A victim of its own affordability, Bar Reggio is often overlooked by the food-erati in favour of pricier and more pretentious eateries. It’s cheap, sure (all pizzas are less than $20 and you can get a dozen fresh oysters for less than $30), but Bar Reggio is also known for its consistency and, of course, the raucous atmosphere that usually includes at least one rendition of Happy Birthday – spearheaded by the staff and finished off by the entire restaurant.

The pace can be frantic – waiting diners are a constant reminder that your table has a time limit. But despite that, Sydney dining doesn’t get more fun, or more iconic, than this.

Must eat: The gnocchi puttenesca