The Animal

The Animal is a different species of pub-style restaurant. From its sign (filled with rubber ducks) to the anything-goes interiors - including a parked caravan you can hire for parties - this upstairs eatery at Newtown Hotel aims to stand out. So instead of pub classics, the menu prowls through Greek cuisine - think tzatziki, haloumi and taramasalata. The spinach ricotta and fetta pie needs more salty cheese to shine, but lemon-roasted crunchy potatoes are seriously addictive. A vegie plate with romesco sauce veers more towards Spain, but is worth diving into; barbecue pit specialities include a decent lemon-and-thyme roasted chicken.