Livingroom

Livingroom is perfectly named. Filled with friends and families, good wine, good food and good conversation, it sprawls cosily across three old shopfronts. It's comfy and convivial, and you could happily come every week, as some regulars seem to. Tables are undressed, but napkins are linen, and Darren Daley's cooking looks and tastes inviting. To start, pearly cured kingfish is sparked up with a little ginger and crab, while scallops partner silky dukkah-spiced pumpkin puree. Then hapuku is baked under a soft herb crust with sweet braised fennel quarters. A side salad of shredded cabbage, peas, mint and chilli is heavy with feta, but very moreish. Rabbit is a signature dish, and a showstopper, dramatically presented, perhaps wound with pancetta and filled with melting buffalo mozzarella. Chocolatey things seem popular to finish, or, in season, roasted fresh figs come with pecan icecream. Best of all, unlike your own living room, this one comes with a happy hour and personable service.