The owners are renowned chef Tim Stewart and his wife Shannon, who took over the premises formerly occupied by long-standing eatery Casa Italia just a few short months ago. The venue, unrecognisable from its former state, has been completely transformed. It’s now vibrant and bright, with an impressive marble-topped bar surrounded by white timber-cladded walls, contrasting against the navy-coloured panelled roof. The bar seats eight, with a further 20 seats on the floor, including a glorious banquette seat upholstered in navy velvet. The focus on the smaller details make for a crisp and refined interior, whilst retaining a relaxed and welcoming feel.

As you’d expect, the refined detail in the fit-out is matched by what comes out on the plates. With a resume that includes Palazzo Versace, Oskars at Burleigh and more recently Honeyeater Kitchen, Tim has created a share-style menu, which not only abolishes food envy, but is also fluid in nature. The menu, which incorporates modern Australian elements with European tastes, will change regularly, depending on the seasonal perfection of the produce used. You’ll find dishes like chicken wings with soured yoghurt, smoked yolk, sprouts, seeds and grains, and squid with artichoke skin and roasted chicken cream. The current menu features beef short ribs served with burnt onion and maple jam, cured yolk and celeriac, as well as bar cod with cultured buttermilk, bronze fennel and zucchini flower. Of the 21 predominantly-Australian wines on the list, 18 are served by the glass, with an option for half-glass serves for those wanting to explore the cellar line-up more thoroughly.

If you appreciate fine food, but prefer to savour it in a more relaxed setting (with a delicious Barossa Valley shiraz in hand), then get yourself to The North Room – you’ll find its location and opening hours over in our Stumble Guide.