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Restaurant

The Italian Bowl

255 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia

Recommended by 71 people

Updated

Find The Italian Bowl

255 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 2 9516 0857
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Italian Bowl

King Street’s loud, fast-paced pasta powerhouse serves massive, steaming bowls built for immediate comfort. No reservations, no quiet dinners—you order at the counter, pay upfront, and squeeze into tight tables while pans rattle in the open kitchen. The setup is modular: pick a pasta, match it to a sauce, and consider dropping a crispy schnitzel right on top. Regulars lean into the vodka sauce, spicy arrabbiata, or rich, cream-based carbonara, often paired with free BYO wine while waiting on orders that hit tables in minutes. Bowls arrive piled high with enough fettuccine and garlic bread to guarantee a bag of leftovers on the walk home.

  • Massive Portions: Generous portions leave diners full and frequently walking away with packed leftovers.
  • The Schnitzel Hack: A favorite ordering hack pairs house pasta sauces with a crispy schnitzel placed directly on top.
  • Rapid Counter Service: A brisk counter-order setup where food arrives piping hot within minutes of sitting down.
  • Build-Your-Own Pasta: Diners match their favorite pasta shape to rich sauces like vodka, arrabbiata, and cream-based carbonara.
RestaurantItalianVeganVegetarianRestaurant

What's On at The Italian Bowl

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at The Italian Bowl

Why locals and visitors line up for fast, custom Italian pasta on King Street

  • Hearty Portions and Accessible Value

    Generous servings of fresh pasta and rich sauces satisfy hearty cravings at an accessible price.

    The portion sizes are huge and definitely good value for money.

    jack

  • Customisable Pasta and Sauce Combinations

    Guests select their preferred pasta shape and pair it freely with an array of house-made sauces and add-ons.

    Choose a pasta type, then choose a sauce.

    David Gold

  • Rapid Counter Service and Quick Turnaround

    A counter-ordering system and streamlined kitchen keep queues moving and deliver piping hot dishes in minutes.

    Dishes came out hot and they have a great kitchen routine as well had to wait less than 10mins for our food.

    Renee Cutaia

  • Complimentary BYO Policy

    Guests can bring their own preferred beverages to accompany their meal without extra corkage costs.

    BYO without charge.

    L

  • Lively Newtown Group Dining

    The energetic King Street venue creates an upbeat, bustling setting for friends and families dining out together.

    The place was buzzing and packed, with a loud and lively atmosphere that fits the Newtown vibe.

    Annalisa Brimo

  • Welcoming Atmosphere for Large Parties

    Attentive team members effortlessly accommodate large parties and social gatherings even during peak dinner rushes.

    I’ve been with one person, the whole family and a big group and every time the staff have made it perfect.

    Hazel Jackson

Hearty, freshly cooked pasta favourites crafted to your liking

  • Arrabbiata

    The Italian Bowl in Newtown is authentic and their Arranbiata sauce is to die for.

    David Gold

  • Carbonara

    Carbonara will say isn’t the egg yolk kind it’s more cream based, still great and the standard portion I couldn’t finish!

    jazmine preece

  • Vodka pasta

    The vodka pasta was so good and adding schnitzel to the pasta dishes is a MUST!

    jack

  • Spaghetti Bolognese

    Every time I come here, It never fails to impress me, I always order the same thing every time a spaghetti Bolognese and every time I have it is perfect!!

    Sienna O'Brien

Other favorites

Appetisers, sides, and desserts to complete your meal

  • Garlic bread

    The garlic bread and fries are also really good as well and I would recommend getting those as sides and starters Along with your pasta!!

    Sienna O'Brien

  • Fries

    The garlic bread and fries are also really good as well and I would recommend getting those as sides and starters Along with your pasta!!

    Sienna O'Brien

  • Arancini

    Last night, my friend and I got the Arrabbiata Spaghetti, Fettuccine Primavera, and Arancini, and we were not disappointed.

    Manali

  • Tiramisu

    And to mention, the tiramisu and chocolate mousse were delicious.

    Sakshi Kulkarni

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ordering pasta work?

The menu operates on a pick-and-match system: you choose your pasta shape (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, linguine, or penne), pair it with your preferred sauce, and can optionally add extra toppings or protein like chicken schnitzel.

Do you order at the counter or get table service?

Service follows a fast-casual, counter-service format. You place your order and pay at the counter before grabbing a table.

How large are the portion sizes?

Portion sizes are notably generous and filling, with standard servings frequently described as large enough to share or take home as leftovers. You can also upsize your dish if you are especially hungry.

How long are the lines and wait times?

The restaurant operates largely on walk-ins with order-at-the-counter seating, and lines out the door are common during busy dinner rushes. However, the queue moves quickly, and pasta is typically served within 5 to 10 minutes of ordering.

Can you bring your own drinks (BYO)?

Yes, patrons note that you can bring your own drinks (BYO) without a corkage fee.

Where can I park nearby?

Street parking along King Street is limited, but convenient parking is available just behind the restaurant near Coles.

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