Beppi's

Overview

The word institution gets thrown around a lot when it comes to restaurants in Sydney — especially when talking about old school Italian joints — but no where quite lives up to the moniker than Darlinghurst's famed Beppi's. This spot has been serving up delicious Italian fare for over 67 years. It is often thought that five years is a good run for a restaurant, and ten years exceptional, but anything over fifty is almost unheard of these days.

Beppi's is the exception to the rule, and it has its focus on quality meals and exceptional service to thank. When it opened its doors, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the president of the USA and Elvis had barely broken into the charts. A lot has changed since then, but thankfully Beppi's has not.

The number of a-listers who have dined at Beppi's is somewhat intimidating, and includes the likes of Frank Sinatra, Neil Armstrong, Shirley Bassey, Mick Jagger and Sir Edmund Hillary. Legend has it that Bob Hawke and John Howard once dined on the same night although at different tables. Recent guests include Bono and Rhianna and its such a favourite for the megastars due to the focus on respect and privacy. Whether you're selling out Accor Arena or you've caught the train in from Penrith, everyone here is equal and afforded the same treatment. 

The menu includes antipasti staples such as rock oysters with lemon granita, fresh figs wrapped in prosciutto and mussels and pipis simmered in fish stock, wine, parsley and garlic. The pasta highlights include old-school favourites such as tagliolini tossed with scampis in butter, garlic and parsley. For a main, look no further than the half-roasted duck served with orange sauce and caramelised fig. 

If you're looking for classy and traditional Italian in a seductive dining room, Beppi's is your pick. The only thing that matches the food is the quality of the service. 

Images: Alana Dimou

Appears in:

The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023