Executive chef Shane Wilson (ex-Bistro Dom, Anchovy Bandit, Bandit Pizza and Wine) prioritises the experience of eating at Tarantino’s.

Old school nostalgia and contemporary flair are blended at this bar and grill by the Big Easy Group (La Louisiane, Bottega Bandito). A feeling of occasion at Tarantino’s starts the moment you’re greeted at the door, with the option of a mini Negroni.

The vibe is old-school New York-Italian, but the food isn’t restricted to one cuisine. Asian influences pop up throughout the menu, from the beef carpaccio with smoked eel tonnato-style sauce, to the woodfired cabbage with dashi butter.

The focus is the open-hearth grill in the front kitchen, which diners can watch in action. Standouts include the T-Bone served with beer mustard, and the classic Italian pork-and-veal meatballs grilled as Japanese tsukune.

For dessert, try the tiramiso (tiramisu with miso caramel) or the retro bombe alaska.

Local artist James Brown (Studio 2049) chose a mix of black-and-white photographs with expressive colour works for the walls. Crisp white tablecloths and table lamps are a tribute to Italian restaurants of the ’70s and ’80s.