Italians certainly know what they're doing when it comes to food, and pasta is no exception. World Pasta Day is happening on Wednesday October 25, and what better excuse to devour a bowl of delicious carbs? 

To celebrate one of Italy’s most versatile dishes, we’ve pulled together all the best venues across Newcastle that have mastered their pasta offering.

alfie's

Go to alfie's for the antipasti, stay for the pasta. With a tight selection of pasta dishes on offer, you're guaranteed freshness and flavour. Don't forget to use alfie's delicious pizza bread for scarpetta – the act of scooping up the leftover pasta sauce on your plate with bread. No drop of sauce wasted.
Where: 2/52 Regent St, New Lambton

Bar Mellow

The pasta offering at Bar Mellow may be small, but it is mighty. Made in house and only $15 each, Bar Mellow's pasta dishes (including a four cheese option and a vegan pesto fettucine) are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of natural wine or an expertly-crafted cocktail.
Where: 744 Hunter St, Newcastle West

Bella Italia

Get your hands on some authentic Italian eats at Hunter Street restaurant Bella Italia. The duo behind the venue is front-of-house mastermind Andrea Dazzi and head chef Nico Gentile. The pair’s passion for all things Italian has seeped through to the interior, the menu, and even the wine list.
Where: 545 Hunter St, Newcastle

Casa Nova

Whether you go for a classic like pappardelle ragu or spaghetti alla carbonara, or a fancy take on fettucine with Australian rock lobster, you'll be satisfied at Casa Nova. Pair your pasta with views of Newcastle Harbour, and you've got yourself a winning meal.
Where: Unit 20/1 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle

Criniti’s

Metre-long pizzas, pages of pasta dishes, and mouth-watering cocktails – Criniti's has you covered when it comes to pasta. Combining their traditional Italian and modern Australian cuisine, Criniti’s brings you a huge range of dishes to enjoy.
Where: The Rooftop at Westfield Kotara

DiRoma Pizzeria

The authentic Italian takeaway and casual pizzeria is as much about their pasta as they are their pizza. With classic options like carbonara and bolognese on the menu, you can't go wrong with pasta from DiRoma.
Where: 144 Glebe Rd, Merewether

Don Beppino’s

Newcastle’s very own ‘House of Lasagna’ has been a go-to for locals since its inception in 1973. You can't beat Don Beppino's for affordability either, making it the ideal spot to grab pasta when the Italian cravings hit.
Where: 45 Railway St, Merewether

Emilio's Ristorante

Emilio's Ristorante is all about home-made, home-style Italian cooking – get togethers at Emilio's feel like you're guests in owner Angelina's home. Originally located in Darby Street, this restaurant has stood the test of time thanks to its extensive menu full of Italian favourites, friendly atmosphere, and fantastic service.
Where: 75 King St, Warners Bay

Humbug

Humbug is all about contemporary takes on pasta, featuring traditional Italian ingredients like taleggio, radicchio, and cavolo nero, often with an Asian twist (daikon and gochujang star on the current menu). It's fusion cooking at its best, paired with a superb wine list focusing on small production, thoughtfully-made wines. Don't skip the heavenly focaccia.
Where: 87-89 Hunter St, Newcastle

In Forno

With two locations – one in Beaumont Street and one at The Corner in Charlestown – In Forno has you sorted for pasta. There's stacks of options for choose from, so you'll want to keep coming back again and again to try them all.
Where: 79-81 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Italy’s Pantry

Brought to you by the same team behind Napoli Centrale and Popolo Gelateria, Italy’s Pantry offers a casual Italian dining experience, retail, and take-home foodie joint. With Alfonso and Michela at the helm once more, this new venture is bringing together a little bit of all of their other ventures, of course with plenty of pasta.
Where: 3/18 Throsby St, Wickham

Lock’s Paddock

Home to Newcastle’s best cacio e pepe, Lock’s Paddock has not only this delicious cheesy pasta dish on the menu, but a selection of other pasta dishes including carbonara, braised wagyu linguini, and gnocchi with mushroom ragu.
Where: 16 Watt St, Newcastle

Market St Basement

Market St Basement has long been an inner city favourite for Italian fare. It's an atmospheric spot perfect for a date night or a meal out with friends. The rigatoni alla vodka is a stand-out on the pasta menu – make sure you order one of their excellent cocktails to go with your meal.
Where: 2/2 Market St, Newcastle

Merewether Surfhouse Restaurant

Book a table and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and Italian-inspired menu at this iconic venue on the shores of Merewether Beach. If you really feel like indulging, make sure you try one of the desserts from the comprehensive menu.
Where: 5 Henderson Pde, Merewether

Napoli Centrale

Open seven days a week, Napoli Centrale’s fire is stoked and ready to serve you not only traditional Neapolitan pizzas, but a delicious selection of handmade pasta too.
Where: 173 King St, Newcastle

Parry St Garage

Parry Street Garage's modern Italian menu has been winning over locals for nearly 10 years. The huge industrial chic space is a favoured spot for big group hangouts, or cosy dates by the bar. The sweet potato gnocchi with cavolo nero, soft feta, toasted walnuts, and sage butter is a HUNTERhunter favourite.
Where: 106 Parry St, Newcastle West

Sapori at Tailors

Run by Roman husband and wife duo Francesca and Fabrizio, Sapori at Tailors is a cosy spot to enjoy pasta, pizza, antipasti, and sweets. Expect a Roman influence over the menu, with specialities like fettucine amatriciana and supplí making an appearance on the menu.
Where: 10 Beaumont St, Islington

The Etna on Darby

This quaint little joint on Darby Street will grab you with the wafts of garlic coming out of the space. Enjoy their The Etna on Darby's pasta either takeaway or dine-in. This hidden gem even offers BYO wine with free corkage!
Where: 98 Darby St, Cooks Hill