20 Years of The Italian Bowl

Two Decades of Pasta and Passion: The Italian Bowl’s Journey in Newtown

By Jamie Apps

Read More On Newtown/Enmore

If you’ve ever wandered down King Street in Newtown, you’ve likely seen the line snaking out of The Italian Bowl - locals and visitors alike, all craving a taste of the restaurant’s signature fresh, made-to-order pasta.

Jenny Spyridis from The Italian Bowl reflected on its early days, recalling how the restaurant’s concept was a hit from the moment it opened in 2005. “The idea of choosing your own pasta shape, protein, and sauce really resonated with people,” she told Neighbourhood Media.

The Secret to Longevity

Spyridis stated that the restaurant’s success stemmed from its unwavering commitment to quality and consistency. “Our meals are simple, old-school Italian recipes, with good portion sizes and reasonable prices,” she explained. She noted that while trends in dining constantly evolve, The Italian Bowl has stuck to what works.

Beyond the food, she pointed to the restaurant’s energetic, welcoming atmosphere as another key factor. “Our ambience is fast-paced yet inviting,” she said. “We have friendly service, and everyone feels welcome.”

Spyridis also emphasised the importance of relationships - with staff, suppliers, and customers. “We’ve always remained loyal to those we work with, and that has helped us build long-term connections, which is rare in this industry,” she noted.

Challenges and Triumphs

Running a thriving restaurant for two decades hasn’t been without obstacles. According to Spyridis, one of the biggest challenges has been navigating Sydney’s rising cost of living. “Interest rates, taxes, and increasing expenses make owning a business difficult,” she said. “There are huge, unfair costs involved.”

Staffing has also been a hurdle. “The government makes it tough for overseas workers to get permanent residency,” she stated. “Hospitality relies on these workers, and sponsoring them is expensive but necessary. They work incredibly hard and deserve the opportunity.”

Despite these difficulties, The Italian Bowl has achieved significant milestones over the years. “We’ve won several local and Australian championship awards,” Spyridis shared. She also revealed the restaurant’s dominance on food delivery platforms. “We consistently have the most orders on Uber Eats for a stand-alone restaurant in Australia and New Zealand,” she said.

Beyond business success, she highlighted the restaurant’s deep ties to the community. “We’re proud to support local charities, provide meals for the homeless, and assist first responders through advertising and donations,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As The Italian Bowl celebrates 20 years, its future remains rooted in family. “We plan to stay in our current location for our children to eventually take over,” Spyridis said. Expansion is also on the horizon, but with a focus on maintaining the restaurant’s core values. “We’re exploring new areas to open a similar concept, but only if it can still be managed and run by family members,” she explained.

Innovations are also in the works. “We’ve had a few school excursions and are considering doing more during our closing hours,” she shared. “We’re also looking at pop-ups and the ‘hole in the wall’ trend, where fresh produce is cooked to order daily.”

With a loyal customer base, a strong community presence, and a vision for the future, The Italian Bowl’s journey is far from over.

Book your table at The Italian Bowl Today

255 King St, Newtown (02) 9516 0857 www.theitalianbowl.com.au