What a lovely place. Maybe I'm bias bc of the great mood I was in. This is an ideal place to have lunch after a 14-15 hr flight. It has comfortable outdoor seating, awesome customer service, decent house wine and no overbearing crowd - we were promptly seated. The day was a sunny and perfect. This cute restaurant was the on top. read more

Bottom Line - Simple and delicious Italian food. Lovely atmosphere. Reasonable prices. I don't know how we haven't written about Il Baretto sooner. It's been one of our favourite neighbourhood dinner spots since we moved here (nearly a year ago!!). With pastas that are exactly the kind of thing you crave when you want good Italian food - we've never had anything that didn't hit the spot. Nothing too fancy - just bowls of simple and delicious food at a very reasonable price. Our two favourite dishes are the Beef Lasagna and the Duck Ragu - signature dishes that are always on the menu. And you must get the Panna Cotta for dessert, though the Tiramisu is pretty amazing also. Things to note: - Il Baretto is BYO. They don't serve any alcohol at all so hit up the clock bottle shop just one block up on Crown street before hand. - It is also CASH ONLY. There's an ATM inside the Carrington just across the street. - It's also quite small so there is often a wait, but they will take down your number and give you a call when they have a table for you. Go across the street and have a drink at the Carrington while you wait. read more

Il Baretto - Spaghetti al Vongolé (Gnochi in the background) - Italian Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

See all

Duck Ragu Pappardelle. Plus BYO. A local, not too fancy. Just so you know. Come with friends or a lady. Yum. Oh Fosho. read more

Il Baretto - Carbonara - Italian Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

See all

Renown for serving authentic Italian cuisine at an affordable price, Il Baretto is one of my favorite restaurants in Surry Hills. It is normally very crowded, as people flock to this place for its cozy atmosphere and amazing food. I'm happy to say that every time I frequent this place, I've had only positive experiences. I'll base this review on the last time I went to Il Baretto for dinner. As a big fan of beef carpaccio, I was delighted to find it on the menu. It was the perfect, melt-in-your-mouth starter. As the main course, I had the gnocchi Bolognese that was ideally comforting for a chilly night. My dinner companion ordered the Puglian orecchiette with verdant broccoli greens, which was also fresh and fantastic. For dessert, I savored the phenomenal homemade tiramisu. One dish I can definitely recommend if it's still on the menu is the pappardelle with duck ragout. I can't stop thinking about it, and it's been weeks since it was on my tongue. read more

Il Baretto - Italian Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

Looking for a cheap and cheerful Italian meal? Then look no further than II Baretto. But don't think for a second that you've uncovered a secret, II Baretto is a much loved establishment as famed for its superb meals as it is for its wait. But the wait is always worth it. The smart and savvy folk at II Baretto have now opened a wine bar down the road, Fico, which serves up nibbles and snacks while you wait for your table and the refurbishment of The Carrington across the road means this pub is also an option for a drink. II Baretto is always worth the wait. This BYO venue offers large portions at superb prices - you can get a killer Penne Arrabiata for under $15! While the Duck Ragu with Parpardelle is as famous as the restaurant itself. I'm hungry at the thought of it... read more

Il Baretto - Italian Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

See all

Il Baretto was recommended to me by an Italian chef, and so I arrived there with pretty high expectations. When I rang to book a table, the staff told me that they don't take reservations and that my best bet was to rock up early so as to avoid the lines. We got there at 7pm and were told that there would be a half hour wait, so instead of lining up outside the shop we ducked over to the pub across the road for a quick drink. My chef friend was right - whilst the food was pretty simple, it was authentic and delicious, living up to my expectations. Despite its seemingly off-the-beaten-track location, Il Baretto is a well populated restaurant and seems to be constantly busy. The service was ok, but unless you're able to create an impenetrable love cocoon, the atmosphere is a bit too hectic to be romantic. read more

Il Baretto - Italian Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

See all

Il Baretto is one of those great Sydney secrets that is tucked away in the back of Surry Hills on Bourke Street. Cheap, cheerful and classic Italian food is what Il Baretto does best. Their pastas are homemade and range from the basics like Arrabiata and Bolognaise. I can never go past the Parpardelle with Duck Ragu ($26) which is a bit of indulgence. This place has its quirks. The no bookings policy is infamous, likely because the place is so popular the waits can be an hour or so long. In response to this Il Baretto opened a holding pen (really a wine bar) called 'Fico' just a block away, so you have somewhere to grab a pre-dinner drink and nibble (Italian, of course). read more

Il Baretto - Italian Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

Here is my 2 cents worth on Il Baretto. This is the casual Italian eatery that everyone wants in their neighbourhood. The food is priced well and uncomplicated - staying true to the authentic Italian flavours. In my book there are two dishes that are a must - the duck raju and the panna cotta if its on the menu. The other dishes are ok but not standouts. So give this restaurant a go if you want good cheap Italian. Note the following - no reservations and the wait can be lengthy. The Carrington across the road is there for you to have a drink while you wait, so account for this detour on your visit here. Enjoy! read more

Il Baretto - Italian Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

Talk about simple, delicious Itallian food that is excellent! Il Baretto is one of those fabulous finds in Sydney which all the locals know about... You get the feeling that they cook with that wonderful Italian pizzaz which prioritises flavour and freshness. Their vegetarian pastas are amazing! Lots of packed with fresh parsley,garlic, cream and breadcrumbs... every mouthful is simply delish. Unlike most restaurants which have sad seconds for Vegeterians - I get the feeling that Il Baretto cares that every dish is good... And make sure you save some space for the Pana Cotta - it is amazing and will leave you super satisfied and care free about your pants being slightly tighter. If you want a good meal, with a good vibe I highly recommend Il Baretto. read more

Il Baretto - Italian Near Me - Surry Hills, NSW

The spaghetti was good but not, like, better-than-your-nonnas-good. I really just adored the air of it all. A little sweetness, neighborhood feels, Italian to the bone, wine served in modest tumblers, Bourke Street charms...oh the quiet romance of it all! read more

Always a treat to have then cook authentic Italian while I supply the BYO wine. After missing this restaurant for years, I'm frequenting it again with my Swans footy membership group when an evening game is on. There's usually just enough time for a good quick feed and drink before the Swans do the damage. read more

So many people talk about this highly overrated restaurant. I have given it a few attempts so I promise I am not being rash. It's just I grew up in Melbourne and was spoilt for authentic Italian, done brilliantly. It is not that 'Il Baretto' is a bad restaurant, it's just not that great. Everybody talks about how amazing the Duck Ragu is, and I know this will sound conceited, but my home made one is better! I feel like the place is lackluster, with a cafe feel and restaurant prices. There is such a buzz about new restaurants now and so many foodies around that this place ill compares and bores me senseless. read more

Byo is false. Say byo wine and beer, tried bringing spirits and they said no. Disappointing.

The duck ragu is to die for! You can't make bookings but it's well worth the wait!

I enjoyed the duck ragu pasta but it was not quite what I expected. A bit on the heavy side. A nice experience sitting outside eating my lunch. read more

One of my favourite italian places. Definitely my "go to" place when I have a pasta craving. Have tried a few other italian restaurants in the area, but I always come back to this place. It's quite a small/quaint place with friendly staff. It has a homey feel to it that I quite like. I can highly recommend their bolognese, vongole and carbonara. Excellent dishes that are always consistently good. And really good portion sizes too for that extra carb hit :) read more

I hadn't been to this place in well over 10 years, to be Brutally honest, nothing has changed, whoops actually the wait staff have, lol. The Menu is average the Pesto and Chicken Risotto I ordered was flavoursome however lacked in originality and presentation. The Wine list that consisted of approximately 4 bottles, extensive I must say, was friggin served in a water glass as this place don't serve wine in actual wine glasses, the look on my face was as expensive as the meal and wine put together! So in closing, it's a very very overpriced place for what is produced or what lacks in quantity. Don't waste your time here in Bourke Street, go to Crown....I've always said you get what you pay for however NOT this time!! read more

Il Baretto just won best BYO restaurant of the year by the Good Food Guide

The other reviews sum this place up pretty well. It's not the most mindblowing pasta you'll ever have, it's not the best value in town, it doesn't have the fanciest ingredients, but it's still a place you can have a great night. The staff are very friendly, the meals are delicious and large and the vibe is great. If you're in a good mood, ready to relax and have some good company you'll have a good night here. read more

Love this little pasta joint. Best to get there early but even if you do there's a massive queue! All the food has been delicious.

So good! Tight seating, but for just the two of us it was great. First time I've found tiramisu that I like as much as mine. Haha definitely a great place for Italian in Sydney. read more

Good quick and cheap pasta. Service can tend to be rude but its a a staple favourite.

Good things come to those who wait and this couldn't be more true than at Surry Hills institution Il Baretto. I've been coming here for years, whether to dine in or, when the belly rumbles get too much, to takeaway and guzzle in the privacy of our kitchen. The lasagne is great, but it still can't beat the talked-about pappardelle with duck ragu or my other personal favourite, the gorgonzola gnocchi. This is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. If you attempt to eat the entire plate you'll probably feel a little ill by the end of it (yep, I'm talking from experience), but it's devilishly good if you're after some rich comfort food. Try your best to save room for desserts too, as the tiramisu and panna cotta are some of the best this sweet-tooth has tasted in Sydney. read more

Favorite Italian local. Perfect on a summers eve with our BYO red. Simple menu. Some items can be hit and miss but I always start with the caprese salad and you can't go wrong with the gnocchi. Lasagne is also divine. read more

Yummy Italian. Large portions and good food. BYO but often have to wait (it is very popular!) but it's worth it. Honest Italian done well. Mainly pastas (no pizza) but very tasty. read more

Not necessarily the place I'd take someone with a gluten intolerance, as this restaurant focuses on pasta - it's what they do the best, and it really is delicious. Everyone raves about the duck ragu papardelle - tender flakes of duck in a rich and thick ragu, sprinkled with parmesan and resting on a bed of freshly made papardelle. Sounds good, doesn't it? Another hot contender for dish-of-the-day was a special on the menu - papardelle with broad beans and bacon. This was FANTASTIC. One of those dishes where you start scratching the pattern off the bowl in an attempt to lick up every last taste. The gnocchi is good too, home made and characteristically stodgy, but a brilliant vehicle for flavour - the homemade bolognaise is a winning combination, or for something richer try the blue cheese and cream. Service is excellent - fast, friendly and efficient. We ordered the garlic bread to start and it was nice, but not garlicky or buttery enough for me, and completely unnecessary when you see the size of the main courses. We arrived starving but left uncomfortably full - I suppose that's a sign of the quality of the food though. read more

Good, homemade, quality, filling iltalian food exactly as it should be. Consistency is pretty good and take away is usually ready really quickly. They get a bit iffy when you ask for extra parmesan though. I suppose they might be offended like putting tomato sauce on a sirloin steak but it's not that the pasta needs the parmesan at all... I just love cheese :/ read more

Very disappointed to say that our experience was very sub par. The service was lovely but we were waiting for an hour to get pasta that was soupy and undercooked. Lost us as customers for good. read more