Award-winning New Zealand chef Ben Bayly is behind this gem that captures the flavours of northern Italy. He’s in good company with head chef Andrea Cattalini also born at the top of the boot – and the quality of the food is an indicator that this team is in their happy place. Located in the middle of this historic town’s main street, the restaurant ambience is contemporary-rustic (as it should be) and there’s a bar that locals and holidaymakers can pull up to for some very cool cocktail action. What to choose from the menu? There is so much to love. Fegatini made to Nonna Valeria’s recipe is a stunning organic duck-liver pâté on crostini while the pappa al pomodoro brings together old bread and conserved cherry tomatoes into a big deep-red stew, served with pickled tomatillos and chips made with potatoes sourced from two farms just down the road. But it’s the magnificent kina pappardelle that is the signature dish here. Andrea’s house-made pasta teams with Stewart Island pāua, fried leeks and a golden egg yolk. A must-visit if you’re in the ‘hood. Check website for opening hours. MAINS: $37-$48