Simple, honest and traditional Italian food made using quality all-local produce is what it’s all about for the new Baskk Italian. Think relaxing cocktail-filled lunches, aperitivos and snacks in the afternoon sun, and long-table dinner feasts (with all of the vino) at night. Neapolitan pizza and soul-warming pasta dominate the menu, alongside smaller share plates and Italian salads.

Start with simple snacks like warm, fluffy focaccia with n’duja, Byron Bay burrata with olive oil, and the chargrilled octopus with garlic, lemon and parsley, before eyeing off the pastas. There’s everything from 12-hour slow-cooked ragu pappardelle to mafalda pasta with black-truffle oil, mascarpone and button mushrooms, as well as traditional spaghetti and (wagyu) meatballs. Though, we’re told the four-cheese gnocchi (handmade in-house) with gorgonzola, provolone, parmigiano and pecorino has been the local favourite since last weekend’s opening.

The Naples-style pizzas are fired to perfection, with the toppings kept simple to let the local cured meats and cheeses do the talking. Plant-based folk are in luck, with a selection of vegan-friendly pizzas and pastas dotted across the menu, while those with a sweet tooth will want to leave room for the signature tiramisu, the fried Nutella-filled churros or the giant profiterole sandwich (hello) filled with fior di latte gelato and doused in hot chocolate fondue.

Baskk Italian is now open! For opening hours, booking info and contact details, head to the Stumble Guide listing.

Image credit: Amanda Hibbard