The restaurant
Luigi's Italian Restaurant is at Shop 1-2, 40 The Esplanade, across the road from the foreshore, about five minutes' drive from north Torquay. It's a classic family Italian restaurant: wood-fired pizza, pasta and risotto, with a view of the water from the tables.
It's run by Lou Volpe and his wife Steph. Lou grew up between Italy and Australia in a family of restaurateurs, and the restaurant says it uses imported Italian ingredients and adds seasonal specials through the year. Reviewers often mention the Italian waiters and the warm, busy feel of the place on a Saturday night.
What to order
Prices are from Luigi's takeaway menu in October 2026. The dine-in menu has more, including specials.
Wood-fired pizza
From a margherita with fresh basil ($25) to the meat lover's Italiana with ham, hot salami and pork and fennel sausage ($35). There's a prosciutto and rocket ($35), an Amalfi with garlic prawns ($35), chicken pesto ($33), a vegetable giardiniera ($32) and a diavola ($30). Reviewers rate the bases and the crust.
Pasta and risotto
Carbonara, amatriciana, bolognese and lasagne ($32), penne with pesto and chicken, linguine with prawns, and a rigatoni alla monzese with pork and fennel sausage and saffron ($34). Reviewers recommend the chicken and porcini risotto ($34), and the duck ravioli and seafood linguine from the dine-in menu.
To start and to finish
Cheese and garlic focaccia ($20), arancini ($25), a rocket and walnut salad and chips ($12). For dessert, zeppole with Nutella ($15) or a tiramisu ($6).
Hours and bookings
The hours change with the season. When we checked in October 2026, the Luigi's website listed:
- Peak season: Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 9pm
- Off-peak: Wednesday to Friday, 5pm to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 11.30am to 9pm
Book online for up to six people, and ring 1800 584 447 (1800 LUIGIS) for seven or more. On a summer weekend it's worth booking ahead. Takeaway is ordered online for pickup.
What people say
Luigi's rates 4.5 on Google from more than 330 reviews. People like the big serves, the friendly staff who cope well on a busy night, the food coming out quickly, and the view of the beach. The garlic focaccia, the duck ravioli, the chicken risotto, the grilled eggplant and the pizzas all get recommended.
Kids and groups
Pizza and pasta make it an easy family dinner: a margherita or a ham and mushroom pizza and a plate of gnocchi napoli will keep most kids happy, and there are zeppole to finish. For a big group, ring to book, and order a few pizzas and pastas to share.
Afterwards, cross the road for a walk on the foreshore, or walk up to Gilbert Street for an ice cream.
How it compares
We've written up three Italian restaurants in Torquay. Il Matto on Bell Street is a Sicilian family restaurant with wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta and the pizzolo. Pearl on Pearl Street is a small pasta bar with a menu that changes daily. Luigi's is the one by the beach, with the longest pizza list and lunch on weekends.
For takeaway pizza at home, see our pizza guide.
Takeaway
The full takeaway menu (pizzas, pastas, risotto, sides and desserts) is on Luigi's online ordering site, for pickup from the restaurant. It's a shorter version of the restaurant menu. Order before you leave the beach and collect it on the way home, or eat it on the foreshore across the road. Our pizza guide has the takeaway shops that deliver.
Luigi's FAQ
Where is Luigi's?
Shop 1-2, 40 The Esplanade, Torquay, across the road from the beach.
Is Luigi's open for lunch?
Yes, from 11.30am on weekends all year, and Tuesday to Sunday in peak season.
Can I book?
Yes. Book online for up to six, or ring 1800 584 447 for seven or more.
Does Luigi's do takeaway?
Yes. Order online for pickup from the restaurant.
For more places to eat, see our restaurants guide. Staying in north Torquay? Check dates at Holyday House.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 22 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Luigi's Italian Restaurant — Luigi's (official)
- About — Luigi's (official)
- Contact — Luigi's (official)
- Order online — Luigi's (official ordering)
- Luigi's Italian Restaurant — Google Maps