Forgive its location, wedged in the foyer of a boutique hotel and situated on a street full of karaoke bars. The food is fantastic, the wine list well priced, the service warm and attentive, and the ambience perfectly pleasant. The starter of Parma ham with spinach leaves and porcini mushrooms was a perfect example of the simple, rustic fare on offer at Saraceno; the beef carpaccio was similarly delicious with its clean, well-balanced flavours; and the beef cheek braised in red wine, the chef told us, takes him two days to cook – now that’s commitment. A dessert of chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream made the perfect ending to the meal, with warm chocolate oozing from a surprisingly light sponge. Other touches such as complimentary olives, home-made breads with punchy olive oil and an after-dinner limoncello liqueur just added to the overall experience.
Main courses $18-$38.