An Italian Foodie Fest Is Taking Over HSW For Two Tasty Weekends
Bellissimo
By Victoria Lewis | 7th May 2025Craving a Euro summer? Fancy a slice of Italy? Get your forks at the ready, Brisbane, because a bold, sun-soaked Italian-inspired feast is being dished out to the riverfront this month! Follow the scent of wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta and herbed focaccia down to Howard Smith Wharves for a delicious culinary journey infused with the punchy flavours of Naples, Italy.
For two delizioso weekends, the culinary icon, Orazio D’Elia of Sydney’s famed Da Orazio restaurant, will bring his signature flair and flavour to the Wharves’ Festa Italiana, serving up vibrant Italian classics with a modern twist – talk about la dolce vita!
From Thursday, 29 May to Sunday, 1 June, and again from Thursday, 5 June to Sunday, 8 June, the Main Lawn will set the stage for a lively outdoor grill station, where you can tuck into mouthwatering porchetta focaccia and succulent Pollo al Mattone chicken rolls. Brisbane foodies can also indulge in Orazio’s much–loved pasta dishes, including strozzapreti ai gamberi, twisted pasta tossed with zesty prawns and zucchini, as well as a rigatoni alla vodka that’s rich with tomato, chilli and cream (your belly won’t know you’re still in Brissie!). Napoli-born chef Carmine Guarino will also join Orazio in this flavoural affair, capturing the spirit of Festa Italiana with his menu of authentic Italian street food served straight from the oven, that he invites you to devour with your hands.
Step into Ciao Papi’s garden, which will transform into a sparkling Aperol bar, the perfect spot to stop and sip, snack on the exclusive festival menu, and soak up the QLD sunshine, all with a touch of Southern Italian charm. After all, what better complement to a hearty Italian meal than a frozen White Peach Aperol Slushie or specially crafted Italian lager?
For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll be glad to know Gelato Messina will also be making an appearance, crafting an exclusive festival dessert especially for the occasion that’s inspired by the sweet, sun-drenched flavours of an Italian summer.
Celebrate Italy’s vibrant culture with family-friendly entertainment (including your chance to win a stylish Roll’d moped) while lounging in the garden chomping on culinary delights, spritz in hand, with the sounds of Italy floating through the air, bringing that carefree, coastal atmosphere right here to Brisbane – did someone say bellisimo?
What: Howard Smith Wharves Festa Italiana When: Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June, and Thursday 5 June to Sunday 8 June Where: Howard Smith Wharves Main Lawn and Ciao Papi Garden
