Perugino

Perugino feels like enjoying a meal at the home of a well-off Italian family. In fact, that may be the case. The Pagliaricci family has been sharing its take on traditional Italian cuisine since 1986.

Matriarch Rosalba runs the front of house, ensuring service of the highest order. Waiters are happy to discuss the Italian logic that would have you enjoy a simple gnocchi with spinach and cream sauce before a hearty main of baby-goat chops.

They’ll match an Italian or Australian wine to your baby-beef fillet or duck breast. For the duration of your meal, you’ll be part of the family. It’s like a well-oiled machine, but it isn’t – there’s far too much charm for this to be mechanical.

Husband Giuseppe rattles the pans. Risottos demand a 20-minute wait – like any good risotto should. Pastas are house made, as are the desserts, which are served on a trolley, allowing you to pick and choose from poached fruits, tarts and tiramisus.

Ultimately, Giuseppe executes every dish in a way that would make the folks back home proud, and they are. Perugino holds a coveted Ospitalita Italiana seal – the Italian government’s recognition of a worthy ambassador of Italian cuisine.