Cutler & Co.

Sure, you can drop into Cutler and Co., pull up a chair at the bar and enjoy a quality bottle of wine, but that's missing the point. The latest venture from renowned chef Andrew McConnell, this Fitzroy restaurant is geared towards the serious food and alcohol lover. Opened out of necessity (McConnell couldn't accommodate the crowds at his former venue), this old metal work factory has been given an extensive makeover. McConell's architect wife, Pascale Gomes-McNabb, is behind the new fit-out and she's done a wonderful job merging old and new. Various custom-built lighting instalments vie for attention among the contemporary decor. It's all very grown-up, civilised, but still full of energy and buzz. The food, meanwhile, has been described as new-wave fine dining. While the classics are there, they've been reworked and reconstructed by McConnell to much acclaim.

As you would expect, the wine list at Cutler and Co. is expansive and takes in both rare and expensive options alongside more affordable, day-to-day varieties. The spirit selection is all premium and most beers are imported, naturally. That said, you're doing yourself a disservice if you drop in without sampling the menu. There may be a lot of hype surrounding Cutler and Co., but in this instance it's deserved.