Italian

Acme. Raw-walled, dynamite-light looker making pastas primo via creative toppings like abalone in xo sauce. 60 Bayswater Rd / Rushcutters Bay / 8068 0932 / lunch Sat, dinner Tue-sat / weareacme.com.au / or for something a tad more trad try Sagra / 62 Stanley St / Darlinghurst / 8307 0430 / lunch Mon-fri, dinner Mon-sat / sagrarestaurant.com.au

Fratelli Paradiso. This dark, smouldery and toothsome sod with blackboard menu is a nabe fave, so arrive early. 12-16 Challis Ave / Potts Point / 9357 1744 / b’fast, lunch & dinner daily / no res / fratelliparadiso.com

Popolo. Chewy-crusty pizzas in a leafy courtyard setting. 50 Mclachlan Ave / Rushcutters Bay / 9361 6641 / lunch Fri-sun, dinner Tue-sun, b’fast from 8am Sat-sun / popolo.com.au