RESTAURANT SEVEN

BEST FOR Soufflés and other George Jardine signatures. FOOD George Jardine’s brand of fine dining is full of hearty, punchy flavours. Brendan Thorncraft heads up the kitchen here, and he’s hit the ground running. A beautiful plate of jewel-coloured roasted beets with whipped goat’s cheese and almond pesto shows off an eye for plating and makes for a light, tasty beginning. Mains are hearty and comforting: an aged piece of Chalmar comes topped with crunchy pearls of charred shallots and crispy sage. The braised, pressed and crumbed pork is a similarly rich and filling option for mains, with an inspired white wine-poached pear that balances out the richness. George Jardine is the soufflé master, so make sure to order the mandarin and Grand Marnier soufflé or, if you’re a chocolate fan, the Valrhona chocolate and roasted white chocolate mousse. DRINKS Soft drinks, coffees, local wines, beers and limited spirits. SERVICE Very welcoming. AMBIENCE The décor is bright and fun; graphic wallpaper plays on the number seven. (KP)