The only way to sample the best of Sydney’s Italian offering is to do it in true Italian style. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta combines style and power, making for a truly memorable driving experience.

Located in the heart of the inner-city suburb of Marrickville, Paesanella has long established itself (since 1962) as the cornerstone of Italian cheese making. From bocconcini to burrata and of course its famed ricotta, Paesanella is more than your regular cheese shop. The food hall with its deli lined with cheeses made locally as well as those from all corners of the globe, also offers imported Italian products from pasta, cold-cut meats and sauces.

With more than 30 awards under their belt, the Paesanella brand is favourite among some of Australia’s most decorated restaurants. Get down here early for their hot ricotta, made daily in the factory. Be warned though, you may have to fight off some tough old nonnas. Paesanella, 150-152 Marrickville Road, Marrickville, NSW 2204,(02) 9519 7300, paesanella.com.au

For 21 years Napoli in Bocca has been creating a buzz in Haberfield. With Ben Ricco at the helm, the pizzeria is famed as being one of the first to offer wood-fired pizzas in Sydney. With a menu bursting with simple and traditional food, the restaurant is the perfect spot for a quick lunch between shopping destinations.

Fancy a go at making your own pizza? The restaurant, under instruction of master pizza-maker Ben Rico, offers a monthly cooking class that covers all the bases when it comes to traditional Neapolitan pizza. Planning a visit on the weekend? Be sure to get a booking, tables fill quickly at this Haberfield institution. Napoli in Bocca, 73 Dalhousie St, Haberfield NSW, (02) 9798 4096, napoliinbocca.com.au

Stroll down the main drag of Five Dock and you’ll be hard pressed to miss this bustling Italian deli. Visited by foodies near and far, this old-school deli has been a Sydney favourite for more than 30 years. No visit is complete without the welcoming face of Rosaria Raineri who works behind the counter offering her many years of advice and knowledge on cheese, cold-cut meats as well as olive oil. With shelves stacked with the essentials, this is also a place to people watch as locals barter and fight to get in each day.

Ask the staff for their recommendations and you’ll find they’re more than happy to give you a taste. From 3 year-old peccorino to salumi and fresh olives, it’s hard to leave this place empty handed. Raineri’s Continental Deli, 97 Great North Road, Five Dock, NSW 2046, (02) 9713 6886.

Take the leisurely hour and half drive north of Sydney to Killcare and visit Manfredi at Bells. With long-time Italian chef Stefano Manfredi as the brains behind the operation at this luxury fine-diner, the food is simple yet elegant Italian fare. Plus, their own garden provides 15 per cent of the produce used in the kitchen, meaning guests at the resort (as well as daytime visitors) can expect to be treated with fresh Italian dishes spanning across the various regions of Italy.

Indulged a little too much? Book yourself in for a night at the luxury resort with its 25 private coastal-inspired suites and cottages, not to mention its award-winning spa. Manfredi at Bells, at Bells at Killcare, 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights, NSW 2257, (02) 4349 7000, bellsatkillcare.com.au

Do as Italians do and zip around the streets in your own Alfa Romeo. With a passion and focus on precision and quality, the sporty Guilietta is the perfect accompaniment on your Italian-themed food trail.