Eau de Vie

This tiny bolt-hole with its front thrown open on to Chapel Street's midriff has the feel of a little neighbourhood bar - in Europe. Shoppers pop in for good coffee, a chat with the owner, and to share all-day dishes like hot, puffy pita, fried kefalograviera or discs of chorizo with poached pear. Tapas-style plates and a few mains to share are the evening fare, and make good drinking food whether you're at the small bar or the cafe-sized tables inside and out. Fine tiles of kingfish bathed in vibrant lime-leaf oil are a must, then maybe the wafer-thin beef carpaccio with sharp tartare condiments. A bronzed, crunchy croquette of finely chopped ham hock and minty pea puree is savoury, salty and even better with a chilled Peroni. More substantial is a comforting braise of tender rabbit, tomato, fennel and cheesy risoni. To follow, try a luxe chocolate and hazelnut terrine. The bunches-of-grapes light fitting channelling Beaujolais and vintage suitcases set the scene for savouring a little eau de vie.