Manzo

Owned by the team behind Spiga, this modern bistro/steakhouse, with crisp white tablecloths, framed photos of film stars and cosy nooks for couples, is reminiscent of a quintessential Italian local in New York. Manzo means ‘beef’ and the clue to selecting from the menu is in the name. Melt-in-the-mouth ‘handpicked’ eye fillet with fungi hollandaise and kina was succulent and well-marbled. A side of baked kūmara with crème frâiche and truffle caviar, plus a leaf salad, made the perfect meal. There’s a wagyu menu too, with a marble score, for those who know (or would like to know) their beeswax aged Black Origin scotch fillet from their wet-aged Black Origin bavette. After the meat feast, we thoroughly recommend the refreshingly elegant icy lime and elderflower semifreddo. The front-of-house team is friendly, well-informed and obliging, and the wine list varied enough to allow the perfect pairing – from Italy, where else. Check website for opening hours. MAINS: $36-$120