The Sunshine Coast is a melting pot of authentic, fresh and culturally vibrant cuisines; Italian food is no exception with Australians adopting, modernising and falling in love with this tantalising gastronomy. Italian restaurants are certainly a plenty on the Sunshine Coast, but which ones are worth paying a visit?

Cala Luna

Cala Luna is a warm and vibrant friendly establishment that brings together family and friends. The tables are always full and it’s not without good reason. Cala Luna is the peak of Little Italy on the Sunny Coast, the menu is sharp, brilliant and simply delectable. From the Gorgonzola to the mouth-watering Cannelloni All’Abantra, stuffed with succulent duck breast and porcini mushrooms, your eyes will become bigger than your stomach. If you’d rather sample some of the Sunshine Coasts fresh seafood, try the Gameberia Al Forno, a dish combining fresh-of-the-trawler king prawns – a dish for even the non-believer. No Italian meal is complete with a taste of an authentic panna cotta, and lucky for the guests of Cala Luna, theirs is simply divine. All meals are reasonably priced with mains averaging around the $30 mark.

Bella Venezia

What could be better than a warm summer’s night spent indulging in exotic flavours on the edge of the ocean? The award winning Bella Venezia provides this romantic scene and much more for its guests. Located on Mooloolaba Esplanade, it creates the ideal backdrop for a relaxing candlelit dinner for two. For what you’re getting at Bella Venezia, the prices are exceptionally easy on the wallet. If fresh Mooloolaba prawns tickle your tastebuds, don’t go past the Pancetta Di Maiale e Gameri Arrosto, that’s roasted pork belly served on brandy pear compote with grilled Mooloolaba prawns. For most Italian restaurants, the safe option is usually the Carbonara, and normally we’d say try something out of your comfort zone, with the exception being Bella Venezias; combined with parsley, bacon and garlic – it’s one flavour sensation you shouldn’t miss.

Milan’s Pizza and Pasta

Searching for the perfect pizza is high on the list of life achievements, luckily Milan’s Pizza and Pasta restaurant in Buderim ranks at the top for the best pizza on the Sunshine Coast. Replicating the intimate atmosphere of some of Italy’s best hidden pizza parlours, Milan’s provide a fusion of romance and laid-back attitudes of coastal residents. They are ready to pull you in with their homemade breads and bases, stretchy cheeses and fresh garnishes which are all locally sourced. Milan’s is friendly, fast and exploding with sophisticated flavours. The next time you have a pizza craving, be sure to put down Milan’s as your number one pizza destination. Just be sure to book!

Whether you’re chasing high class dishes or no frills meals, Italian restaurants on the Sunny Coast are up there with the best. Do yourself a favour and try one of these fine establishments today.