Festa Italiana Is Back Bringing Chef Orazio D’Elia to Howard Smith Wharves for a Foodie Festival

For its second year in a row, Festa Italiana is collaborating with Orazio D’Elia of the eponymous Da Orazio in Bondi.

In a statement, the Naples-born chef said: “The energy, people and sunshine in Brisbane reminded me of my hometown, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Brisbane’s love for food only deepens the connection, adding to the familiar warmth I feel when I’m there.”

Several of the signature dishes from Da Orazio that were served at the festival last year are making a return, including rich and spicy vodka rigatoni, and a hefty focaccia con porchetta with slices of meat served straight from the rotisserie.

D’Elia says the other dishes he is bringing to the festival are inspired by his latest trip to Napoli. He teased the possibilities of caserecce with a Neopolitan-style veal ragu, and fusilli alla Luciana, a tomato-braised baby octopus pasta with salty pops of olives and black capers.

Also on offer will be freshly made pasta, Queensland’s Casa Motta buffalo mozzarella, Instagrammable woodfired bread, and light and crispy fritto misto.

Live music and a spritz bar round out the offering.

The festival will run from Thursday May 23 to Sunday May 26 and from Thursday May 30 to Sunday June 2 on the Howard Smith Wharves main lawn.