Brisbane’s Best Affordable Italian Restaurants: Flavour Without the Splurge
Italian cuisine is all about comfort, generosity, and flavour — and luckily for Brisbane foodies, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. Across the city, you’ll find a host of restaurants serving up delicious pasta, pizza, and antipasti at prices that won’t break the bank.
Whether you’re after a casual bite with friends, a midweek pasta fix, or a family-friendly dinner spot, this list of affordable and value-for-money Italian restaurants in Brisbane delivers big flavour on a budget.
Factory51 (Coorparoo) — Affordable Italian with Style
Let’s start where flavour meets value: Factory51. Tucked into a converted warehouse in Coorparoo, Factory51 combines rustic-industrial charm with handcrafted Italian food that’s consistently impressive and surprisingly affordable.
House-made sourdough pasta, wood-fired pizza, seasonal specials, and generous portions make this one of Brisbane’s best bang-for-buck Italian venues. It’s perfect for groups, families, or date nights that don’t require fine dining prices.
Top Value Dishes:
- Gnocchi with crispy pancetta, sage, and truffle oil
- Wood-fired Salami & Chilli pizza
- House antipasti board with lavosh and fresh local produce
Prices are fair, portions are hearty, and you’ll walk away satisfied — without emptying your wallet.
Tocco Italiano (Chelmer & Hawthorne)
A favourite for suburban locals, Tocco Italiano offers a relaxed atmosphere, handmade pasta, and warm service at reasonable prices. It’s family-run and full of heart, with authentic flavours you’d expect in Italy.
Must Try: Tagliatelle Bolognese, house focaccia, and their classic tiramisu.
Julius Pizzeria (South Brisbane)
This busy South Bank venue might look high-end, but its pricing and portion sizes make it a great value destination. With perfectly blistered pizzas from their wood oven and flavour-packed pasta dishes, Julius is perfect for pre-theatre dinners or casual date nights.
Budget-friendly tip: Share a pizza and salad with a glass of wine and enjoy a gourmet night out for under $30 per person.
Il Verde (Bowen Hills)
Il Verde is best known for its flaming cheese-wheel pasta nights, but the menu overall is full of affordable options with a modern twist. Their lunch specials and midweek deals offer great value for money.
Try: Truffle mushroom risotto or their $25 cheese wheel pasta nights (bookings essential).
Casa Nostra (Fortitude Valley)
Located in the Gasworks precinct, Casa Nostra is a sleek spot that balances quality with affordability. It’s not the cheapest on this list, but their lunch specials and share plates give you a fine dining feel without the fine dining cost.
Standout: House-made lasagne and the $15 lunchtime gnocchi.
Il Posto (Paddington)
A charming neighbourhood eatery with a modern menu and fair pricing. Their pizza and pasta dishes offer plenty of variety, and you’ll find good wine without the huge markup.
Best picks: Calabrese pizza, cacio e pepe, and their affordable lunch menu.
Sugo Mi (Bulimba)
This casual riverside favourite is great for families and midweek outings. They offer BYO, a lively atmosphere, and great value across the board. Grab a pizza, a pasta, and a bottle of wine and settle in for a relaxed night.
Favourites: Lamb ragu, seafood marinara, and garlic bread.
Marinara Trattoria (Paddington)
Tucked away on Given Terrace, Marinara Trattoria offers old-school charm and traditional Italian dishes at fair prices. It’s cosy, friendly, and full of character.
Go-to: Spaghetti carbonara and their classic panna cotta.
Pastaissimo (Sunnybank Hills)
Located in the city’s south, Pastaissimo is known for generous portions and affordable pricing. It’s casual, hearty, and ideal for takeaway or dine-in with the family.
Popular dishes: Penne arrabbiata, chicken parmigiana, and garlic prawn pasta.
Ciao Papi (Howard Smith Wharves)
Ciao Papi brings a relaxed, waterfront charm to Brisbane’s Italian scene. Despite its stunning river views, it offers a selection of affordable dishes — particularly their shared antipasti and pasta plates.
Try this: Their ricotta gnocchi or spaghetti with prawns and chilli.
Il Molo (Bulimba)
Just across from the river, Il Molo serves up crowd-pleasing Italian dishes at prices that surprise in the best way. It’s ideal for brunch, lunch, or laid-back dinners.
Recommended: Roast pumpkin ravioli and a glass of house wine.
Trattoria Italiana (Spring Hill)
A lesser-known gem, Trattoria Italiana focuses on rustic, home-style Italian cooking with wallet-friendly pricing. Their lunch sets are particularly good value.
What to order: Penne puttanesca and the house tiramisu.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Fine Dining to Eat Well
Brisbane’s Italian dining scene proves that great food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. From the inner-city laneways to suburban gems, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy authentic, handmade Italian meals that are affordable, flavourful, and satisfying.
If you’re looking to treat yourself without overspending, places like Factory51 lead the way — offering real value, warm service, and the kind of food that keeps you coming back.
🍝 Book a table at Factory51 and discover why it’s Brisbane’s go-to spot for value-packed Italian dining.