This grand Flinders Lane restaurant from Melbourne hospitality stalwart Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Tombo Den, Baby Pizza, Yakimono, Society, Kisume) is quite the showstopper. From the entrance, the lofty 145-seat space sets out to envelop you, presenting a plush vision of rich blue banquettes and waitstaff clad in white jackets. It’s a study in modern elegance, with a steakhouse-style offering of Northern Italian flavours.
Between the custom-built woodfired oven imported from Naples and the Josper charcoal grill, you know the steaks will be bloody good here. Each is traditionally finished with a lick of olive oil, lemon and rosemary and is generally kept simple. It is the Italian way. Apart from steaks, you’ll also find a heap of seafood, pasta, antipasti and cicchetti here, with the arancini must-orders for those sipping and snacking at the bar.