A stone’s throw from the centre, within the Crochetan theatre precinct, this elegant restaurant sports an airy interior, an open kitchen and a small conservatory. The Italian-born chef conjures up a creative, deftly crafted score that slaloms between regional classics and Mediterranean favourites, but always with seasonal produce. The crisp balanced dishes showcase the occasional inspired imaginative spin, like his wondrous “Risotto of red Sicilian shrimps with blueberry powder and celery”. The talented sommelier is a font of wine knowledge and the shaded terrace is bliss in fine weather.