Molto Italian

Molto Italian brings a fresh and contemporary take on classic Italian cuisine to Canberra's vibrant Kingston Foreshore. Led by the well-known Carlo Tosolini, a name that needs little introduction in Canberra's culinary scene, this restaurant is a seamless blend of modern aesthetics and traditional Italian hospitality. The philosophy is deeply rooted in the concept of La Famiglia—a rich celebration of history intertwined with the joy of Italian food and culture. With a 4.2-star rating on Google Maps and over 1,200 reviews, Molto Italian has firmly established itself as a go-to destination for high-quality Italian dining in the area.

The restaurant is housed in the Element Building on Eastlake Parade and boasts a design reminiscent of a modern seaside trattoria. Inside, the 130-seat space features sleek interiors, high ceilings, an open kitchen and bar, and the visual centerpiece: a feature wood fire pizza oven. The backdrop of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin adds to the elegant yet welcoming atmosphere, making it a beautiful setting for everything from a casual lunch to a celebratory dinner. Beyond the stunning design, the restaurant has become a cornerstone of the Kingston dining scene, drawing both locals and visitors who appreciate genuine Italian warmth. The team’s dedication to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques shines through in every dish, creating an experience that feels both elevated and comfortably familiar.

Our Culinary Philosophy

At the heart of Molto Italian lies a deep respect for tradition balanced with a passion for innovation. The kitchen team sources premium produce to craft dishes that honor the diverse regions of Italy, from the rich, slow-cooked flavors of the north to the bright, olive-oil-kissed simplicity of the south. Every plate is designed to be shared, reflecting the Italian belief that food is a vehicle for connection and conversation.

Signature dishes have earned a loyal following, with guests frequently praising the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, famously finished tableside in a hollowed wheel of Pecorino Romano for an unforgettable creamy texture and depth of flavor. Equally celebrated is the Guancia Di Manzo—tender braised beef cheek that melts effortlessly, delivering a robust, soul-warming taste that perfectly showcases the kitchen’s skill with slow cooking. The wood fire pizza oven, a striking visual anchor of the dining room, produces blistered, perfectly charred pizzas like the Capricciosa, which has been singled out for its exceptional preparation and adherence to the highest standards.

Services and Dining Options

Molto Italian offers a versatile range of services to suit any occasion, ensuring that the flavors of Italy are accessible whether you’re dining in, taking away, or celebrating at home.

• Dine-In Experience: The 130-seat restaurant provides an inviting space for lunch and dinner, with an open kitchen that fills the room with the energy and aroma of live cooking. The split dinner sittings at 6:00 PM and 8:10 PM allow the team to deliver attentive, unhurried service in a lively atmosphere.
• Takeaway and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or the office, Molto Italian offers a streamlined takeaway service and partners with delivery platforms to bring their menu directly to your door, ensuring the same quality you’d expect in the dining room.
• Online Ordering and Gift Cards: A user-friendly online ordering system simplifies the takeaway process, while digital gift cards are available for purchase—a perfect present for the Italian food lovers in your life.
• Private Events and Group Bookings: The elegant setting and flexible layout make Molto Italian an ideal venue for private functions, corporate events, and milestone celebrations. The team works closely with guests to tailor menus and arrangements that reflect the significance of the occasion.
• Takeaway Drinks and Retail: Beyond the full beverage list, guests can explore a curated selection of Italian wines and aperitifs available for takeaway, extending the Molto experience into your own home entertaining.

Signature Dishes and Guest Favorites

The menu at Molto Italian is a carefully curated journey through Italy’s culinary landscape, with a strong emphasis on handmade pasta, fire-kissed pizzas, and secondi that honor traditional recipes. The following are just a few of the beloved offerings that keep diners returning:

• Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe: A Roman classic elevated by a dramatic tableside finish in a Pecorino wheel, creating a luxuriously creamy and intensely savory sauce that clings to every strand of perfectly al dente pasta.
• Guancia Di Manzo: Slow-braised beef cheek that exemplifies the kitchen’s mastery of low-and-slow cooking, resulting in meat so tender it falls apart at the touch of a fork, paired with a deeply flavored reduction.
• Capricciosa Pizza: A wood-fired masterpiece topped with artichokes, ham, mushrooms, and olives, showcasing the blistery, smoky crust that only a true wood fire oven can produce.
• Tiramisu: Described by guests as a must-have, this airy, soft, moist, and creamy dessert strikes the perfect balance of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa, offering a sublime conclusion to any meal.
• Affogato: An elegant and perfectly balanced after-meal treat, with a shot of hot espresso poured over a scoop of quality gelato, blending bitter and sweet in a single, satisfying moment.

Why Molto Italian Is a Kingston Essential

Several qualities set Molto Italian apart in a competitive Canberra dining landscape. The leadership of Carlo Tosolini brings a personal, authentic touch that resonates throughout the entire operation, from the warmly professional service to the carefully considered menu. The restaurant’s commitment to consistency means that whether you visit for a quick weekday lunch or a leisurely weekend dinner, the experience remains polished and welcoming.

The space itself is a major draw. The design thoughtfully marries modern Australian sensibilities with the breezy charm of an Italian coastal eatery. High ceilings and expansive windows flood the interior with natural light by day, while evening service transforms the room into a warm, intimate glow centered around the flicker of the pizza oven and the gentle hum of conversation. The proximity to Lake Burley Griffin offers pre- or post-meal strolls along the water, making a visit to Molto Italian an event rather than simply a meal. The restaurant’s 4.2-star rating, sustained across more than 1,230 Google reviews, speaks to a broad base of satisfied guests who routinely highlight the food quality, the attentive staff, and the standout tiramisu and Cacio e Pepe.

Location and Atmosphere

Molto Italian occupies a prime position in the Element Building at 155/43 Eastlake Parade, right on the edge of the Kingston Foreshore. This sought-after location places the restaurant at the center of one of Canberra’s most dynamic dining and leisure precincts, with waterfront views and ample parking nearby. The address is easy to find for both locals and visitors exploring the capital’s southern lakeside suburbs.

Inside, the atmosphere is energetic yet polished, with the open kitchen and bar serving as the social hub. The visual and auditory connection to the cooking process adds a theatrical element that enhances the overall dining experience. The feature wood fire pizza oven, with its dancing flames and the skilled pizzaiolos at work, provides a constant, mesmerizing focal point. Whether seated at a banquette with a view of the lake or at the bar watching the kitchen’s choreography, every seat offers a unique perspective on the vitality of the restaurant. The design accommodates both romantic dinners for two and lively group gatherings with equal ease.

Opening Hours and Reservations

Molto Italian welcomes guests seven days a week, with a split schedule that caters to both lunch and dinner diners. Lunch is served from Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Dinner is available Monday through Sunday, with the evening service running from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Mondays, the restaurant opens exclusively for dinner. Dinner sittings are structured in two timeslots at 6:00 PM and 8:10 PM, which helps the team maintain attentive service even during peak periods. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant directly at +61 2 6140 7039 or through their online booking platform. The website also offers the convenience of ordering takeaway online and purchasing digital gift cards.