Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Italian Seafood Restaurant in Sydney Since 1985
Established in 1985 by John Ugurulyan, our restaurant has grown from a single Bondi location to three iconic Sydney venues. As a family-run business, we prioritise creating a warm atmosphere where patrons feel at home. Our new owners Terry Antoniou and Jessica Fleming continue this legacy, combining decades of hospitality experience with a commitment to revitalising the brand. We specialise in generous portions of Italian cuisine, including seafood platters, gourmet pizzas and premium steaks. Our Sans Souci flagship offers a 12-page menu and event hosting capabilities for up to 200 guests.With nearly 40 years of service, we remain dedicated to bringing people together through food and family traditions. Our team draws on deep industry knowledge to maintain the quality that made us Sydney's busiest restaurant during our peak. We focus on preserving the original vision while introducing fresh innovations to enhance the dining experience. Our history includes overcoming economic challenges through customer loyalty and adaptability. Today, we continue serving classic dishes alongside modern additions that reflect our evolving culinary approach.
Services
Italian Cuisine
Seafood Platters
Gourmet Pizza
Steak Specials
Event Hosting
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of combined hospitality experience from our owners
- Our menu features unique seafood platters unavailable elsewhere in Sydney
- We maintain original family recipes dating back to 1985
- Our Sans Souci location accommodates large events up to 200 guests
- We combine traditional Italian cooking with modern service standards
Services
Italian Cuisine
Our Italian restaurant serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. The menu features house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood sourced daily. Each meal reflects our commitment to quality ingredients and authentic preparation methods passed down through generations.
Seafood Platters
Our signature seafood platters showcase Sydney's freshest catches. Each platter serves 2-4 people and includes prawns, oysters, calamari and seasonal fish. Prepared using family recipes, these platters have made us a local favourite for seafood lovers.
Gourmet Pizza
Hand-stretched dough baked in traditional wood-fired ovens creates our signature pizzas. Toppings combine classic Italian ingredients with modern Australian twists. The menu includes both traditional margherita and innovative combinations exclusive to our restaurants.
Event Hosting
Our Sans Souci location offers event spaces for weddings, corporate functions and family celebrations. With capacity for up to 200 guests, we provide tailored menus and dedicated event coordination. The venue features private dining areas and full restaurant buyouts.
Steak Specials
Selected cuts from local Australian beef producers feature on our steak menu. Each steak is aged for optimal tenderness and cooked to perfection. Served with house-made sauces and seasonal vegetables, these dishes highlight our kitchen's expertise.
People
Terry Antoniou
Owner
Sydney-born Greek-Australian with 30 years hospitality experience. Took ownership in 2024 to revitalise the brand while maintaining its family values. Previously operated successful food businesses in the region.
Jessica Fleming
Co-owner
Italian-Australian hospitality professional with extensive service industry experience. Partners with Terry to maintain quality standards while introducing modern innovations. Focuses on customer experience and menu development.
John Ugurulyan
Founder
Armenian/Greek-born entrepreneur who established the first location in 1985 at age 22. Built the brand into Sydney's busiest restaurant during its peak. Retired after nearly 40 years of ownership.
Questions
What makes Big John's different from other Italian restaurants?
We combine 40 years of family tradition with modern hospitality. Our generous portions and unique seafood platters reflect our commitment to quality and value.
Can I book a private event at Big John's?
Yes, our Sans Souci location hosts events for up to 200 guests with tailored menus and dedicated coordination. Contact us for function packages.
Does Big John's still use the original recipes?
We maintain the original family recipes that made us famous while introducing new dishes to keep our menu fresh and exciting.
Who are the current owners?
Terry Antoniou and Jessica Fleming took ownership in 2024. Both have extensive hospitality experience and are committed to maintaining the restaurant's legacy.
What locations are available?
We operate three locations: Sans Souci (flagship), Bondi Pizza and Bondi Grill. Each offers our signature dishes with unique atmospheres.
Reviews (1)
Sarah P.
Sep 07, 2016
Report
Big John's is the place to grab a Friday night feast. Kick back with friends and watch some sport or listen to some music and enjoy the hearty and soul filling food that you can order from here. For me it's a takeaway place that always gets a hit when my brothers visit. You've got to treat yourself (and whoever else is hungry) to the pork ribs and wings that they offer. Alternatively their works and mediterranean burgers are almost a 3 course meal in themselves. When together with friends and enjoying the upcoming weekend it is most definitely worth it.
