Centotre

Although the premises once housed a rather ornate bank, Centotre’s approach is pure caffè bar, with an Italian menu that runs from breakfast onwards & a drinks list that embraces coffee, cocktails, interesting regional wines & grappa. It’s one of the many stylish venues along George Street, although its reputation is based on something more solid than trendy good looks. Owners Victor & Carina Contini believe the food really matters too, so they have put their faith in good suppliers & capable kitchen staff. You could stop by for a top-notch pizza or some pasta (ricotta and courgette ravioli with broad beans & chilli, say), but dinner brings terrific dishes such as polpettini to start (meatballs in butter sauce with garlicky bruschetta), ahead of corn-fed chicken breast roasted with chilli & Amalfi lemon, served with garlic & thyme-roasted peppers. To conclude, perhaps rum baba with Marsala & raisin ice cream.