Sicily by Fratello is the Coast's new carb crush.
Sicily by Fratello is the Coast's new carb crush.

If the Gold Coast needed another reason to power-up on pasta (der), Sicily By Fratello has just delivered it on a salumi-adorned platter. This modern Italian newcomer is the second delicious brainchild of the Fratello Italian crew, who have already cemented themselves as Labrador legends. Now, they’ve brought their pasta‑twirling, pizza‑spinning magic to a new pocket of the Coast, and locals are already carb‑courting this place like a true Italian romance.

Sicily By Fratello is the kind of place that feels instantly familiar, like a warm hug from the Nonna you’ve always wanted (even though you’re not Italian). The owners – Adi Prajapati, Rabin Thapa and Yogesh Thapa – designed the interiors themselves, taking inspiration from their award-winning first venue’s crowd-pleasing alfresco charm. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and exactly the kind of spot where you can settle in for a long lunch, cheeky date night or an authentic famiglia feast. Think inviting indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate up to 90 people, with enough space for even the loudest Italian uncle to gesticulate wildly.

The menu is a pasta-tively glorious ode to modern Italian cuisine, blending traditional techniques with clever ingredient tweaks that suit local taste buds. Head Chef Rabin Thapa has spent many-a-night in Italian restaurant kitchens honing his craft, and it’s as obvious as a rogue spaghetti strand on your white Rolla’s. He ensures pasta is made fresh in‑house – hand‑crafted, silky, and the kind that ruins the pantry‑staple version forever, and home-made pizza dough is left to ferment for 48 hours before hitting the wood-fire oven. This results in a base so light and crispy it practically floats to the table or in our case, straight into our gobs.

Start strong with your choice of a bevy of irresistible entrée contenders, like the crunchy and zesty Fritto Misto; baby calamari dusted with flour and served with rocket, lemon and garlic aioli. From there, the menu becomes a choose‑your‑own‑adventure of carbs, comfort and culinary joy, with house‑made pastas, gnocchi dishes, risottos, wood‑fired pizzas, sides, and salads.
The bold and hearty signature Rigatoni Sicily is a must, with house marinated Italian sausage, roast capsicum, tomato, olives, capers and homemade tomato sauce. Or, if you prefer your pasta seafood-coded (same), The Spaghetti Gamberi is another showstopper. We’re talking prawns, zucchini, onion, chilli and EVO oil in a dish that tastes like summer on the Amalfi Coast which let’s be real, isn’t too far from an Aussie summer right here on our very own Gold Coast.

Pizza lovers, resistance is futile when it comes to the Bufala Margherita, topped with San Marzano tomato, buffalo mozzarella, oregano and basil. If you’re not in a pizza or pasta mood, firstly what’s wrong with you but secondly, the Veal Saltimbocca is a classic done right. Featuring veal, prosciutto, sage and butter served with vegetables and roast potatoes, it delivers big Italian comfort and serious ‘order this again immediately’ energy.

Because skipping dessert would be a culinary crime punishable by disapproving looks from every Nonna in existence, Sicily By Fratello has created the ultimate sweet ending, Nutella Gnocchi. Combining two of life’s greatest guilty pleasures, the deep-fried pastry with cinnamon and Nutella is warm, gooey, and absolutely worth extra treadmill time the next day.
If decision‑making isn’t your strong suit, there are also two set menus designed for sharing, perfect for group dinners, celebrations or anyone who wants to try a bit of everything without committing to just one dish. They also cater for events with customisable dinner and drinks menus, because nothing says “successful party” like a room full of people bonding over perfect pasta.

Speaking of drinks, the bar is fully stocked with cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers and ciders. Their signature Passionfruit Martini with vodka, passionfruit liquor, lime, and prosecco is one of the best we’ve had, while the Aperol Spritz with Aperol, prosecco, and soda is as essential to an Italian meal as good company and a forgiving waistband.
So, if you’re craving dine-in or take-away modern Italian that’s fresh, flavourful and full of Mediterranean magic, Sicily By Fratello is ready to steal a pizza your heart. Don’t delay – come and spahget-it!
Where: 193 Gemvale Road, Mudgeeraba
When: Tuesday – Sunday 5PM – 9PM, Sat & Sun 12PM – 2:30PM
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Liam McDonald
See more from Sicily by Fratello in our reel here.
