The Italian Place Enoteca

When you step into The Italian Place Enoteca, you’re not just walking into a restaurant — you’re entering a space where genuine Italian hospitality meets the vibrant energy of Braddon. Here, every plate tells a story, and every meal feels like a gathering of family and friends. The team believes that dining is about more than just food; it’s about the warmth of the welcome, the clink of glasses, and the laughter that fills the room long into the evening. Whether you’re planning a quick express lunch, a leisurely long lunch, or a celebratory dinner, the experience is designed to make you feel completely at home.

Located on Mort Street, The Italian Place Enoteca has become a beloved part of the Canberra dining scene. The restaurant draws inspiration from Italy’s diverse culinary regions, from the rich, hearty traditions of the north to the bright, sun-drenched flavors of the south. Classic recipes are reimagined with a modern touch, always built around fresh, seasonal ingredients and local produce whenever possible. Every visit offers something new to discover, yet the comforting embrace of authentic Italian cooking remains constant.

Our Approach to Italian Dining

Italian cuisine is built on simplicity and respect for ingredients, and that philosophy guides every dish that leaves the kitchen. The menu changes with the seasons, but you’ll always find handmade pasta as its heart. Pasta is rolled, shaped, and cooked with care, delivering a texture and flavor that dried alternatives simply cannot match. Whether it’s a silky ribbon of pappardelle or a delicate parcel of ravioli, each pasta shape is chosen to carry its sauce perfectly.

Proteins and produce are sourced with intention, balancing Australian freshness with Italian soul. Seafood, when featured, arrives daily, ensuring the clean, bright flavors that coastal Italian cooking is famous for. Land dishes might highlight slow-braised meats or perfectly seared cuts, always paired with thoughtful accompaniments. Even the simplest antipasto plate becomes a celebration when quality ingredients are left to speak for themselves.

Signature Dishes & Guest Favorites

Returning visitors often have a favorite dish they can’t resist ordering again and again. The Tiramisu has reached legendary status on Mort Street, earning its place as one of the most popular items on the menu. Layers of coffee-soaked savoiardi and pillowy mascarpone are assembled with a light hand, creating a dessert that’s rich yet impossibly airy. Many guests insist it’s among the best they’ve tried anywhere in Canberra.

The Eggplant Parmigiana is another crowd-pleaser, layering silky fried eggplant with tangy tomato sugo and creamy cheese before baking to golden perfection. Pasta lovers gravitate toward the bold flavors of the squid ink linguine, where jet-black ribbons of handmade pasta are paired with fresh seafood in a dish that looks as dramatic as it tastes. The Lasagne and curated charcuterie boards also earn constant praise, offering comforting classics alongside opportunities to explore Italian deli culture.

Services & Dining Experiences

The Italian Place Enoteca offers multiple ways to dine, tailored to your schedule and appetite. The Express Lunch ($39pp) is perfect for a refined mid-day escape, offering a complete experience that fits neatly into a workday break. If you prefer a simpler bite, a single pasta plate ($25) lets you sample the kitchen’s craftsmanship without committing to a full coursed meal.

Dinner service unfolds at a more relaxed pace, with the full À La Carte menu available Monday through Saturday evening. For those who want to put their evening in the kitchen’s hands, the Taste of Italy menu ($69.99pp) is a curated 3-course journey through the kitchen’s finest offerings, designed to satisfy and surprise with every course. Wine lovers can also bring their own bottle for a $20 corkage fee — a thoughtful touch for those with a special vintage they’ve been saving.

• Express Lunch: A complete, time-conscious set meal available Tuesday–Saturday, midday to 2:30 pm.
• Single Pasta Lunch: Choose one handmade pasta dish for a lighter afternoon option.
• À La Carte Dinner: Full menu access Monday–Saturday, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
• Taste of Italy Dinner: A 3-course curated experience showcasing seasonal highlights.
• BYO Wine: $20 corkage per bottle, a welcoming option for wine enthusiasts.

Serving Braddon & Australian Capital Territory

The Italian Place Enoteca is deeply woven into the fabric of Braddon, an inner-north Canberra suburb known for its dynamic dining and creative energy. Mort Street has become one of the area’s most sought-after food destinations, and this restaurant stands out as a cornerstone of that reputation. Locals know it as a place where quality and consistency meet genuine warmth — a combination that keeps them returning week after week.

Visitors from across the Australian Capital Territory make the trip to Braddon specifically to dine here, drawn by the promise of handmade pasta and gracious service. From nearby Reid and Campbell to further-flung Belconnen and Tuggeranong, Italian food lovers gather at 38 Mort Street to share meals that feel both special and comfortingly familiar. The restaurant’s location is easy to access by car, public transport, or bicycle, with ample local amenities nearby.

Booking, Hours & Location

Tables at The Italian Place Enoteca are in high demand, especially during peak dinner hours and weekend lunch services. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and the restaurant partners with OpenTable to make booking a seamless process. For larger groups of more than 10 guests, a direct phone call to the restaurant team is the best way to arrange a personalized dining experience. A credit card is required to secure bookings of 5+ guests, and cancellation policies are in place to ensure fairness for all diners.

Opening hours are designed to accommodate both lunch and dinner crowds, with a break between services for the kitchen to reset and prepare. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Sundays, giving the team a well-earned rest.

• Address: 38 Mort Street, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia
• Phone: (02) 6179 8812
• Lunch Service: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
• Dinner Service: Monday to Saturday, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
• Sunday: Closed
• Website: theitalianplace.net.au

Why Customers Choose Us

Diners consistently highlight the combination of top-quality food and attentive, personable service that sets The Italian Place Enoteca apart. The restaurant’s 4.6-star rating and hundreds of reviews reflect a community of guests who feel genuinely welcomed and well-fed. The owner-operators, Francesco and Tony, bring decades of experience to the table — Francesco in the kitchen crafting dishes that honor Italian culinary heritage, and Tony on the floor creating a service atmosphere that’s legendary among Canberra regulars.

The commitment to handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and authentic flavors gives the kitchen a strong foundation, but it’s the desire to create a place that feels like home that truly resonates. Guests notice the difference in every interaction, from the thoughtful wine suggestions to the careful pacing of each course. It’s that intangible feeling of being cared for that transforms a great meal into a lasting memory. Whether you’re a local who dines on Mort Street every week or a first-time visitor exploring Canberra’s food scene, you’ll leave already planning your next return.