Discovering the Art of Regional Italian and Puglian Pasta at Factory51
When it comes to authentic Italian dining, pasta is the heart of the experience. At Factory51, we celebrate this tradition with hand-shaped regional pasta made just like the Nonnas from small towns across Italy. Using 100% durum wheat semolina, our pasta is crafted with time-honoured techniques passed down through generations — with no shortcuts and no compromise.
From the twisted strozzapreti of Emilia-Romagna to the delicate orecchiette of Puglia, our regional pastas bring Italy’s culinary map to life, one bite at a time. These pastas are not just inspired by Italy — they are Italy. Made fresh in-house, they are the foundation of true Italian cooking and the key to experiencing dishes the way they’re meant to be enjoyed.
Handcrafted with Heritage
Our kitchen team at Factory51 is deeply inspired by Italy’s diverse pasta traditions. Every shape we make is chosen with intention — designed to hold sauce, evoke nostalgia, and offer an authentic taste of regional cooking. Our signature pastas include:
- Orecchiette – From Puglia, shaped like little ears and perfect with vegetable-based sauces or pork ragu.
- Strozzapreti – Twisted by hand, these rustic strands capture the richness of truffle, mushroom, or slow-cooked meat sauces.
- Capunti – A lesser-known gem, these boat-shaped noodles pair beautifully with seafood or saffron-infused broths.
- Strascinate – Wide leaves, ideal for braised meats like lamb ragu or brisket.
- Cavatelli – little wonders, perfect with our local prawn sauce.
Each pasta is crafted in the traditional way — no eggs, no additives, just durum wheat semolina and water. The result is a robust, golden-hued pasta with the perfect bite — essential for creating the true dishes of Italy.
The Best Semolina in the Country — From Tamworth to Coorparoo
The secret behind our pasta’s incredible texture and flavour starts with the raw ingredient: our semolina. We source our 100% durum wheat semolina directly from Tamworth, New South Wales — a region known for producing some of the highest-quality pasta wheat in the world.
Tamworth’s ideal growing conditions and rich agricultural heritage make it a standout in Australian grain production. The semolina we use is golden, high-protein, and milled to perfection. It gives our pasta the structure it needs to hold sauces while delivering that distinct, toothsome bite that pasta lovers crave.
We’ve chosen this ingredient not only for its quality, but for its connection to local producers who care deeply about what they grow. It’s pasta wheat that rivals anything coming out of Italy — and in many cases, exceeds it.
By starting with premium semolina and combining it with generations-old Italian techniques, we honour the integrity of traditional pasta making while showcasing the best of Australian agriculture.
The History of Handmade Pasta in Puglia
Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, is famous for its humble yet iconic pasta: orecchiette — meaning “little ears.” This beloved shape dates back centuries and was traditionally made by women using just flour, water, and their thumbs. Passed down through generations in small towns like Bari and Lecce, orecchiette reflects the region’s peasant roots and resourcefulness. Without eggs or elaborate tools, the people of Puglia created a pasta that perfectly captured sauces, especially those made with broccoli rabe or slow-cooked meats. Today, we honour that tradition at Factory51 by crafting orecchiette the same way — by hand, using 100% semolina — preserving both the technique and the soul of southern Italy in every bite.
From Factory51 to the Nation: Vede Pasta
What began in our own kitchen soon expanded beyond the restaurant. Due to growing demand from chefs and foodies alike, we launched Vede Pasta — Australia’s leading producer of authentic semolina pasta.
Through Vede, we craft and supply our regional Italian pasta to restaurants, caterers, and hospitality venues across the country. Each batch is handmade using the same respect for tradition that defines our food at Factory51.
This means when you dine with us, you’re tasting the original — pasta that’s handmade like Nonna would make, with the flavour, texture, and heart that only true Italian pasta can deliver.
Why Our Pasta Stands Apart
Our pasta isn’t just delicious — it’s purposeful. Crafted in the traditional style using 100% semolina, it offers:
- Unmatched authenticity – Straight from Italy’s regional kitchens to your plate.
- The perfect bite – Firm yet tender, with that classic al dente texture.
- Flavour that holds its own – Because real pasta should taste just as good as the sauce.
- Versatility and integrity – Holds up beautifully in both light and rich sauces.
We don’t rely on trends or shortcuts. Our pasta is made the way it’s always been — by hand, with patience and pride.
Our Regional Pasta Dishes to Try
Here are a few of our most loved dishes that highlight our regional pasta expertise:
- Orecchiette with Lamb Ragu – A soul-warming classic with slow-cooked lamb, red wine, rosemary, and pecorino.
- Capunti with Blue Swimmer Crab – Delicate pasta with local crab, garlic butter, and lemon zest.
- Mushroom Strozzapreti with Truffle Oil – Earthy and luxurious, made with seasonal mushrooms and finished with truffle.
- Cavatelli with Sausage and Broccolini – A nod to southern Italy, savoury and satisfying.
We regularly rotate seasonal specials so there’s always something new to try. And of course, we cater to vegetarian and gluten-free diners without compromising flavour or integrity.
Pasta With Purpose
For us, pasta is more than food — it’s a way of connecting. When we roll, shape, and craft our regional pasta by hand, we’re paying tribute to generations of Italian cooks who found beauty in simplicity and joy in shared meals.
Through Factory51 and Vede Pasta, we’re proud to share that tradition with our guests and with other restaurants across Australia.
Experience the Difference
If you’re searching for handcrafted regional pasta in Brisbane, join us at Factory51 in Coorparoo. From classic shapes to unique regional varieties, our menu offers an immersive, flavour-rich journey through Italy — served with warmth, heart, and just the right amount of flair.
🍝 Explore our menu
📍 Book a table today and discover why Factory51 and Vede Pasta are reshaping Brisbane’s pasta culture with the most authentic pasta in Australia.