Via Alta

The Via Alta north side corner restaurant has three areas to suit any mood and occasion including a front verandah, the main dining room and the garden room. With bare tables and casual friendly service by day, transforming with white table cloths for a more elegant restaurant setting by night, the contemporary Northern Italian restaurant is a delicious joint venture from Alessandro Pavoni (Ormeggio and Chiosco) with talented Head Chef Alex Keene, and restaurateur Bill Drakopolous.

"Alex Keene, Head Chef, is a young Sydney Chef well worth watching. He first came to the public’s notice with his appearance on acclaimed television series MasterChef, alongside his mentor and now business partner, Chef Alessandro Pavoni."

Pavoni is not only known for his ability to pick talent in the kitchen, but he's also highly regarded for his risotto and at least for a first visit this sensational best of breed (only equalled at Ormeggio) is a must try. The Pavoni technique shakes the pan and doesn't stir retaining the perfect bit. Saffron risotto is hard to resist as its generously laden with the pure gold and endorsed by a rich tender red wine braised beef cheek. Food doesn't get any more heavenly on earth than this.

Across the menu the food is flavoursome and well-crafted but the other show-stopper is the signature Baccala Pie.

Via Alta literally means High Street (the same as the street where it is situated) and is a classic neighbourhood Italian trattoria.