Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (28) pasta (25) cash (23) pizza (22) restaurant (18) staff (17) Italian (17) friendly (14) service (14) time (13)
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  • 3/5 Juan Manuel Alvear H. 2 years ago on Google
    Since the moment I arrived, the guy that received me in the door to check my Covid check, was not to friendly. The Spaghetti combo with veal was very good, the arancini crust was a bit thick, soggy and has very little meat. The Milano pasta was very good. The guy at the counter that took my order was not rude but was no friendly either, very very serious with a bit of a bad face. The affogato was nice, the cappuccino too but the guy that took my dessert order (bald head with glasses) was so unfriendly, and almost upset to me and at the end he gave me a tray with all the desserts and coffee to carry, I'm very bad at carrying trays and almost fell, I consider they should have taken it to my table themselves. The panacota cake was very jellyish but the tiramisu was very good. And the end I went to the toilet, a worker from the kitchen peed and left without washing off his hands. I don't like to imagine what hi could have cooked after that with his hands dirty. In conclusion, the serve is very generous for the price, it's not expensive, taste is good and food quality is good too, but costumer service was bad, very bad, it'll be a perfect place to come back if they're more friendly. When you go to a restaurant, you are after the experience rather than the food only. I didn't enjoy their good food because of their staff bad mood.
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan H. 2 weeks ago on Google • 722 reviews New
    Amazing restaurant with great staff. We dropped by 30 mins before closing and they were okay with us ordering. We got the potato crust pizza and some fancy one as well as some pasta. It was really good and affordable. There was something alluring about the potato pizza. It was very simple but you could taste how well the flavours worked. Highly recommend it as well as the entire pasta menu. They also account for allergies so you can remove dairy from the pasta sauce and cheese. The wait times were reasonable and there were plenty of seating. The decor looked amazing and it had a very welcoming atmosphere to it. The staff also gave us plates to eat with. The parking is plentiful but timed around the area. Would definitely go again.

  • 5/5 Nick Angelucci (. 1 year ago on Google
    Its an institutional pillar of Little Italy operating since the 1950s. Not fancy but charming in a retro sense. Locals love the place and can get busy but very comfortable atmosphere. Inside spreads lengthways and to an outdoor backyard, and the front has outside tables as well.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Bella H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is controversial, I know, but the food is just okay. I would have been more inclined to let it win me over if the service was not so poor, we attires felt like a massive inconvenience to the person taking our order. I dont mind the self serve aspect, usually makes it feel homey, but the workers at times came off as quite rude. I appreciate it was a busy night. The food came out quick, it was okay, nothing spectacular. The pizza was nice, but would I go again? Maybe just for ice cream if I am in the area.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alice A. 3 months ago on Google • 320 reviews New
    OMG! Best no frills Italian in Sydney hands down. The food is really good and great for groups, you have to order and pay for food at the counter so no splitting bills! Great atmosphere and a cheap/cheerful place. I have taken disability groups here for work as well and the staff have been fantastic with the groups as well. Highly recommend this place :) Update: still a wonderful place to have delicious Italian food and there food really hits the spot. Definitely will be back sooner!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kitchen I. 2 years ago on Google
    I really wish I'd eaten the food they cooked when they opened in 1952. At least a visit here would at least confer nostalgia. Now, it's more like a slight sadness about a menu "modernised" in the 70s. You'll never follow up "I ate at bar italia" with more detail, unless you're reaching for conversation content, or you don't get out more than the cast of The Castle. It will be rare that anything will be wrong with your meal. But...you know the rest.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Sophia I. 1 year ago on Google
    We are happy with the pasta and pizza, but not happy with the service. A man (he said he has worked there for four years) at the counter who helped us order was very impatient and unfriendly. We have six people, so it took a while for us to finish ordering food, drinks and dessert. The man literally rolled his eyes to our face. I saw that I swear to god. Exo me?? This is the first time I left negative feedback to a restaurant so far! It is a pity a tasty restaurant is dragged by poor customer service.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 BeachLover 1. 4 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    Bar Italia is one of my friend's favourite restaurant. We've been there a few times and the foods have always been good, customer service was great. You need to prepare some cash on hand to pay here as I think they only accept cash. There is a machine to withdraw cash inside the restaurant but you need to pay a fee to withdraw cash from that ATM machine. My friend and I both like the tiramisu for dessert here.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jinny Hong (. 2 weeks ago on Google • 271 reviews New
    I first discovered this place during the festival. The gelato wasn’t too sweet and tasted amazing, and all the staff were so friendly, greeting everyone with a smile.

  • 5/5 N. C. 2 years ago on Google
    I was there only for the ice cream, but this place surprised me. Everything about it, both physical and its Maps footprint, would suggest "tourist trap" but it's actually a great place to chill (and the 10+ people, presumably locals, who showed up on a weeknight for ice cream as well would back me up on this). They have a couple of cool flavours and serve the ice cream in an old-school metal bowl if you prefer that over the usual cone or cup. Decor and vibe are very 80s-Italian restaurant, a giant menu adorns their wall with friendly service over the counter. I'd definitely suggest checking it out for a late hangout if you live in the area.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Aileen Inez W. 2 years ago on Google
    The ricotta cannoli is definitely a must try! I tried the coffee gelato and I love it. The bar italia spaghetti that I ordered was quite good but I wouldn’t say that it’s very delicious. However, I would love to try other pasta such as the carbonara.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JJJ 3 months ago on Google • 208 reviews New
    $35- $40 something Lamb pizza Prawn spaghetti Credit card payments only available through QR code ordering. But the process is not clear when approaching the counter. Each table should have its individual QR code and table number. Service was fantastic. Lamb was soft and pasta was incredibly well covered in sauce. Chili oil comes in a curved beaker with handle.

  • 5/5 Ahmad A. 4 months ago on Google • 112 reviews
    I don’t where to start. A classic Italian place with varied menu. We had some pastas, Mussels Sicilian, salad and a pizza. Everything was great especially the mussels. Very good prices. Be prepared, it is cash only with ATM in store.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sherry M. 6 months ago on Google • 25 reviews
    The decorations and atmosphere at the restaurant were amazing, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. The food was enjoyable, and the service was fairly good, contributing to a pleasant dining experience overall.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gale S. 4 months ago on Google • 107 reviews
    Good. Very relaxed and comfortable. Good location. Wheelchair friendly ♿️ Card payments, not just cash at all 😁 I like the music, the seating and the atmosphere The guy greeting people was very agreeable, must be the manager. He does a great job. Coffee was zingy, very good 👍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pamela N. 2 years ago on Google
    An outstanding venue for family celebrations. The tortellini boscaiola tasted so good as did the rest of the food. Loved the friendly staff too
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Thomas D. 2 years ago on Google
    When it comes to the hallmarks of a well established restaurant, there are two major things to consider. Has the veteran staff burnt themselves out and is the passion still in the food? The host was accommodating enough, but I wish I could give him a relaxing holiday so he would rest and unwind. Read the menu at your table and order at the counter. All beverages are given to you on a tray to take back yourself. Luckily I was confident in myself that day not to slip anything. My wife spoke very highly of the iced coffee, as it had scoops of real coffee gelato put in it I'm not surprised! I'm not a coffee drink and even I was tempted. The serve was at good speed. Our drinks tray was taken away quickly. Our entree came out in good time. A cheese and garlic pizza - good size for two people. We had about a third left over. Our mains came out at just the right time also. The kitchen and wait staff must have had superb communication. The wife had the Bar Italia pasta; prawns, bacon, chilli and olive oil. Good helping of prawns and a good balance of subtle flavours. I went with the gorgonzola gnocchi, nothing subtle about that! At first I was dealing with a medium sized piece of gorgonzola which hadn't melted into the sauce. Powerful stuff but what do you expect? Later on in the meal the cream sauce and cheese blended together nicely for a very enjoyable experience. Respectability priced meals with a easy going atmosphere. As good as the pastas were we're going to take their pizzas for a main next time!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Matthew W. 3 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Just read some of the comments on the negative reviews to get a true sense of the entitled attitude here. There’s a million places to get pasta in Sydney, go somewhere where they treat customers with respect. This ain’t it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cameron D. 1 year ago on Google
    Great Italian restaurant located in Leichhardt. Main meals were delicious, well sized and reasonable price. Dessert was also delicious, highly recommend the Marscapone. Staff were all very friendly and service was quick. The outdoor dining area was really nice. Note that it is cash only, and there is an ATM inside the restaurant so can easily get cash out if you don't have any on hand. Will definitely go back to try more of the menu.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 max b. 2 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious food that's great value for money. Highly recommend
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Victor & N. 4 months ago on Google • 77 reviews
    We have been here a few times and the food is delicious however service here isn’t that great. There was once an instance where the queue was quite long and even after having waited for a while we were attended to by a staff member after being ignored and having others come after being served first instead. The place is cash only which is a downside however there is an ATM that does cash withdrawals with a service fee charge. The place offers gelato and icecream as well however it is freezing if you are seated outside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phillip R. 3 months ago on Google • 126 reviews New
    Great food cost okay

  • 3/5 Behrad M. 4 weeks ago on Google • 120 reviews New
    The food was good, also friendly staff, a bit noisy and busy. You need to have cash, otherwise you should use the atm inside the restaurant 😐. You pay for everything cash, byo $1 per person. You should even pay $1 for each takeaway box if you have leftover. They do not have any beer wine or alcoholic drinks so please bring your own.

  • 4/5 Elizabeth M. 3 months ago on Google • 109 reviews New
    Veal was overcooked, garlic bread was amazing, staff are charming.

  • 5/5 Soroush J. 4 months ago on Google • 108 reviews
    Tried our sunday dinner at Bar Italia. Very huge place and had a good vibe. The food was amazing and taste perfect. Well portioned and one of the best Italian tastes Ive ever experienced. They have extra parmesan, chilli and olive oils that you could help your self. The food served relatively quickly and not much waiting time. The inly main downside is that they are cash only which was a bit discomforting for me even though they have atm in their store. I didn’t have any physical card with me (as i use apple watch and apple pay only) and their atm didn’t have the carless cash withdrawal so i had to drove to my bank and collect money and return which wasted about half an hour time)

  • 4/5 Angelica R. 1 month ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    This was our second visit to Bar Italia and we enjoyed it so much that we brought friends along. One of the standout aspects is the affordability; the prices are significantly lower than those of the neighboring upscale Italian restaurants. The portion sizes are generous—easily enough for two people, even for someone like me with a smaller appetite. Their wide variety of pastas is a real draw for us. My partner and I keep returning to try different options and we've never been disappointed. However, one major downside is that they don’t accept card payments. We initially thought this might have been a one-off issue, but it turns out they still only accept cash. In today's world, where many people rely on cards or digital payments, this can be quite inconvenient—especially for us, as we often dine here after a run at Bay Run. Another thing to note: they charge $1 for a takeaway container. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it's something to keep in mind. So, if you’re planning to visit, be sure to bring cash and maybe even your own container if you don't have a large appetite.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joe C. 3 months ago on Google • 85 reviews New
    This place is a classic. Good Italian food with a large amount of choices. It's so classic that they only accept cash but there is an ATM inside

  • 5/5 Guy C. 3 months ago on Google • 71 reviews New
    Authentic taste with affordable price. Mascarpone is a must to eat!

  • 5/5 Hugo C. 5 months ago on Google • 70 reviews
    We decided to try Bar Italia out after seeing some reviews online. The photos of the food looked extremely promising, so that alone got us interested. The restaurant looks small from the outside but don't let that fool you. It has plenty of seating outside and also inside. The tables go quite deep into the back of the premises. For groups less than 8 people, making a booking is not allowed so as a group of 4 we ended up rocking up at dinner time (approximately 7:30pm or so). You end up being greeted by staff and your name is taken down and asked to wait. Our wait wasn't too long (maybe 15-20 minutes or so). We had the opportunity to peruse the menu as we waited for our table to be ready. To progress with ordering, you need to place your order at the counter but do note that the restaurant takes cash payments only, so come prepared. We ended up ordering (see photos): -Supreme Pizza -Prosciutto and Rocket Pizza -Boscaiola pasta -Risotto Marinara -2 servings of garlic bread (each serve comes with two pieces) -Drinks (Solo and Coke) - note they actually pre-chill the glasses for you to pour into, a nice touch Total cost of all these items was $106.00 which is quite reasonable and we were very full after. They also have gelato on site, but we were running a bit low on time so decided to leave it for next time. All in all, a wonderful experience and definitely will have this in mind when in the area again and looking for authentic Italian food. Bravissimo!

  • 5/5 Liz Z. 2 months ago on Google • 57 reviews New
    First time trying here, we ordered two types of pasta and pesto based pizza and homemade tiramisu as well. They all tasted sooo good and portion is beyond our expectation. Price is valuable! Staff is so friendly and helpful to telling us how to reheat the takeaway pizza at home 🥰 Definitely will come back again with other friends!

  • 5/5 Presley L. 6 months ago on Google • 41 reviews
    This is a classic Italian place! They have many options on their menu, but it seems that each one is served hot, tasty and fresh. I had the mussels with bread, which was great! The prices are so reasonable as well (usually, Italian places are way more expensive). 100% must visit if you're in the area!

  • 5/5 Ryan W. 3 weeks ago on Google • 32 reviews New
    I recently dined at Bar Italia and had a delightful experience. We ordered two pizzas and two pastas, one of each being vegetarian. The vegetarian pizza was a standout, with a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and a crispy crust. The flavours were vibrant and well-seasoned. The other pizza was equally impressive, showcasing traditional Italian flavours. For the pastas, both dishes were expertly cooked, with al dente noodles and rich, flavorful sauces. The vegetarian option was particularly enjoyable, featuring seasonal vegetables that complemented the pasta beautifully. The ambience was warm and inviting, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal. The staff were friendly and attentive, adding to the overall pleasant experience. I highly recommend Bar Italia for anyone craving authentic Italian food in Leichhardt. I can’t wait to return and try more of their menu!

  • 1/5 DeAlligator G. 3 months ago on Google • 30 reviews New
    Rudest staff to deal with. I wouldn't spend a penny in here

  • 5/5 Nick 1 week ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    I enjoyed the pizza and had a good night

  • 5/5 Antoinette 3 months ago on Google • 16 reviews New
    Feels like your in italy

  • 4/5 Elvis C. 3 weeks ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    Great pizza,when you’ve got some rocket at home, you can have it with the pizza. But Bolognese is not that kind of impressive(too salty for me). Maybe I should try some other type of spaghetti next time.

  • 5/5 munii 1 week ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    It was so nice

  • 4/5 Venus H. 9 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Went there for lunch and got 2 pastas, garlic bread and a rocket salad. The pasta was saucy and delicious, the garlic bread was crunchy and homemade. However, the rocket salad was quite watery - still yummy though. Atmosphere was homey and comfortable, you have to go up to the counter to order and it’s cash only.

  • 5/5 Sarvapriya P. 2 years ago on Google
    Very tasty pasta and pizza! I wiped my plate clean! It is cash only. This restaurant is definitely worth the visit!

  • 4/5 Nima B. 1 year ago on Google
    My first time there and it was an interesting experience. There was a line so that's a good sign. Was able to get a table luckily. Not knowing the place only deals in cash was a surprise, only saw the sign getting closer to the counter so had to step out and go to the back of the queue. Lesson learnt. They have an atm in the Gelato room. The pizza was good. Didn't fold or droop, held together well with toppings in tact. The pasta was fine but I couldn't say it was wow. Good value for money overall. They love The Godfather and Al Pacino as much as I do based on the decor. They get extra points just for that.

  • 5/5 Charles L. 1 year ago on Google
    A good old Italian bar to hang out in on a cold Sydney night. Superb food! Veal Marsala was delicious, and the Supreme Pizza was a delight 😋

  • 5/5 Jasmine B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of my favourite Italian restaurants! There is so much choice for their pasta dishes; you can mix and match all the pasta and sauce! Portions are generous and reasonably priced too. Perhaps even better is their gelato! You can’t go wrong with any of the flavours, BUT if you can’t decisde try the almond. It is FANTASTIC!

  • 4/5 eat with m. 1 year ago on Google
    I would say this restaurant has a pretty decent food. Pasta was okay. I didnt enjoy the pizza though. The dough was kind of hard to chew dough, i prefer the fluffy soft pizza dough One thing that you need to remember bfore u came here, u need to bring CASH! They only accept payment by cash. Anyway if you’re craving for italian food you should come here and have their pasta.

  • 5/5 Danny S. 1 year ago on Google
    Old school service charm and quality. Great service, pasta, pizza and real gelato. Pistachio made with real nuts! Not flavouring. Great friendly staff. Amazing value.

  • 5/5 Anh-Thu Cathy N. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly owners, quick service, affordable and yummy homestyle pasta. Absolutely loved it. The ice cream is also worth it.

  • 5/5 JK 1 year ago on Google
    Every time I eat here, it's just an awesome Italian feast. They get you seated fast, pile on the hearty helpings, and everything tastes amazing. Oh, and you've got to try the gelato—it's the cherry on top of the whole experience!

  • 4/5 Nicholas O. 1 year ago on Google
    This Italian restaurant in Leichhardt is a popular place which specialise in both pasta and pizza, and I must say, the pizza was excellent, and the pasta dishes were truly delicious. To complete the experience, they also serve gelato. However, this place only accepts cash, which is the only downside for me (although there is an atm in store, i just find it very inconvenient). Overall, great food, service was decent.

  • 5/5 Angelina_328 Q. 1 year ago on Google
    Gamberetti taste soooooo good! An Italian restaurant has been opened for 70 years! Have no idea what’s for lunch? Come here and you will enjoy it!

  • 5/5 Michelle K. 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious homey pasta and pizza. Ability to customise your pasta with different sauces and pasta types. Gelato was good too ! Cash only with an ATM inside.

  • 5/5 Junior T. 1 year ago on Google
    Pasta and Pizza here is amazing, waiters and waitresses are really kind and helpful as well. Was recommended to get Pistachio gelato and chocolate sorbet for dessert and it did not disappoint. BEST PISTACHIO GELATO IN SYDNEY.

  • 5/5 Hayley 1 year ago on Google
    All the staff were super friendly and accomodating, and the food was great! Will definitely need to come back to try the tiramisu and other menu items :) PS - the gelato is a must-try!!


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