Casa Italia
26 Gray St
New Farm
Brisbane
Fri-Sun from 6pm
Licensed
Cash Only
33584150

Originally started as a meeting place for post war migrants from Italy, today this club restaurant still provides that service as well as being a lively no frills place to enjoy cheap Italian eats and drinks.

Diners must sign in at the door as per club rules and the dining room is a large cavernous tiled grotto with Italian maps and movie posters adorning the walls and a ceiling featuring a mirror ball.

Service is DIY – order a pitcher of house de Bertoli wine at the bar or bottled Italian wine such as Freserne and collect your own glasses on the way back to the table. When it comes time to order line up in front of the Italian matriach at the vinyl clothed table, pay cash, take a number and some cutlery.

Food-wise, the basic pasta and pizza menu items range from $12 to $16 and come in copious portions. (Ex-Sydney dwellers who recall the East Sydney cheap eats institution No Name’s will find much in common here).

This is a fantastic place for a cheap night out for large groups and families with the bonus of a courtyard outside for children to play, swift service, room to move between the tables and a pool table and a table soccer game for afters.