Bar Alba

Bar Alba is a sophisticated neighbourhood bar, named after an Italian town famous for its wine – apt given there’s more than 400 bottles on offer here, and 30 or more by the glass. It’s run by husband-and-wife team Jesse and Kym Davidson, who are also behind ornate Italian restaurant Centonove across the road.

Behind the sprawling marble and gold bar, staff crack open bottles from the impressive wine list, which features rare, award-winning Italian imports that Jesse scouts on annual trips. That includes wines from around 15 small producers that made Bar Alba and Centonove exclusive stockists in Australia. There’s also plenty of local wines from producers like Scorpo Wines and Pimpernel Vineyards, plus a range of house cocktails.

Designed by Buchan Group, the intimate space has 37 seats and embodies the old-world charm of Italian wine shops. It also honours the art deco feel of its heritage site, with pendant lighting and hints of gold throughout.

Food-wise, head chef Patrick Fletcher turns out comforting, Italian-leaning snacks that are easy to share. You might go for its light kingfish crudo with taramasalata and seaweed cracker, spanner crab and seaweed toast, or handmade potato cakes with sour cream and Italian caviar – all of which are made by chefs stationed behind the long marble bar.