Introduction
Oi, mate, you ever get that proper hankering for a bowl of pasta that’s so good it feels like Nonna’s standing over your shoulder, nodding in approval? Here at Tommy Sugo, we live for that feeling, and let’s just say Perth’s authentic Italian restaurants are our kind of people. No need to hop a flight to Napoli—our sunny city’s got joints dishing up Italian grub that’ll make your heart sing. When you’re too knackered to dine out, though, we’ve got your back with our own hearty dishes, delivered straight to your door—how’s that for a ripper?
We’re not some snooty food critics, just a bunch of food-obsessed locals who’ve been cooking up Italian tucker for yonks. Picture us in our kitchen, sauce-stained aprons and all, scribbling this while the pasta’s boiling. Let’s take you on a tour of Perth’s Italian scene, Tommy Sugo style—full of love, a bit of cheek, and heaps of flavor.
Why We’re Dead-Set Smitten with Perth’s Italian Scene
Walking into one of Perth’s authentic Italian restaurants is like stepping into our Nonna’s kitchen back in the day—warm, noisy, and smelling like garlic and love. It’s not just about scoffing a feed; it’s the whole vibe—mates laughing, glasses clinking, and food that feels like a hug. Here’s why we reckon these places are the bee’s knees.
Chefs Who Cook with Their Whole Heart
You pop into these authentic Italian restaurants, and you know the chefs are pouring their soul into every plate. A lot of ‘em are Italian through and through, or at least grew up with a Nonna who’d give ‘em a serve if they mucked up the carbonara. We’ve chatted with chefs who swear their recipes came straight from their great-grandma’s cookbook—same as us at Tommy Sugo, where our sauces are Nonna-approved. That kind of passion’s what makes every bite feel like family, whether it’s a silky lasagna or a pizza that’s pure perfection.
Ingredients Fresher Than a Freo Morning
Italian food’s all about letting the good stuff do the talking, and Perth’s got the goods. With farms from Swan Valley to Mundijong pumping out ripe tomatoes, peppery basil, and cheeses that make you weak, these restaurants are spoilt for choice. We’re the same at Tommy Sugo—always hitting up local markets like Vic Park for the freshest gear to make our dishes pop. It’s why every plate at these authentic Italian restaurants tastes like it was plucked from an Italian orchard, and it’s ace supporting WA growers.
Cooking Like It’s Nonna’s Day
These joints don’t cut corners, mate. It’s all about the old-school ways—pasta rolled by hand, ragu simmering till it’s melt-in-your-mouth, pizzas chucked in wood ovens that’ve got stories to tell. We’ve peeked into kitchens (cheeky, we know) and seen chefs kneading dough like it’s art form, just like we do when we’re whipping up our gnocchi at Tommy Sugo. That’s the magic that makes authentic Italian restaurants in Perth feel like a trip to Italy.
Vibes That Make You Wanna Stay All Night
You know those places where you walk in and just wanna kick off your shoes and stay forever? That’s these restaurants. They’ve got this cozy, slightly messy charm—think wobbly tables, old pics of Italian villages, and candles dripping wax everywhere. Reminds us of our own family dinners, where everyone’s yelling over each other and passing the parmigiano. Whether you’re on a hot date or just craving a solo feed, these authentic Italian restaurants make you feel right at home.
Keeping Perth’s Heart Pumping
Eating at these places is like giving a big high-five to our city. You’re helping the farmers growing your rocket, the waiters saving for a new car, the dishies slogging away. It’s the same vibe at Tommy Sugo—every order helps us keep local legends employed and WA’s food scene buzzing. When you dig into a plate at these authentic Italian restaurants, you’re part of Perth’s heartbeat.
Our Top Picks for Perth’s Authentic Italian Restaurants
We’ve eaten our weight in pasta across Perth (no regrets), and these five spots are the ones we’d shout from the rooftops. They’re like our culinary cousins, dishing up the same kind of love we put into every Tommy Sugo meal. Let’s take a squiz—hope you’re hungry!
La Scarpetta: Nonna’s Kitchen in Perth
La Scarpetta’s one of those authentic Italian restaurants that feels like you’ve wandered into our family’s dining room. Tucked away in a quiet Perth corner—won’t spill the beans, go find it—it’s all about hearty, soul-warming grub. Their carbonara’s proper, with guanciale and pecorino, no mucking about with cream. They’ve got seasonal specials too, like a spring pea risotto that’s so fresh it’s practically dancing. We took our crew there after a big day in the kitchen, and it was like a warm blanket of food.
Pasta That’s Pure Love
The pasta’s made fresh every day, and you can taste the heart in every strand. Their pappardelle with beef ragu is a ripper—rich, meaty, like our own slow-cooked sauces at Tommy Sugo. We saw a chef rolling dough by hand, humming an old Italian tune, and it reminded us of our Nonna’s kitchen. That’s the kind of magic that makes every bite special.
Wines That Make You Say “Salute!”
La Scarpetta’s wine list is a cracker, with Italian drops from crisp whites to bold reds. We’re no wine snobs, but their Chianti with our meaty pasta was like a match made in heaven. The staff are legends at picking the right glass, just like we try to pair our meals with a good vibe at Tommy Sugo.
A Cozy Spot for Special Moments
This place is small and warm, with candles and rustic bits that make you feel like you’re in Italy, not Perth. We took our mum here for her birthday, and she was over the moon. It’s perfect for a date night or a quiet feed with your best mate.
Service Like Family
The crew here are beaut—always up for a yarn about the food or their Nonna’s secret sauce recipe. Reminds us of our own team at Tommy Sugo, where we love having a natter with our customers. They make every visit feel like coming home.
Il Lido: Italy Meets Cottesloe
Il Lido’s like if you plonked a fancy Italian joint on Cottesloe Beach and let it soak up the sun. It’s one of Perth’s most stunning authentic Italian restaurants, with ocean views that make you wanna pinch yourself. The menu’s big on seafood, but there’s heaps for everyone. We had a team dinner here once, and it was a riot—food, laughs, and waves crashing outside.
Seafood That’s Outta This World
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. Their grilled octopus, all charred and lemony, is straight-up divine. The seafood linguine’s packed with prawns and mussels—fresh as hell, like our own seafood dishes at Tommy Sugo. It’s the kind of food that makes you shut up and just eat.
Cocktails That Steal the Spotlight
Il Lido’s bar is a gem, slinging drinks that match the beachy vibe. Their Aperol Spritz is like summer in a glass, and we’re partial to their Negroni too. Sipping one while watching the sunset? That’s the life, mate.
Music That Adds Magic
They do live music nights, with some bloke strumming Italian tunes or jazzy stuff. We went to one after a big catering gig, and it was like a mini-holiday—pasta, wine, and music with the ocean as a backdrop. Pure bliss.
Perfect for Big Days
Il Lido’s got this posh-but-chill vibe that’s ace for celebrations. We took our dad here for Father’s Day, and he’s still banging on about the seafood platter. It’s the spot for making memories.

Bar La Lanterna: Rome in Your Face
If you’re craving Roman vibes, Bar La Lanterna’s one of those authentic Italian restaurants that’s loud, proud, and delicious. It’s always buzzing, with mates laughing over cacio e pepe or spicy amatriciana. We dragged our whole crew here for a Friday night feed, and we were there till closing—best night ever.
Roman Grub That Slaps
Their cacio e pepe’s just pasta, cheese, and pepper, but it’s like a flavor explosion. The amatriciana, with its fiery tomato sauce and guanciale, is another banger. Reminds us of our own bold sauces at Tommy Sugo—proper comfort food.
A Party Every Night
This place is a riot—tables packed, waiters zipping about, everyone yelling over each other in the best way. It’s perfect for a big group or a random night out. Feels like our own kitchen at Tommy Sugo when we’re all cooking and laughing together.
Cheap and Cheerful
Bar La Lanterna’s prices are fair for food this good. You can stuff yourself without needing a second job. They do takeaway too, just like us at Tommy Sugo, where we love getting our meals to your door quick-smart.
Takeaway for Couch Nights
Too buggered to go out? Grab a takeaway box from Bar La Lanterna, or let Tommy Sugo sort you out with Roman-style dishes that hit the spot.
Lugo Trattoria: Family Vibes Galore
Lugo Trattoria’s a family-run gem that feels like you’re at our place for Sunday lunch. It’s one of Perth’s authentic Italian restaurants that mixes old-school Italian with a bit of modern flair. We took our kids here, and even they were happy—no mean feat!
Pizzas That’ll Ruin Takeout Forever
Lugo’s wood-fired pizzas are unreal. Crispy crust, fresh toppings—prosciutto, mozzarella, bit of rocket—and that smoky oven flavor. Their Margherita’s up there with our own pizzas at Tommy Sugo. Pure perfection.
A Spot for the Whole Mob
This place is proper family-friendly, with a warm vibe that makes everyone feel at home. Kids, parents, cranky aunts—everyone’s chuffed. Reminds us of our own Tommy Sugo crew, where we’re all about family.
Wines That Keep You Smiling
Lugo’s wine list is a ripper, with Italian drops that go perfect with their food. Their Vermentino with a seafood pasta was a revelation, just like we aim for with our meal pairings at Tommy Sugo.
Outdoor Dining That’s a Dream
Their outdoor area’s a beaut, with fairy lights and greenery that make you feel like you’re in an Italian garden. Perfect for a sunny Perth arvo, like when we’re dreaming up new dishes at Tommy Sugo.
Rosa’s Cantina: Italian with a Bit of Sass
Rosa’s Cantina’s where Italian food gets a bit cheeky. It’s one of Perth’s most fun authentic Italian restaurants, with a bold menu and a vibe that’s electric. We had a team bonding night here, and it was an absolute hoot.
Dishes That Keep You Guessing
The chefs here love to play—squid ink ravioli with lemony ricotta, grilled seafood with zesty sauces. It’s proper Italian but with a twist, like our own creative dishes at Tommy Sugo. Every bite’s a surprise.
A Bar That’s Got Swagger
Rosa’s cocktail bar is a legend, slinging Bellinis and espresso martinis that pack a punch. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a cheeky nightcap, just like we love a good bevvy with our meals.
Made for Mates
With big tables and a buzzing vibe, Rosa’s is ace for group dinners. Birthdays, work dos—everyone leaves stuffed and happy, like our customers after a Tommy Sugo feast.
Menus That Change Like the Weather
Rosa’s keeps it fresh with a seasonal menu—think asparagus pasta one day, pumpkin gnocchi the next. It’s like our approach at Tommy Sugo, always using what’s best and freshest.
Digging for More Italian Treasures in Perth
Perth’s Italian scene’s like a big, delicious scavenger hunt. Beyond these top joints, there’s heaps of authentic Italian restaurants waiting to steal your heart.
Chasing Hidden Gems
Wander through Northbridge, Leederville, or Mount Lawley, and you’ll find tiny spots serving up Sicilian arancini or Venetian cicchetti. We found this one bistro in Freo that had us raving for weeks—proper secret stuff. It’s like hunting for treasure, and every find’s a winner.
Yarning with the Locals
Perth folks are mad about their tucker, and they love a good chinwag. Ask someone at the Subi markets or your local café where they go for a proper Italian feed. They’ll point you to authentic Italian restaurants that are pure gold, just like our customers tell us about their fave spots.
Living That Italian Life
Eating at these places is about slowing down, sharing a laugh, and pretending you’re on holiday in Italy. Grab a mate, order a pizza, and soak it in. If you’re chilling at home, Tommy Sugo brings that same vibe with our authentic meals—Nonna would approve.
Pasta: The Soul of Our Italian Love
Pasta’s not just food—it’s like Italy’s heartbeat, and we’re obsessed with it at Tommy Sugo. Perth’s restaurants get it too, treating pasta like the treasure it is.
A Proper Slog, But Worth It
Making pasta from scratch is hard yakka. We’re talking kneading dough till your arms ache, cutting it into perfect shapes. It’s the same love we put into our gnocchi at Tommy Sugo, and you can taste it in every bite at these restaurants.
Every Region’s Got Its Own Pasta
Italy’s got a pasta for every mood—Rome’s cacio e pepe, Puglia’s orecchiette with greens. Perth’s authentic Italian restaurants bring all these flavors to your plate, just like we do with our regional-inspired dishes at Tommy Sugo.
Good Ingredients, Good Pasta
You can’t make cracking pasta without cracking ingredients. Fresh eggs, proper flour, bit of magic—that’s the trick. We hit up local farms for our gear at Tommy Sugo, and these restaurants do the same, making every bite taste like Italy.
A Family Affair
In Italy, pasta’s a family thing—everyone’s in the kitchen, rolling dough, telling stories. That’s the vibe at Tommy Sugo, and you feel it in Perth’s restaurants too, where chefs cook like they’re feeding their own mob.
Pasta’s Like Art
Watching a chef shape pasta is beautiful. It’s all about getting the thickness right, picking the perfect sauce. It’s like painting, but you get to eat it—same as our craft at Tommy Sugo.
Sauces That Make You Swoon
A good sauce is what makes pasta sing. Whether it’s a zesty tomato or a creamy truffle number, these chefs nail it, just like our sauces at Tommy Sugo that make every meal a star.
Why Local Joints Are Our Kind of People
Eating at authentic Italian restaurants in Perth is about more than a good feed—it’s about keeping our city’s soul alive, just like we aim to do at Tommy Sugo.
Jobs for the Locals
These places give work to our mates—chefs, waiters, dishies. Every plate you order helps someone pay their bills, just like every Tommy Sugo order keeps our crew going.
Keeping the Money in Perth
Your cash stays local, helping farmers, bakers, and small businesses. It’s like giving Perth a big hug, same as when you order from us at Tommy Sugo.
Bringing Us Together
Restaurants are where we make memories—birthdays, catch-ups, random nights with mates. They’re Perth’s heartbeat, just like our meals bring families together at home.
Keeping Italy’s Magic Alive
By eating at authentic Italian restaurants, you’re keeping Italy’s food traditions going strong, like we do with every dish at Tommy Sugo.
Good for the Planet
These joints use local, sustainable stuff, which is ace for the environment. We’re the same at Tommy Sugo, picking fresh, green ingredients for our meals.
Cheering on Our Chefs
Perth’s chefs are legends, pouring their hearts into every dish. Supporting them is like cheering for our own team at Tommy Sugo.
Conclusion
Perth’s authentic Italian restaurants are like a big, warm love letter to Italy, and we’re proud to be part of this foodie family. From La Scarpetta’s cozy pasta to Il Lido’s beachy seafood, these places make every meal a party. Eating here’s about supporting Perth, keeping traditions alive, and living that Italian dream.
When you’re craving that same magic at home, Tommy Sugo brings Nonna-approved meals to your door. So, grab your mates, book a table, or give us a buzz, and let’s keep Perth’s Italian scene cooking.hat will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Italy.
FAQs
What Makes a Restaurant Proper Italian?
Fresh ingredients, real recipes, and that family vibe. Think local veggies, old-school cooking, and a place that feels like Nonna’s kitchen.
What Italian Dishes Should I Smash?
Carbonara, lasagna, Margherita pizza, tiramisu— classics. Perth’s joints do ‘em right, like our dishes at Tommy Sugo.
How Do I Cook Italian at Home?
Grab good olive oil, fresh basil, proper Parmesan. Try aglio e olio or a simple tomato sauce. Too knackered? Tommy Sugo has authentic meals ready to go.
What Wines Go with Italian Food?
Light whites like Vermentino for seafood, reds like Chianti for meaty pastas. Ask the staff—they’ll sort you out, like we do with our meal tips at Tommy Sugo.
How Do I Get Into Italian Food?
Read cookbooks, watch Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, or take a class. Eating at authentic Italian restaurants is the tastiest way, or try our meals at Tommy Sugo.
Why Back Local Joints?
They create jobs, keep money in Perth, bring us together. Plus, they’re keeping Italian traditions alive, like we do at Tommy Sugo.
What’s Italian Cuisine All About?
Fresh, seasonal stuff, simple cooking, big flavors. Every region’s got its own vibe, from northern risottos to southern seafood.
Why’s Pasta Such a Big Deal?
Pasta’s family—it brings everyone together. It’s versatile, tasty, and Italy’s heart, like our pasta dishes at Tommy Sugo.
How Do I Add Italian Vibes to My Kitchen?
Use fresh herbs, good olive oil, real cheeses. Play with pasta shapes, or throw an Italian dinner party. Tommy Sugo makes it easy.
What Italian Desserts Are a Must?
Tiramisu, panna cotta, gelato—pure joy. Perth’s restaurants do ‘em with local flair, like our desserts at Tommy Sugo.