Di Palma's

Di Palma’s is a family-run Italian restaurant recognised for its attentive service, comforting Italian mains and desserts. Husband and wife team Alfia and John Di Palma have been running it since 1988, and have made this 130-seater the kind of place where regulars return, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms.

Many of the restaurant’s signature dishes have been on the menu since the beginning. That includes the comforting spaghetti marinara, semolina-crumbed calamari and pillowy gnocchi with lamb ragu – which follows a family recipe from John’s mum. Another menu mainstay is its pizzas, which are served hot from the woodfired oven and might be a classic capricciosa, margherita or marinara. After your mains, you might try one of the celebrated desserts: a marsala tiramisu or sticky date pudding with house-made vanilla ice-cream.

Like any good Italian establishment, there’s also a tight list of digestifs to finish your meal, such as grappa and amaro. Plus, more than 100 local and imported wines by the bottle and around 15 by the glass. Also expect house cocktails, including a standout Limoncello Martini, and a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails and beers for those preferring a non-boozy night.

The space is divided across five dining rooms. That includes its private 18-seat cellar room with a wall of wine, and its separate bistro, which offers a two-course set menu with a glass of wine at more affordable prices. If you’re looking to recreate Di Palma’s at home, you can also buy a takeaway bottle of wine and one of its heat-and-eat meals (think lamb shoulder, porchetta or lasagne) to go.