Best Italian Restaurant Near Kogarah — Big Johns Sans Souci
- terrya86
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
If you're in Kogarah and looking for a proper Italian dinner that doesn't require a trip into the city, Big Johns Italian Seafood Restaurant in Sans Souci is just three minutes down Rocky Point Road — and it's been one of Sydney's most beloved Italian restaurants for over 40 years.
Located at 502 Rocky Point Road, Sans Souci NSW 2219, Big Johns is the St George area's go-to for generous Italian portions, fresh Sydney seafood and authentic pizza. Whether you're after a family dinner, a date night or a big group celebration, the 200-seat restaurant has you covered seven nights a week.
What to order
For Kogarah locals who love their seafood, the Big Johns Seafood Platter is the signature experience — king prawns, calamari rings, local black mussels, balmain bugs, chargrilled baby octopus, local rock oysters and a whole snapper, available for two at $198 or four at $298. It's a centrepiece that gets ordered at nearly every table on a Friday night.
For something more relaxed, the pasta section is outstanding. The Marinara pasta — balmain bugs, prawns, local mussels, calamari and baby octopus in red sauce at $48 — is genuinely one of the best versions of the dish in Sydney's south. The Gamberi (prawns in olive oil, garlic, fresh tomatoes and basil at $39) is another local favourite.
Pizza lovers are equally well catered for, with 12 traditional and 13 gourmet options available in Small, Medium, Large and Family sizes. The King Seafood Special — tiger prawns, scallops and local black mussels with fresh basil and garlic — perfectly bridges the gap between the Italian and seafood sides of the menu.
Good for families
Big Johns is genuinely family-friendly, with a dedicated kids menu featuring pasta dishes from $12, chicken tenders for $18 and calamari and chips for $15. The 200-seat space means there's always room, even on busy Saturday nights.
Practical details
Big Johns is a 3-minute drive from Kogarah town centre via Rocky Point Road, or a short Uber from Kogarah Station. Street parking is available on Rocky Point Road and surrounding streets.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 4:30pm–midnight, Thursday and Sunday 4:30pm–1:00am, Friday and Saturday 4:30pm–3:00am. A 10% surcharge applies on Sundays and 15% on public holidays.
Reservations are recommended for weekends — book online at bigjohnspizza.com.au/reservations-1 or call 02 9529 8094.
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