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The Grand

The Grand's dining room is a cosy Italianate space.
The Grand's dining room is a cosy Italianate space.Supplied

Good Food hat15/20

Italian$$$

Within the faded exterior of this old landmark hotel is a lively bar and lounge, a trio of new private rooms, and a dining room with a devoted and diverse following. It's a cosy Italianate space, with a large gilded mirror on one of its chocolate walls, bentwood chairs, white cloths and napkins on the tables. The food and service are more clearly Italian, with deft waiters temptingly listing the day's specials, and keeping watchful but not intrusive eyes on diners. Pasta dishes, including the signature torn sheets of maltagliati, make a fine beginning. House-made pasta also appears as a nest of tagliatelle, perhaps with flavourful, succulent Ligurian-style rabbit, braised olives, tomatoes and herbs. Duck and quail are always good choices – in particular the robust boned quail plump with a farro and pinenut stuffing, served on a bed of Tuscan black cabbage. Desserts may be less thrilling, although panna cotta topped with poached baby figs hits the sweet spot.

And... Monday is Italian night and Wednesday is duck-and-pinot night with $30 deals.

THE LOW-DOWN
Vibe Everyone's Italian at heart.
Best bit Excellent waiters.
Worst bit Choosing between bar and dining room on Wednesdays.

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