DETAILS

FRED’S 380 Oxford Street, Paddington, NSW; merivale.com.au/freds Verdict: Solid, unfussy dining in a kitchen you wish was your own. Score: We rated: Produce that is what it says it’s going to be. Promises delivered. Faith restored. We’d change: There wasn’t a lot of atmosphere in the front bar where we had a drink before being seated. With the large Charlie Parker’s bar luring evening drinkers downstairs, it seems this front area lacks purpose.