Every bite tells a story | Bicaro’s: Bringing a taste of Venice to Shepparton

We tried to look up the Italian word ‘Bicaro’ and discovered it has Venetian origins, meaning to have fun, to party, or to celebrate. This perfectly describes the essence of this restaurant — a place of celebration, family, fun, excellent service, and a cozy, convivial atmosphere reminiscent of Venetian taverns, which may have inspired the name.

Gina Sozzi and Sam Scarpari, the proprietors of this charming restaurant, bring their rich Italian heritage, warm hospitality and a keen understanding of what the local community seeks in a dining experience — delicious food, great wines, excellent service and reasonable prices.

The local Italian community has significantly contributed to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the area, particularly in the Goulburn Valley, where many Italians settled after World War II. Their deep connection to the land saw them thrive in agriculture, particularly in fruit and vegetable farming. The once-exotic foods they introduced, such as salami, risotto, lasagna, arancini, pizza and pasta, have become staples in our culinary landscape.

Gina and Sam have created a delightful Italian/Australian oasis on the eastern edge of our CBD. The beautifully appointed restaurant features a function room upstairs and an outdoor area under the vines, perfect for enjoying Shepparton’s ideal summer weather. The food is wonderful, the service is fabulous and the prices are fair. However, something has been happening that is not fair. It’s disheartening to mention that this lovely place has been the target of three thefts in the past month. Despite these challenges, Gina and Sam continue to work hard to provide an excellent restaurant that boosts our local economy by employing, purchasing, creating and donating locally.

We encourage you to consider this gem for a great night out, a quick, delicious meal or your next party or function. You’ll find a warm and friendly atmosphere, where Sam will discuss local produce and local wines, particularly the highly sought-after Seraphim Wines sold in-house, which often sell out due to their quality.

On our last visit, we enjoyed eggplant chips, prawn and chorizo risotto and smoked salmon pizza — all fantastic dishes that come highly recommended. The menu changes regularly and features the finest local and seasonal produce.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 5pm to 9pm, except on Fridays extended hours until 10pm. Please note that Bicaro’s is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Food pricing for Bicaro’s Ristoranté, Bar and Forno, rated by Jan and Paul: $$

(Expensive $$$, moderate $$ good value $)