Will Leichhardt icon Bar Italia have a Balmain baby?

Is Leichhardt's nearly 70-year-old Bar Italia about to give birth to a bub? That's the talk on the eat streets of Balmain where many excited locals are hungry for the simple menu and uncompromising approach of the Sydney icon.

Bar Italia's "No soy, light or skim milk. Cash only" motto has been displayed above the cash register for a decent slab of the years since it opened in 1952.

The Balmain speculation surrounds the Darling Street site of the recently closed Kazbah, which locals are convinced will be the site of a Bar Italia spin-off.

Good Food tracked down Bar Italia co-owner Con Damouras, who explained he owned the building.

Beyond that Damouras refused to comment on plans for a Bar Italia spin-off, throwing in a "watch this space".

Word is they've sounded out potential tenants but a Balmain push for the Leichhardt institution remains a likely outcome.