Can a family of four dine at a Perth restaurant for under $80?

Is it possible during the current cost-of-living crisis to go out for a decent dinner with a family of four in Perth for $80 or less?

A West Aussie family with one median income earner would be left with about $385 per week after tax and paying for a $500,000 mortgage.

After covering household and grocery bills, plus any school, sporting and other expenses for the children, is there enough left over to spend on going out for proper meals?

This question was asked on Facebook and the answers were as predictable as fake specials and shrinkflation at major supermarket chains.

Cheap hole-in-the-wall joints serving spicy Asian dishes, takeaway diners and the ubiquitous pizza were all suggested.

Some respondents clearly have never assessed the risk involved in putting a bowl of steaming ramen noodles in front of a pre-schooler.

Several online comedians reckoned staying home was the only way to feed a hungry family without spending more than $20 per person.

There were also some useful replies.

It’s true: if you don’t want to eat takeaway, hit a food court or line up at a food truck there are options that fit the bill.

Most were family-run restaurants serving Italian tucker, such as Catalano Family Kitchen in Highgate, where kids eat free on Tuesdays.

For every adult buying a main meal children aged 12 and under can chow down for no cost.

This excellent meal deal coincides with Catalano’s BYO night, which saves diners buying an alcoholic beverage that will usually tip them over the $80 limit.

Unsurprisingly, Tuesday nights are busy at this popular diner, according to Kirsty Catalano, who runs the restaurant floor while her husband Chris toils away in the kitchen.

The couple have six children aged between three and 19.

“We offer (free kids’ meals) because as a large family ourselves we know how costly it can be to take a family out for dinner,” Mrs Catalano said.

The kids’ meals are generous and come with a drink and ice cream.

“Kids are happy,” she added, “therefore mum and dad are happy.”

While Tuesdays and Saturday usually see the restaurant packed, margins are tight, and it only takes one or two quiet days to put pressure on the rest of the week.

Like many venues, Catalano Family Kitchen is feeling the pinch of increasing costs and customers with less disposable income.

“The rising costs of produce, staff wages, insurance and rent add to the pressure of running a business,” Mrs Catalano explained.

We know how costly it can be to take a family out for dinner.

The dining landscape is very different from when Chris’ father Domenic Catalano was running Street Cafe in Northbridge during the 1980s and ’90s.

“The hospitality industry is forever changing,” she said. “One thing that will always remain a constant is that customers will always want value for money, great customer service, quality and consistency.”

The Dogic family from Beechboro — parents Rikki and Esad and sons Emil, 10, and Emanuel, 8 — are regulars at Catalano Family Kitchen.

Mrs Dogic said they dine there at least once a week because of the friendly customer service and high-quality food at a nice price.

“The kids love their chicken schnitzels and chips,” she said.

“It can get difficult for people who can’t afford to go out for dinner. (Catalano Family Kitchen is) a nice place where we know we can afford to have whatever we want.

“It is important that it’s well-priced.”

Belgravia Leisure, which operates Community Park with the Town of East Fremantle, opened Carnaby’s Cafe, Bar and Restaurant in May.

The venue offers $20 burgers on Tuesdays, $20 parmigianas on Wednesdays and kids eat free on Thursdays.

Carnaby’s also carves up Sunday roasts at $25 for adults and $12.50 for children.

Fans of the eatery say that beyond the well-priced food, the playground, grassed areas and other attractions add to the overall value of the meal.

Belgravia Leisure’s WA marketing co-ordinator Cael Stockley said Carnaby’s aims to be a welcoming space for the local community, which seems to be working.

“Being a new business, we’re seeing trade grow,” he said.

“We try to keep prices reasonable given rising costs of goods and supplies.”

FIVE PLACES FOR A FAMILY FEED UNDER $80

Catalano Family Kitchen, Highgate

Hearty Italian dishes and kids 12 and under eat free on Tuesdays, which also happens to be BYO night.

Canarby’s Café, Bar and Restaurant, East Fremantle

Meal deals on weeknights plus the very popular Thursday nights when kids eat for free.

Juicy Bao Bao, Perth

If the kids love dumplings that place offers them pan-fried and steamed, as well as fresh juicy xiao long bao for a very nice price.

Trattori Ilaria, North Perth

Enjoy delicious pasta for $19 from Monday to Thursday, while kids under 10 years old eat free Sunday to Thursday with a minimum spend of $39 per adult.

Sienna’s, Leederville

This family institution offers pasta and pizzas from $15, parmis for $20 and cocktails from $10 every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.