Bar Rosa

Located a few doors down from Julius Pizzeria, Bar Rosa is dedicated to piatti (small plates) and big, bold wines. But the team – who are also behind Julius and top Italian joint Becoffino – is hesitant to call it a wine bar. There’s no 40-page bible of wines here. Just a considered list of 10 whites and 10 reds, with a very Italian lean to it all.

Backing up the vino, there are classic cocktails and more elaborate creations. Of the latter, you might try the aptly named Verde, made with blanco tequila, green chilli, chartreuse, kiwifruit and lime.

The menu is big on snacky small plates, perfect for sharing. Think pizza fritta with burrata, fried zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, polpette in sugo, and charred octopus with oregano, lemon and olives. If you’re particularly hungry, don’t worry – there are a few pastas that rotate weekly, and a couple of larger plates such as veal saltimbocca with gnocchi and lemon butter sauce.

If you’ve ever tried to score a spot at Julius on a busy night, you’ll often find yourself having to wait up to 90 minutes for a table. Bar Rosa – with its warm wooden furniture and marble accents – is a handsome spot to while away the time.