Celebrating its 20tb anniversary this year, Cafe Di Stasio is busier than ever. A stone’s throw from St. Kilda Beach, the restaurant’s honey-hued walls showcase a selection of contemporary artworks froM the personal collection of veteran resourateur Ronnie di Stasio.
For a late-night carb hit, head to Ferburger (42 Shotover St.: 64-3/441-1232), although be prepared to wait for a seat at the communal tables. The beer-battered cod burger and the Bombay chicken burger should not be missed (gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available).
Fancy roasted scallops with crispy garlic and smoked wild venison with a vanilla-scented panna corta as the finale? The intimate, 24-seat Inspire Restaurant (Church Lane; 64-3/441-0004) at the sleek Spire Hotel serves up some of the city’s most inventive food, with a 10-course, degustation menu that celebrates the best of local ingredien ts.
Wai Waterfront Restaurant (Steamer Wharf, 64-3/442-5969) is the best place in town to indulge in fresh oysters. Slurp down a dozen with lemon and cracked pepper, or walk on the wild side with tempura oysters served with lemon caviar and a dollop of ginger-and-lime sorbet.
Toscana at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel (3 Connaught Rd., Central; 852/2532-4020) is a long-standing favorite for Italiaz dining. Chandeliers and plush seating add to the graze Romanesque feel of this elegant restaurant.
