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I'd be surprised if many Sydney restaurants have survived as long as Bar Italia. It's been serving locals and visitors in Leichhardt for more than 70 years – since 1952. I'm not surprised it's still going strong all these decades later, though. It still serves up classic Italian hits in what has gradually become a retro setting – we're sure it looked fairly modern back in the '50s! You can get a delicious, filling feed for under $25, so it's without doubt one of Sydney's best cheap eats.
The vibe
Sitting here, you can imagine you're in a trattoria in Rome. It's always busy, the service is relaxed (you line up to order), and there are classic Italian features and finishes – including an old-school crazy-pave tiled marble floor, gelato counter near the front, and red-white-and-green neon signage. Although it's popular, you should always be able to find a table, either in one of the indoor dining areas, in the covered area out on the footpath, or – my fave spot – in the sunny terrace at the back, which is covered in vines, bougainvilleas and fairy lights. It's definitely not the most refined Italian food you'll find in Sydney, but it's good grub, and such excellent value. Another bonus: they serve up food all day, every day, from breakfast at 8am to 10.30 or 11.30 at night.
The food
The menu is extensive – name an Italian dish and we reckon you'll find it here. When it comes to pasta, they serve everything from family faves like boscaiola and arrabiatta to house specials, including my fave, spaghetti vesuvio – which is mushrooms, peas, bacon, cream and napoli sauce (at the time of writing, it costs just $22 for a regular serve, and $28 for a really big bowl that'll satisfy the hungriest among us). They have all of the pizzas (for $19 to $24), panini (for $9 to $14), and chicken and veal dishes (parmagiana, limone, marsala and way more – all for $26.50). Grab a gelato on your way out.
The drink
It's BYO beer or wine. Otherwise, you can get an authentic Italian coffee, and all your classic Italian soft drinks: chinotto, limonata, aranciata.
Time Out tip
You have to pay cash – but thankfully, they do have an ATM in the restaurant. If you don't have cash on you, just make sure to bring your keycard, because you can't tap a phone at an ATM.
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