Review The Italian - Bondi

The walls are decorated in bits and pieces that showcase the past of the restaurant's history. We ordered a main each and entree to share and only just managed to clean the plates. Amazing flavours, generous portions! Parking was easy to find so we will be back!

Ate dinner here on Wednesday night with the familia, food was just delicious and authentic. Mussels were a massive serving we could all share, flavour filled with fresh tomatoes and herbs, served with fresh warm bread. Also had pizzas and spaghetti all absolutely delicious, kids couldn’t get enough! Service was remarkable and the waiters were very kind and hospitable. Highly recommend to anyone who would like true authentic Italian food that comes with excellent service and kind considerate waiters, enjoy!

Went here for dinner with 2 friends. Service was good and the waiter was friendly, but that was the only good part about our experience eating here. The food took about 30 minutes to come out. My pasta was not fresh, had been frozen and heated up in a microwave, with a very runny and flavourless sauce. Definitely not worth even half the money I paid. My friends’ pizzas were made with a base that also had not been freshly made as it was perfectly circular and like cardboard, probably bought from a distributor. The place is very charming and was full of families who must enjoy the atmosphere because I can’t imagine how they could pick this place out of all the other wonderful Italian restaurants in Bondi. The food we ate here was very poor, I could make better Italian food fresh myself at home. We made a bad choice eating here, I don’t know how the place is still in business because the food is lazy and definitely not “homestyle Sicilian” as the sign describes, with high prices that do not reflect the quality of the food.

I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. The service from all three of the waiters was exceptional. They took there time and cared. I like the fact they write down the orders. The veal was very tasty and tender. They do a great job with the pasta and they were very fast getting the food to the table. Good portion size compared to the rest of The Bondi restaurants. We would definitely recommend going to give it a shot.

Been coming here since it first opened and it remains one of the best and most authentic Italian restaurants in Sydney. Reasonably priced, fast, friendly service, great selection of everything Italian you could want. Bring your appetite and enjoy!

I've never seen such disrespect towards staff members from the part of the owner. I was quietly enjoying my food when a young waitress came to get her salary because she was leaving the country. The discussion was loud and therefore I could hear it.. He refused to pay her and after 30minutes talk and tears, the wife of the owner came and tried to bring her husband to reasons. Also, they owners were keeping the majority of the tips. Food was okay

One of the best place in Sydney where Italian home made food and drink great quality wine for a reasonable price...and on top of that the floor Manager (Roberto) is unique! He recommends great combination of food and wine! Must try if you like Italian food!!

Had the eggplant parm and a mushroom and capsicum pizza. Eggplant was delicious, full of flavour, but the portion was for a child. It was pretty much served in a ramikin. The pizza was very average. I was really surprised given how much flavour was in the eggplant parm. The sauce seemed to have no flavor. The house wines are pretty good.

Love this place truly the best authentic Italian food and the staff make you feel at home. Totally recommend to all �

Paul is one of the nicest and most welcoming person I've ever come across. The service was outstanding and the food was absolutely delicious! Highly recommend this place.

Best italian in eastern suburbs!

Beautiful Food!!! Great service!!! Terrific atmosphere!!!! If you are in Bondi you have to go here, it's a must do restaurant

Amazing food and was well looked after by the lovely staff �

Scrumptious authentic Italian food. Best service. Great ambiance. Kid friendly Best Italian in BONDI!!! 5******

Beautiful Food, Great Service and Great Value! Looking forward to eating here again!

Great Food and great friendly staff. Always a great night out.

Best restaurant in Bondi! Tastes like you're in Italy! Love this place and the staff! Just please tell us where you get your cheese! :) see you soon! -Rachael

Very small meals and saulty. Terrible service (unpolite staff). The pizza was the worst ever. Nothing is fresh. Go to Dominos, it's better. I give -5 stars.

Great food and even better service -Thanks Antonio.

Impolite staff. When I went to the entrance and asked for a table for two tonight at 9pm I was asked by a staff member to 'look around' while he laughed at the obviously full restaurant, when I asked if anyone would be finishing soon, he simply responded 'no, I don't know' and proceeded to walk away. There are many better ways to turn away patrons which might result in them trying again next time.. Not me, I will never return.

One of the best italian places ever in sydney. but the pizzas are way too small, especially for the price. Wish they were bigger cause they are sooo yummy!

Thinking I could order a Bellini at Italian, they couldn’t serve me one. The waiters were not friendly nor helpful. The pastas were ok, the pizza was average. Probably won’t be back. :(

Great little local restaurant. Simple dishes made with top quality ingredients. Almost feels like you've been invited to a friends place for dinner, not fancy but you'll leave happy.

This is my wife's and I favourite restaurant. We go every 6 months or so because we live about 1 hr away. Best italian food I've ever had. Service is warm and friendly. Food is always amazing. Anyone who rates this less than 4 stars is either a dimwit or a jealous neighbouring

Seven Canberran italian woman had dinner there last night, weather was horrible but our beautiful host Maria and the amazing food made up for it. My amazing homemade gnocchi were the best I have ever had (Maria even shared her recipe) - great food, great friends great laughs! Just remember ladies, what happens in Bondi stays in Bondi. Highly recommend this restaurant.

Reallu Lovell restaurant in Bondi! Left an extra $100 on the tabel by accident and they kindly gave it back to me. Excellent food as well, perfect anti-pasti.

Great night. From the moment we walked in the service was amazing only to be surpassed by the food which was out of this world so authentic and the servings amazing for the price great job Paul and staff

BEST ITALIAN FOOD IN BONDI OR SYDNEY!. SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!<br/><br/>The pavlova is devine.<br/>The meat balls are really delicious.<br/>Their garlic bread is so fresh and yum. <br/>The fettuccine with mushrooms is amazing!<br/>The bruchetta is very tasty<br/><br/>their ice creams ROCK THIS WORLD AND THE OWNER AND SERVICE IS FENOMENAL. <br/><br/>WE GO THERE AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH.

After reading some mixed reviews (most whingers) I was very happy we had dinner there. The Italian is a great little place in Bondi with good food and staff. The place was packed, however, everyone look happy and served quickly. The servers were attentive, especially the owner who went above and beyond. Great selection of food and reasonable prices, we will definitely be back.

Lovely dining outing. What a great meal.<br/>8.5/10!<br/>Food was so tasty and full of flavour.<br/>Staff were very helpful (as we didn't have a booking), however were pushy to get us out before next seating (even when we had 30mins to go).<br/><br/>Will definitely Come back here however you need to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

A Big Lie! How can a resta.... A Big Lie! <br/>How can a restaurant be named the italian.. Nothing from the menu was seems italian! And of course when I saw my pizza I realized how bad it was. I am from Italy and I think this restaurant shouldn't have 76% of good feedback, specially with all the really good restaurants you can find just next to it. Also the service was bad.

Best Italian Around. My partner and I come here at least every couple of months. Food and service are exceptional. The owners always look after your every need with a smile. Can't speak highly enough of this little gem!<br/>Ash

Good food, bad service. I've been twice. First time was overall harmless experience, food was good. I have been wanting to go back. Second time, was a rude one and we didn't even get to eat!<br/><br/>We were dining a bit on the late side, 9:30pm, so I had checked first online that they're open until 11pm on Thursdays. Great. We pull up in a cab and I duck my head in noticing it looked a bit quiet with one large table just finishing up, I ask, "Can we have dinner?"<br/><br/>Guy who is walking out from the kitchen says, "Sorry we're closed."<br/><br/>I look at my phone it says 9:30pm, "The website says you're open until 11pm."<br/><br/>"We only had one table tonight, so we closed, what's the point."<br/><br/>What's the point?? I had so many points for him, as a service industry, as a business...we walked out a bit shocked. And went back to our neighbourhood Panama House for dinner instead.<br/><br/>(I didn't necessarily want to give it a thumbs down, but when you think about it, good food isn't enough to make customers return. And it seems like The Italian needs to work on customer service, given the amount of bad reviews. People want to eat and be happy. Not eat and be mad.)

The Italian is one of my favourite restaurants when I visit Sydney. The food is delicious & authentic. Service is efficient & friendly . The owners Paul & Mary are the dynamic duo of Bondi.

Tasty meal, a small portion for the cost. I'm not a big eater but I was left a little hungry.

Great experience. Our party of three really enjoyed our meal at The Italian. We were served promptly and the wait for our meal was minimal.<br/>All meals were absolutely delicious. Authentic rustic beautifully presented.<br/>All staff were friendly and we will definitely visit again when in Sydney. 10/10

Disgusting experience. I have been to many Italian restaurants and this is the worst experience I ever have. I am have Italian background and the thought of this restaurant claiming they are catering authentic Italian food makes me sick. <br/><br/>Fist of all the waiter had difficulty of taking the food order. When the food arrived it was not what we order. My partner didn't want to make a scene I called over the same waiter and his response well 'that's how things go'.<br/><br/>Next we looked at the menu and spoke to the owner that the spelling of the Italian words on the menu especial on the special menu was spelt incorrectly. His response was that you 'need to take glasses' we were offended. Instead of listening to the customer he was rude an arrogrant. <br/><br/>Definiately a restaurant to avoid. Also the ingredients as stated on the menu did not match up on the final dish. <br/><br/>Message to the owner: seek out professional courses on customer handling and certificate in kitchen operations.<br/><br/>Scifo,

I have been to many Italians over the years. I can say that this experience was not the best <br/>the table service was to say the last shocking the waiter could not wait until I had finish my meal before clearing the rest of the table. Then asked how the meal was I reply "ok" <br/>They Replied well that's not bad for a Sundays we was never offered desert!!! And just left sitting for over an hour before we had had to go in and ask for the bill not happy I would not recommend any one to visit the italian. mad pizza two doors up would have been better and they only had bar seating available

What an evening!. An Italian restaurant where the customer is always wrong! One would have thought that going to a local Italian eatery would be incident free but not this place. After ordering a main course size pasta I enquired of the waiter if I had been given the entree size instead (it was tiny).<br/><br/>The waiter confirmed that it was main size but if I wanted more she would bring it. Yes please! I was hungry.<br/><br/>Then another waiter came and asked if I was happy. I said no as I had received a very small portion of pasta. She said a lot of their customers say that. Really? Maybe they're trying to tell you something. She said they'd take it on board. Wow, great customer service.<br/><br/>Then the manager approached me. Does this never end? The chef will be out soon to deal with me. Great I was hoping to meet all the staff.<br/><br/>The chef arrived and asked what the problem was. I pointed out the portion was small. No it isn't she claimed. We measure the weight of every portion. I said I'm a man and a hungry one at that and I need a decent portion. She asked why I hadn't ordered an entree. I couldn't see why that should affect the size of the meal.<br/><br/>Anyway, I said I'm entitled to my opinion and she said that I wasn't and I was wrong. Oh but I replied that the customer is always right. She said she hadn't seen that movie! Was this for real?<br/><br/>Of course, to cap it all off, I was charged for two pastas and I insisted on only paying for one. The manager screwed up the bill into a tight little ball and threw it away.<br/><br/>What a perfect evening. I hope to return soon!

Every time I'm in Sydney I make a point of eating here . Good solid fresh food backed up by great service . Family business very popular with locals and a great Chet in Erin out back doing the business !

Very expencive, unfriendly service. Not happy

A relaxed and welcoming restaurant. The fettuccine Sorrento was good, with generous seafood and fish. The veal dish could have been bigger, but was well cooked and presented. Strangely, for an Italian eatery, no bread. Service very good. A good place to go amidst the trendier establishments. Everyone there seemed to be enjoying both food and ambience.

Amazing food and very friendly service. Worth the trip and every penny

My favourite Italian restaurant in Bondi! Friendly, casual & great food. Had a great meal with my family last weekend. Staff made fantastic recommendations for new dishes & wine. Make sure you book!

Amazing Food, Terrible Service. What a disappointment! After being told that this restaurant had amazing food, I went there with a friend to see what all the fuss was about. <br/><br/>My friends were right about the food, it's really delicious. I had the calamari and the pasta with veal sausage and mushrooms. Highly recommend both.<br/><br/>Unfortunately my experience ended badly when my friend and I were practically thrown out of the restaurant as it was closing. We were brought the bill without asking for it, given attitude when asking to take the left over food away with us, more attitude when asked about certain items on the bill and stood over while I signed the credit card receipt. In fact, when asked about the items on the bill, I was rudely asked if I needed a calculator. <br/><br/>What a shame as our waiter was wonderful, however it was another female waitress who left such an awful and disappointing impression.

Can't go pasta the pasta. My wife organised that we celebrated a surprise birthday here. Sufficiently large Pasta and Pizza formula. My guests felt right at home. Staff bent over backwards. Reasonable to a tad 'exy' in price. I happily return to eat here several times each year though. Consistently good formula. GregFresser