Legend has it that the name of this no-fuss restaurant came from trucks constantly knocking down the original signage as they drove through the tiny lane it occupies. It all began in the 1950′s when Italian migrants that lived in the neighbourhood needed a cheap place to fill their stomachs and todays restaurant with no name is very much the same deal, dishing up home cooking to the locals.
Don’t go looking for alfresco seats and linen tablecloths as you may just miss the doorway and stairs that take you up to a place bustling with parents and their offspring tucking into over-sized plates of tasty stodge. It’s complimentary bread galore and the cheerful waiters will even give you a simple bowl of iceberg lettuce drizzled with oil. A squeeze bottle of vinegar on the table helps glamorise the salad and that red cordial up on the counter is there for all to share, no charge. It’s been a few decades since I last had red cordal so I brought my own alcoholic adult version to drink out of latte glasses. Noice.
The food is about as glamorous as the surroundings with a chalk-board showcasing homely grub that purely fills the hole rather than titillate the eyeballs. A schnitzel combo just couldn’t be avoided when I saw one go out to another table. This is just like Mums schnitzel, albeit a little soggier, with a gargantuan mound of spaghetti bolognese snugged up against it. A plate this large requires an above average appetite and I’m proud to say I made it to the last strand and crumb. Just
Pork chops are just that. No fancy garnish … hold on there was a lemon wedge. The meat was cooked quite well and if I can put on my dusty chefs hat there was some good caramelisation going on. Getting down to the boney bits, it was good old finger food.
Next time? I reckon I’ll be going for the liver and onion.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah the understated lemon wedge garnish, it needs a comeback much like the sprig of parsley or vegetable florets. But anyway, schnitzel and spaghetti? Looks friggin” awesome!
Karen | C&C recently posted..French Earl Grey Poached Pears
Someone was just talking about the Italian schnitzel! And they also serve liver? See, why don’t more places do that?? Sounds interesting!
Maria @ Scandifoodie recently posted..Kelp noodles with broccoli pesto
he he i used to go their in my early 20′s & love that it has not changed…love the combo plate although the price has increased somewhat! i think i used to pay $10?? oh dear am i sounding like a nanna!!!?
dayle recently posted..palatschinkehungarian flat bread filled with herbs & cheese
No Names is my first and favourite cheap eat! I’ve been going there since the 80s, with my stepdad who’s being going since the 60s. I love the veal stew the best – absolutely gorgeous, garlicky melt in the mouth veal. Goes down well with free help-yourself cordial!
I can’t remember if I’ve been here or not – I know I’ve been to the place that serves up free orange cordial. YUM. I’m sure my mother used to serve me up schnitzel and spaghetti – no wonder I’ve a fattie now. Looks like a great place for a casual feed.
MissPiggy recently posted..Gumshara- Chinatown Sydney
While it may be unapealling for some people used to fine dining I find home-style food extremely tempting. Especially if it’s budget-friendly.
Gaby recently posted..Recipe- Arroz tapado
Admit it. You secretly liked this place didn’t you?
Richard Elliot recently posted..Restaurant Review- Toan Thang- Flemington
um is that a pat of butter in the middle of the spaghetti bolognese?! i think im in love
chocolatesuze recently posted..Food noms at Westfield- Sydney 7
Ooh, I’ve heard about the cordial here…
While a large serve, I can’t help but think the pork chops need a little more company than the lemon wedge… poor lonely chops…
Tina@foodboozeshoes recently posted..No fighting at Kungfu Ramen
Oh, I’m having a dizzy flashback. I ate here years ago (big-spending uni students). There’s nothing wrong with this type of simple, unpretentious food, is there?
OohLookBel recently posted..Coconut Macaroonies
Love little places like this. Cheap eats the world over rejoice! Hopefully your review isn’t going to turn this into the kind of place you have to book weeks in advance. The freebies are a nice touch. Who doesn’t like free bread, lettuce and red cordial? I can’t think of any places that give free things around here. Even free green tea is getting more and more uncommon. I’m interested in the pat of butter on the spaghetti too
Genie recently posted..Fresh Food Markets in Luang Prabang- Laos
All the pork dish needs is some curly parsley and we’re done! LOL! I’ve been here a few times since I moved to Sydney many moons ago…and you know what? I love the schnitzel and spag bol!
Peter G @ Souvlaki For The Soul recently posted..A Little Absent
No Name hey? Kinda like No Frills? Reminds me of the minimal decor Vietnamese restaurants whose purpose is just to feed the locals
angie recently posted..Brazo De Mercedes Take 2
May have been a couple of decades since you had red cordial, but it has been a couple of decades since I have been to no names. Nothing has changed, wow, so glad it is still there.
Sara & Belly Rubmles recently posted..Tapas Train @ Sushi Choo
I’ve always wanted to check this place out, looks just my style…
Lau@corridorkitchen recently posted..AWW Kids’ Birthday Cakes Book Winner
Is that butter on the spaghetti?? I have never seen that before.
Susan recently posted..Two different Celebrity Chef meals
Hi Susan, yup that would be butter. Just what the doctor ordered