EAT > Beppi’s The Original

When people refer to a restaurant as being an institution, they are talking about a place that has been around for 10+ years, but with Beppi’s it really is an institution and has been operating out of the same location for approaching 70 years. Started in 1956 by Beppi Polese who with his wife Norma Polese created a true restaurant dynasty, the restaurant is today led by their son Marc Polese.

In 1940 Beppi left home (he was fourteen years of age) and began his working life in Milan as a dish washer. Over the next 12 years he slowly worked his way up the restaurant hierarchy of the grand hotels in Venice and Milan, migrating to Australia in 1952. A few years working in Australian restaurants and he saw the opening to use his skill and experience and open what has become a truly iconic restaurant and institution.

The restaurant features two distinct dining zones, the front room which is bright breezy and feels classically Italian, walking in here you can already sense that this is a venue that prides itself on high quality service. Beyond the main dinging room is the expansive cellar and a favourite for many of those who regularly visit to dine amongst the amazing collection of historic wines.

There are a number of smaller private rooms available too for that discrete opportunity to enjoy a longer meal with colleagues or friends.

The food is Italian classics, beautifully executed like the Cotaletta alla Milanese, Porchetta, Grilled Seafood and White Asparagus with Fried Duck Egg all are sensational.

I ate the gnocchi and saltimbocca both were exceptional.

Gnocchi di Zucca con Amaretti e Salvia
Home made pumpkin gnocchi with burnt butter, Amaretti & sage $36 (entree)

Saltimbocca di Vitello ripieni di asiago, prosciutto e salvia
Milk fed veal scaloppine folded with San Daniele Prosciutto, Asiago cheese, sage
& white wine sauce & garlic broccolini $48 (main)

It is hard to select a wine when you have such a remarkable wine list to select from but ultimately we selected a bottle of the Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2019 which was a delicious match to the food.