An encounter about Italian culture, heritage and experience in Australia. Within the Week of the Italian Language in the World 2026
Cristian Bonetto, author of the book “ITALO: Culture & Dining in Italian Australia” (Hardie Grant 2026), takes us through the history of his Italian family and the influence Italian culture has had on his life.
From the language spoken at home, through his experiences at school, and finally to his own personal vision of Italy, its gastronomy and cultural intersections with Australia, Bonetto recounts the details of an experience shared by tens of thousands of second- and third-generation Italians in Australia and their relationship with Italian culture and identity.
- Thursday, 15 October 2026, 6:00 PM
- Italian Cultural Institute in Sydney
- 4/125 York Street, Sydney CBD
- Event in English and Italian
- Free admission with bookings on our Eventbrite profile
ITALO: Culture & Dining in Italian Australia is a guide to Italian culture and influence in Australia, from the laneway and gallery to the table.
Organised by city – Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth – the book explores the visible and hidden imprint of Italian ingenuity across Australia’s major centres – iconic buildings, mosaics and murals, restaurants, enoteche and more.
The book includes highly curated selections of places to eat, drink and shop, along with short, engaging essays exploring Italian influence in everything from Australian fashion and design, to coffee and wine.
Cristian Bonetto
Born to Italian parents, Australian travel writer Cristian Bonetto has experienced Italy as both a local and a visitor, providing him with a unique perspective on the country and its many shades. Over 20 years, the former TV scriptwriter has written scores of travel guides and articles on the country, most notably for Lonely Planet. Despite his nomadic lifestyle, Italy remains a second home for Cristian and a place that provides endless inspiration. When he’s not tucking into plates of cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper pasta) or getting his ankles wet in acqua alta (tidal floods) in Venice, you’ll find him pounding the pavement in his other regular haunts, among them LA, New York, Copenhagen and Melbourne.
