat like an Italian and start your meal with the house antipasti, cured meats, and cheese to share, then opt for homemade fresh pasta as your starter before your main. Look out for the regional dinners highlighting fresh produce from a special region of Italy.

Owned and run by two Italian restaurant masterminds, there’s little surprise The Italian Place has received nothing but rave reviews since it opened. Combining fresh Australian produce with authentic Italian flavours, it’s difficult not to like the heart-warming dishes on this menu. Think handmade ravioli with a pork jus, squid ink pasta, and brilliantly refreshing homemade gelato to finish.

With food as humble as Nonna’s cooking, a visit to The Italian Place feels as though you’re inside a local’s kitchen, trying their age-old recipes. The traditional menu will spark memories of your time overseas, where eating pasta for every meal is acceptable, or introduce you to new and exciting flavours.

You forget you’re in Canberra when you enter The Italian Place. The exposed brick walls, red table cloth and a smorgasbord of wine bottles greeting us at the bar transported us to a quaint restaurant in Italy. Expect the best wine, pasta and service from owner Tony and his team.

The Italian Place sets out to create a home in the form of a traditional Italian restaurant. With legendary service and a menu showcasing the many regions of Italy with a modern touch, the Italian Place will have you returning because of both the food and the people.

When you bite into al dente pasta you know was made that day and it almost bites back… it’s super- delicious. Francesco [Petrillo] is a great chef and Tony [Lo Terzo] at front of house is a consummate host. He’s up for a good chat and likes to share a glass of wine.

Head chef Francesco Petrillo and co-owner Tony Lo Terzo at The Italian Place. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos. This is a newbie and gosh it's good.