Bar Reggio

When you can walk away from a dinner having shared a starter, enjoyed a delicious main, not been charged an exorbitant rate for corkage and you've only had to fork out between $20 - $25 per head, it's safe to say you'll be paying the restaurant a second visit.

This was my experience at Bar Reggio. While the front of the restaurant is pretty spartan, try and secure a table in the back garden area and enjoy the lively atmosphere that is generated at this busy restaurant.

Start off your meal with a generous serving of the herb or garlic bread before tucking into a pizza or pasta main. If pasta is your poison, you can't go wrong with the Gnocchi Puttanesca. If you'd rather share a couple of pizzas, the signature Reggio and Nick's pizzas are both winners. The perfect place for a group get-together, this Italian restaurant is conveniently located on Crown Street in Darlinghurst with a range of bars and clubs nearby to kick on at after dinner.

For anyone planning on frequenting Bar Reggio, if you plan on accompanying your meal with a glass of vino or beer, make sure you bring it with you as the restaurant is strictly BYO. Consequently, Bar Reggio isn't the place to dine if you're looking to have a relaxed, drawn out meal; it's a frantic, non-stop experience from the moment you sit down till the moment you walk out the door. And don't be surprised if as soon as your plates are cleared, you're handed the bill and informed that they need the table because there is a line out the door.

Images: Leticia Almeida.