ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN THE ILLAWARRA

From traditional Italian woodfired pizza to delicious garlicky Meditteranean flavours – the Illawarra boasts an enviable array of top quality Italian restaurants. Get your carbohydrate fix and indulge by trying out one of these cracking Italian restaurants in the Illawarra.

We’ve road-tested some of the region’s best pizzas and we’re on the hunt to find the best gelato. We are fortunate enough to have some experienced and authentic Italian chefs operating businesses right here in Wollongong.

A Brief History of Italian Influence in the Illawarra Region:

Italian migration to the Illawarra region dates back to the late 19th century. Initially, Italian migrants arrived to work in the coal mines, which were a significant source of employment at the time. Many Italians settled in the town of Wollongong, which became a hub for Italian culture in the region.

The steelworks in Port Kembla, located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, also played a significant role in the economic development of the region and in the lives of Italian migrants who settled in the area.

The steelworks were established in the early 20th century and employed thousands of workers, including many Italian migrants who were drawn to the area for employment opportunities.

Many Italian migrants worked in the steel industry, with some working as tradespeople, engineers, and managers. The Italian community played an important role in the growth and success of the steelworks, with many Italian workers bringing specialised skills and expertise to the industry.

During the early 20th century, Italian migrants faced significant discrimination and prejudice, particularly during World War II when Italy was an enemy of Australia. Despite these challenges, Italian migrants continued to make significant contributions to the Illawarra area. They established businesses, formed cultural and social organisations, and helped to shape the region’s cultural landscape. The Italian community in the Illawarra also played an important role in the development of the region’s food culture, with many Italian restaurants and cafes opening over the years.

Today, the Italian community in the Illawarra remains an important part of the region’s cultural fabric. Italian festivals and events are held regularly, and there are many Italian businesses and cultural organisations operating in the area. The influence of Italian migration can be seen throughout the region, from the architecture to the food to the community traditions that have been passed down through generations of Italian families.