OSTERIA MARZIA

Osteria Marzia is part of a new trend in dining, where classic dishes from heritage cuisines like Italian and French are transplanted into sleek, hipper-than-thou contemporary settings. There's a clear nautical theme running throughout the restaurant, from the staff's striped uniforms to the decorative accents that reminds us of the sunny coasts of Italy. The boot country is indeed where the menu takes its inspiration from, with focus on the fish and seafood traditions of Sicily, Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast (a lombata—beef sirloin—is the only non-seafood dish on offer). A yellowtail carpaccio served with cherry tomatoes, basil and olives is a gorgeous example of the kitchen's finesse. A full branzino (seabass) acqua pazza is perhaps main act of the meal, presented to the table whole, and accompanied by clams, olives and cherry tomatoes. Its meat is tender and delicate, beautifully off balanced by the tanginess of the tomatoes. Wines, like the food, spans the southern provinces of Italy and are served with plenty of introductions by a very attentive, extremely enthusiastic staff.