This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for an Italian restaurant.
Our business plan for an Italian restaurant will help you build a profitable project
Opening an Italian restaurant is a dream for many, but knowing what equipment you need can be overwhelming.
The challenge is selecting the right equipment without overspending or missing essential items that could hurt your operation.
Italian cuisine requires specific equipment for pasta making, pizza preparation, and traditional cooking methods, and costs can escalate quickly without proper planning.
Complete Italian Restaurant Equipment List
Opening a successful Italian restaurant requires careful planning and specialized equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to serve authentic Italian cuisine.
Pizza Equipment
- Pizza oven (wood-fired or gas) - Essential for authentic pizza preparation
- Pizza peels - Safely transfers pizzas in and out of oven
- Pizza stones - Creates crispy crust with even heat distribution
- Dough mixer - Handles large batches of pizza dough efficiently
- Dough roller/sheeter - Creates consistent pizza base thickness
- Pizza screens - Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking
- Proofing boxes - Controls temperature for proper dough rising
- Pizza cutting wheels - Clean cuts without dragging toppings
- Sauce ladles - Portion control for consistent pizza sauce
- Cheese shredder - Fresh mozzarella preparation for optimal taste
Pasta Equipment
- Pasta machine - Makes fresh pasta daily for authentic dishes
- Large pasta pots - Cooks multiple portions simultaneously
- Pasta baskets - Drains pasta efficiently from boiling water
- Pasta cooker with multiple baskets - Commercial-grade pasta station
- Dough sheeter - Rolls pasta dough to perfect thickness
- Pasta dies - Creates various pasta shapes consistently
- Pasta drying racks - Prevents fresh pasta from sticking
- Ravioli cutter - Shapes filled pasta uniformly
- Pasta portioning scale - Ensures consistent serving sizes
Cooking Equipment
- Commercial range - Multiple burners for simultaneous cooking
- Convection oven - Bakes bread and roasts meats evenly
- Salamander/broiler - Finishes dishes with high-heat browning
- Grill/griddle - Cooks meats and vegetables to perfection
- Fryer - Prepares appetizers and fried specialties
- Steam table - Keeps sauces and sides at serving temperature
- Sauté pans (various sizes) - Essential for Italian cooking techniques
- Stock pots - Makes fresh broths and sauces daily
- Sauce pans - Prepares signature Italian sauces
- Cast iron skillets - Retains heat for perfect searing
Refrigeration
- Walk-in cooler - Stores large quantities of fresh ingredients
- Reach-in refrigerator - Easy access to daily prep items
- Prep tables with refrigeration - Keeps ingredients fresh during service
- Freezer - Preserves meats, seafood, and specialty items
- Wine cooler - Maintains proper temperature for wine service
- Display refrigerator - Shows desserts and beverages attractively
- Undercounter refrigeration - Maximizes kitchen space efficiency
Preparation Equipment
- Food processor - Chops vegetables and prepares sauces quickly
- Meat slicer - Cuts deli meats and cheeses uniformly
- Mandoline slicer - Creates consistent vegetable cuts
- Immersion blender - Blends sauces directly in pots
- Stand mixer - Prepares bread dough and dessert batters
- Cutting boards (color-coded) - Prevents cross-contamination
- Chef knives (various sizes) - Essential for all prep work
- Prep sinks - Dedicated areas for ingredient washing
- Work tables - Stainless steel surfaces for food preparation
- Digital scales - Accurate measurements for consistent recipes
Service Equipment
- Espresso machine - Serves authentic Italian coffee
- Coffee grinder - Fresh ground beans for optimal flavor
- Plate warmers - Keeps dishes at proper serving temperature
- Bread warmers - Maintains fresh bread throughout service
- Soup warmers - Keeps soups at safe serving temperatures
- Parmesan cheese grater - Fresh grated parmesan tableside
- Pepper mills - Fresh ground pepper for enhanced flavor
- Olive oil dispensers - Controlled portioning for dishes
- Serving utensils - Proper tools for Italian dish presentation
Dishware & Serving
- Pasta bowls - Proper presentation for pasta dishes
- Pizza plates - Appropriate size for pizza service
- Dinner plates - High-quality ceramic for main courses
- Soup bowls - Proper depth for Italian soups
- Wine glasses - Various types for different wine selections
- Water glasses - Quality glassware for table service
- Espresso cups - Authentic Italian coffee service
- Serving platters - Family-style serving presentation
- Flatware sets - Durable utensils for dining service
Cleaning & Safety
- Three-compartment sink - Proper dishwashing procedures
- Dishwasher - Efficient cleaning of dishes and utensils
- Glass washer - Specialized cleaning for wine glasses
- Sanitizer dispenser - Maintains hygiene standards
- Fire suppression system - Required safety equipment
- First aid kit - Workplace safety essentials
- Non-slip mats - Prevents kitchen accidents
- Cleaning supplies - Maintains sanitary conditions
Storage & Organization
- Dry storage shelving - Organizes non-perishable ingredients
- Ingredient bins - Stores flour, pasta, and dry goods
- Storage containers - Keeps prepared items fresh
- Spice racks - Organizes essential Italian seasonings
- Wine storage - Proper storage for wine inventory
Dining Room Equipment
- Tables and chairs - Comfortable seating for guests
- Tablecloths and napkins - Professional table presentation
- Bread baskets - Traditional Italian bread service
- Candles/lighting - Creates authentic Italian ambiance
- Menu holders - Displays daily specials and wine list
- POS system - Processes orders and payments efficiently
- Cash register - Handles transactions and cash management
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Ventilation system - Removes cooking odors and heat
- Gas lines - Powers pizza ovens and cooking equipment
- Electrical supply - Supports all kitchen equipment
- Water filtration - Ensures quality for pasta and coffee
- Plumbing connections - Supports sinks and equipment
Technology
- Inventory management software - Tracks ingredients and supplies
- Recipe management system - Standardizes authentic recipes
- POS software - Integrates orders with kitchen operations
- Reservation system - Manages table bookings efficiently
- Accounting software - Handles finances and reporting
Our financial plan for an Italian restaurant will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most Italian restaurant owners spend between $80,000 and $300,000 on equipment, depending on their size and concept. You really can't go below $50,000 for even the smallest setup because you need specialized pizza ovens, pasta equipment, and commercial-grade cooking equipment just to operate authentically.
- Small Italian Trattoria
A small neighborhood trattoria with basic pasta and pizza needs around $50,000-$100,000, with most of that budget going toward a quality pizza oven and commercial range.
- Medium-Sized Italian Restaurant
A medium-sized restaurant with full Italian menu typically runs $100,000-$200,000, including specialized equipment like pasta machines and wine storage.
- Large Italian Restaurant
A large restaurant with extensive offerings and high-volume service can easily hit $200,000-$300,000, especially with wood-fired ovens and complete wine service equipment.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Italian Trattoria ($50,000 - $100,000)
Small trattorias focus on essential equipment for authentic Italian cuisine while keeping costs manageable. The goal is delivering quality pasta and pizza without extensive specialization.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Equipment | Gas pizza oven with stone deck, pizza peels, dough mixer, proofing boxes, basic pizza tools | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Cooking Equipment | 6-burner commercial range with oven, salamander, basic pasta cooker, sauté pans, stock pots | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Refrigeration | Small walk-in cooler, reach-in refrigerator, prep table with refrigeration, wine cooler | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Preparation Equipment | Food processor, basic pasta machine, work tables, cutting boards, knives, prep sinks | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Service Equipment | Espresso machine, plate warmers, basic dishware, flatware, POS system | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Cleaning & Safety | Three-compartment sink, dishwasher, fire suppression system, cleaning supplies | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Dining Room | Tables and chairs for 30-40 seats, basic table settings, lighting, decor | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Installation & Setup | Equipment delivery, installation, permits, initial setup and training | $3,000 - $6,000 |
Medium-Sized Italian Restaurant ($100,000 - $200,000)
Medium restaurants need more specialized equipment and higher capacity to handle diverse Italian menu items and increased customer volume.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Equipment | Wood-fired pizza oven with temperature control, multiple pizza peels, large dough mixer, proofing cabinets | $25,000 - $45,000 |
| Cooking Equipment | 8-burner commercial range, convection oven, salamander, multi-basket pasta cooker, fryer | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Pasta Equipment | Commercial pasta machine with multiple dies, pasta cooker, drying racks, sheeter | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Refrigeration | Large walk-in cooler, multiple reach-in units, prep tables with refrigeration, wine storage | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Preparation Equipment | Food processor, meat slicer, immersion blender, stand mixer, complete knife set | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Service Equipment | Professional espresso machine, plate warmers, bread warmers, quality dishware and glassware | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Cleaning & Dishwashing | Three-compartment sink, commercial dishwasher, glass washer, sanitizing equipment | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Dining Room | Tables and chairs for 60-80 seats, quality table linens, ambient lighting, decor | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Technology & Installation | POS system, reservation software, professional installation, permits, training | $6,000 - $12,000 |
Large Italian Restaurant ($200,000 - $300,000)
Large restaurants operate with extensive menus, high-volume service, and premium equipment for authentic Italian dining experiences.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Equipment | Custom wood-fired oven with multiple decks, automated dough systems, specialized pizza tools | $40,000 - $70,000 |
| Cooking Equipment | Multiple commercial ranges, convection ovens, grill stations, specialized Italian cooking equipment | $30,000 - $50,000 |
| Pasta Equipment | Automated pasta production line, multiple pasta machines, large capacity cookers | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Refrigeration Systems | Large walk-in complex, blast chiller, specialized wine storage, display refrigeration | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Preparation Equipment | Commercial food processors, multiple slicers, specialized prep equipment, complete tool sets | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Service Equipment | Multiple espresso machines, extensive warmer systems, premium dishware, complete bar setup | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Cleaning Systems | Multiple wash stations, commercial dishwashers, specialized cleaning equipment | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Dining Room | Premium furniture for 100+ seats, quality linens, professional lighting, extensive decor | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Technology & Systems | Advanced POS systems, kitchen display systems, comprehensive management software | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, extensive staff training, permits, inspections, setup | $12,000 - $20,000 |