Alba

Alba is a casual eatery that focuses on the cuisine of the southern Italian region of Salento, in Puglia (Italy’s “heel”).

Polpo a pignata is a typical dish of the region, and features prominently on the menu. It’s marinated octopus, slow-cooked in a large terracotta jar. Other highlights include ciceri e tria, a chickpea pasta from Salento which references the regions Middle Eastern history. If you don’t find what you’re after on the menu, look to the specials board, it takes up a whole wall.

For dessert, try the pasticciotto (house-made shortcrust pastry filled with cream), as well as the zeppola (fried dough topped with cream and chocolate. The wine list is strictly Italian, with all reds – mainly full-bodied – coming from Salento. The decorative farmhouse-style ceramic sets used to serve up the rustic dishes are also sourced from the region.