Italian food is more than just what’s on the plate—it’s a reflection of history, family, and the joy of sharing. Every dish has a story to tell, whether it’s a nod to a region’s produce, a tradition carried down through generations, or a reminder of the way Italians cook with heart.
At Beppi’s, Sydney’s oldest family-run Italian restaurant, these stories are alive and well. Since 1956, Beppi’s has been serving food that connects people to Italy’s culinary heritage. Here are the five Iconic Italian dishes that stand out—not just because of their flavour, but because of the traditions they represent.
5 Italian Iconic Dishes
Carpaccio di Manzo con Rucola, Sedano Veronese e Scaglie di Parmigiano
Carpaccio may feel modern, but its roots go back to Venice in the 1950s, where it was first created at Harry’s Bar. The dish was named after painter Vittore Carpaccio, known for his vivid red and white tones—echoed in the colour of the thinly sliced raw beef.
Our Carpaccio di Manzo is prepared with Angus beef fillet, rocket, celeriac, horseradish cream, parmesan, and crisp panegrattato. It’s light, fresh, and beautifully balanced—soft beef against peppery greens and the crunch of breadcrumbs. It’s a dish that proves why Italians believe less is often more.
Zuppa di Cozze e Vongole con Brodo di Pesce, Aglio, Vino e Pomodoro
If Carpaccio speaks of refinement, Zuppa di Cozze e Vongole is all about rustic comfort. A steaming bowl of mussels and pipis cooked with fish stock, tomato, wine, garlic, and parsley feels like sitting at a seaside trattoria along the Amalfi coast.
The beauty of this dish is in its honesty. The seafood brings its own sweetness, lifted by the acidity of tomato and the depth of wine. Paired with crusty bread, it’s the kind of dish that demands you slow down and savour every spoonful. It’s one of those Iconic Italian dishes that remind you Italy is as much about the sea as it is about the land.
Fiori di Zucchine Ripiene con Ricotta e Funghi Porcini
There are few things more Italian than celebrating what’s in season, and zucchini flowers are a perfect example. Fragile and fleeting, they’re often picked fresh from the garden and treated with the care they deserve.
At Beppi’s, our Fiori di Zucchine Ripiene are stuffed with ricotta, parmesan, and porcini mushrooms, then served with diced tomato, olives, and basil. The result is delicate yet rich, earthy yet fresh. It’s a dish that captures Italian cooking at its best—humble ingredients, elevated into something elegant. No wonder it’s considered one of the most Iconic Italian dishes.
Gnocchi di Patate della Mamma con Gorgonzola e Formaggi Misti
For many Italians, gnocchi is pure nostalgia. Families gather around the table, rolling out little pillows of potato dough by hand, each one slightly different but made with love. Gnocchi della Mamma stays true to that tradition. The dumplings are light and airy, served with either a cheese sauce of gorgonzola, asiago, and mixed cheeses, or a classic tomato and basil.
The cheese version is decadent, creamy, and comforting, while the tomato offers freshness and balance. This is one of those Iconic Italian dishes that goes beyond flavour—it carries with it the warmth of home kitchens and Sunday family lunches.
Ravioli ai Funghi, Formaggio di Capra e Tartufo
If you’re looking for indulgence, this dish delivers. It combines the earthiness of mushrooms, the tang of goat’s cheese, and the luxury of black truffle. Tossed in burnt butter with sage, every bite feels layered and complex.
Ravioli has been part of Italian dining since medieval times, but what makes this version special is its harmony. The truffle adds depth, the goat’s cheese cuts through the richness, and the butter and sage tie it all together. It’s refined yet rooted in tradition, the kind of dish that shows why ravioli is still one of Italy’s most Iconic Italian dishes after centuries.
Keeping Italian Tradition Alive in Sydney
Since opening its doors in 1956, Beppi’s has been a constant in Sydney’s dining scene. Generations of families have walked through its doors to mark milestones, share stories, and enjoy food that feels both authentic and timeless.
Our restaurant’s longevity comes down to more than good food—it’s about staying true to the values Italian cooking is built on. Simplicity. Care. Generosity. These five dishes are just a taste of how Beppi’s honours those values, carrying Italian heritage forward one plate at a time.
Experience the Taste of Italy at Beppi’s
From the delicacy of carpaccio to the indulgence of truffle ravioli, we invite you to savour five of the most Iconic Italian dishes without leaving Sydney. Each one tells a story of heritage, prepared with the same love and authenticity that has kept Beppi’s at the heart of Italian dining for nearly seventy years.
Call us at (02) 9360-4558 or contact us at beppis@beppis.com.au to know more about our menu. Whether it’s a special occasion or a night to treat yourself, step into Beppi’s and discover why these dishes are timeless.