There’s a reason pasta never goes out of fashion. A well-made sauce, pasta cooked just right and a generous helping of parmesan can be all you need for a good meal. With World Pasta Day falling on 25 October, it’s a good excuse to put the usual order aside and try something different. From lobster spaghettini to slow-braised beef ragù and creamy mushroom gnocchi, these five South Bank restaurants are serving up pasta worth making a trip for.

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OTTO Brisbane - Champagne Lobster Spaghettini
If there’s one dish to know at OTTO Brisbane, it’s the Champagne lobster spaghettini. Sweet lobster is tossed through delicate pasta with lemon butter, garlic, chilli and white wine, then finished with bottarga for an extra hit of flavour. It’s a signature for a reason, and one to keep in mind for your next riverside dinner. Book here.

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Popolo - Beef Cheek Ragù
Some nights call for a bowl of pasta that means business. At Popolo, pappardelle with beef cheek ragù fits the bill, with broad ribbons of pasta coated in a slow-braised beef sauce and finished with grated pecorino. Rich and deeply savoury, it’s the sort of dish that makes a strong case for sticking with the classics. Book here.

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Vici – Prawn and Crab Linguine
Vici takes the seafood route with its prawn and crab linguine. Garlic, shallots and chilli bring plenty of flavour, while blistered cherry tomatoes and olive oil keep things fresh and let the seafood do the talking. It’s a solid pick for anyone who likes their pasta with a little taste of the coast. Book here.

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Barbossa - Chilli Garlic Prawn Fettuccine
For those who like a bit of heat, Barbossa’s chilli garlic prawn fettuccine brings together juicy prawns, fresh garlic, chilli, Napoli sauce and baby spinach. The tomato-based sauce gives the dish plenty of depth, while the chilli adds a welcome kick. Consider it when a simple bowl of pasta just won’t cut it. Book here.

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Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers - Wild Mushroom and Truffle Spaghetti
Mushroom and truffle is a combination that knows how to win over a pasta lover. At Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, spaghetti comes with a creamy wild mushroom and truffle sauce made with Australian mushrooms, fresh cream and Italian porcini powder, alongside a blend of herbs and spices. Earthy, creamy and full of flavour, it’s a comforting choice for those who prefer their pasta on the richer side. Book here.

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