Italia Lane

Italia Lane is a charming garden oasis of an Italian restaurant and pizzeria tucked away in a laneway next to a church yard in Fortitude Valley.

A lush green retreat from the gritty urban streets of Fortitude Valley, Italia Lane looks out at a couple of historic Valley church buildings and their gardens.

Patrons can take a seat in the spacious light interior, which has an industrial chic vibe and features curved gold booths, thick concrete pillars and a massive gleaming wood-fired pizza oven, or on the garden terrace under orange and white striped umbrellas.

The menu features a lengthy choice of small plates to share, such as Arancini alla Bolognese; Frittatine Napoletane (Neapolitan-style fried pasta cubes filled with béchamel, ham & peas); and Gnocco Fritto, Prosciutto e Fichi (ricotta pasta pillows, Prosciutto di Parma & fresh figs).

Entrees include zucchini flowers filled with ricotta and Parmigiano, gorgonzola & walnut sauce; cous cous and eggplant flan, perino cherry tomato coulis & stracciatella cheese; beef carpaccio, peaches, Italian summer truffle & black garlic mayo; and buffalo mozzarella, heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil, sweet garlic & flatbread.

For mains, there's a handful of pastas such as Rigatoni alla Carbonara; Malloreddus alla Campidanese (traditional Sardinian pasta, rich Italian sausage ragù, tomato, saffron, garlic & pecorino cheese); along with Bistecca alla Fiorentina (for 2 to share); and Galletto, Cavolo Nero e Patate al Forno (twice-cooked 600g spatchcock, Tuscan kale sauce, roasted potatoes).

Meanwhile the star of the menu are the Neapolitan-style pizzas including Margherita; Diavola; Capricciosa; Gamberi; and Pesto as well as Funghi, Mortadella, Primavera and Salsiccia.

There's also a choice of sweets such as tiramisu Ferrero; classic panna cotta with mixed berry coulis and honey crumble; affocato or limoncello curd tart with poached cherries and scorched meringue. And drinks-wise, there's an extensive wine and cocktail list, with Italian classics and a dedicated spritz section, including carafes of limoncello or Aperol spritz.

Good to know - Italia Lane is dog friendly, with pooches on leash welcome to join their owners on the terrace. The interior can be sectioned to accommodate functions and special occasions.

Need to know - There is a limited amount of street parking nearby.

A guide to the best restaurants in Fortitude Valley

Still hungry for more suggestions on where to eat out in Brisbane, head to our comprehensive Eat & Drink section HERE! Happy grazing!