Energy pulsates through this New York-inspired Italian restaurant all seven days of the week. That should come as no surprise, of course, this being Laura and Max Sharrad’s place, which they co-own with hospitality stalwart Simon Kardachi. A seductive front bar full of dark leather and rich red tones leads the way to a bright dining room incorporating intimate timber booths, edgy artwork, charcoal upholstery and marble tables rippled with cobalt hues. Playful, salty snacks – gnocco fritto with whipped ricotta, or “Roman Vegemite” soldiers topped with Cantabrian anchovies, butter and lemon – set the scene for house-made pastas, which are the speciality. Deliberation can prove tricky, especially when you factor in the likes of a dry-aged Angus sirloin or crisp-skinned spatchcock with curry-infused butter sauce sweetcorn purée. Whether you wrap up with the affogato semifreddo or a Negroni nightcap matters not – both conclusions are pure fun.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way. To learn more about the process, click here.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide 2023
Our guide gives a yearly snapshot of the best restaurants to eat at right now. The best-rated restaurants, as judged by the reviewers’ first-hand experience, form our national Top 82.
