4 best Northern Rivers Italian restaurants

June 3, 2015 - 3 min read

La Cucina di Vino Ask any Northern Rivers local where they should go for a traditional Italian fine-dining experience and they’ll reply La Cucina di Vino. Bring your partner down to this classy restaurant, and take a seat overlooking the Richmond River as you dive into the menu. There’s a variety of traditional pizza and […]

La Cucina di Vino

Beautiful tasting dishes, La Cucina da Vino - Northern Rivers
Beautiful tasting dishes, La Cucina di Vino – Northern Rivers

Ask any Northern Rivers local where they should go for a traditional Italian fine-dining experience and they’ll reply La Cucina di Vino. Bring your partner down to this classy restaurant, and take a seat overlooking the Richmond River as you dive into the menu. There’s a variety of traditional pizza and pasta dishes, but we suggest indulging in one of their fresh, Italian inspired seafood selections – in particular, the citrus and garlic chilli crab meat with creamy wet polenta and red vain sorrel. Their extensive wine list means they have a glass of red to compliment any dish, or you can tempt yourself with a specialty cocktail if you want to really treat yourself.
Where: 2 Martin St Ballina Northern Rivers NSW
The Italian Diner
Elegant atmosphere, The Italian Diner - Northern Rivers
Elegant atmosphere, The Italian Diner – Northern Rivers

Opening less than two years ago, it hasn’t taken The Italian Diner long to become one of the top restaurants in Northern Rivers for some tasty Italian cuisine. A favourite among Bangalow locals, you’re guaranteed a great tasting, European-inspired meal whether you come for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The baked eggs Roma and short macchiato combo is the perfect way to start the day; or if you’re dining for dinner, you can’t look past their selection of woodfired pizzas coupled with a glass of vino bianco. Having spent a year living in Italy, the owners of the Italian Diner really know how to treat their customers to a cultural experience to go with a tasty meal.
Where: 37/39 Byron St Bangalow Northern Rivers NSW
Quattro
Wine to go with your dish, Quattro - Northern Rivers
Wine to go with your dish, Quattro – Northern Rivers

For a little slice of Europe in the heart of Lennox Head, book a table at Quattro for food and service done the classic Italian way. Voted most stylish beachfront restaurant by Australian Vogue Travel, book a table at Quattro for an elegant yet intimate dining experience complimented by the sea breeze. You really can’t go wrong with any of the delicious dishes offered at Quattro, but their specialty is certainly pizza, serving up both gourmet and classic variations. This belissimo restaurant is so popular they opened a sister restaurant in Alstonville, which is also worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Where: 90-92 Ballina St Lennox Head Northern Rivers NSW
Viva Pizza
Sink your teeth into a pizza, Viva Pizza - Northern Rivers
Sink your teeth into a pizza, Viva Pizza – Northern Rivers

Located off River Street in Ballina, step inside Viva Pizza for a casual European style food experience in a warm and cosy atmosphere. All their pizza and pasta selections are served in generous sizes and packed full of flavour. If you love your Italian food, but aren’t up for the carbs that go with it, order the Italian salad with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, roasted capsicum, cucumber, Spanish onion, herbs and Italian dressing. They also offer takeaway, if you want to enjoy some of the best Italian from the Northern Rivers in the comfort of your own home. Whatever way you choose to dine, you won’t be disappointed with the first-class Italian food at Viva Pizza.
Where: 1/43 River St Ballina Northern Rivers NSW
Have we missed your favourite Northern Rivers Italian restaurant? Tell us where you get you lasagna fix in the comments below.