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Zaaffran

Level 2, 345 Harbourside Shoping Centre, Darling Harbour, NSW 2000, Tel: (+61 2) 9211-8900, Website: www.zaaffran.com.au, Open daily noon-2:30pm and 6pm-11pm, All major credit cards accepted, Public Transport: by ferry, Monorail or Sydney Explorer Bus (stop 22) to Darling Harbour
Light years away from the Indian culinary experience that many Brits and Australians have grown accustomed to, Zaaffran is a tour de force of rich, fragrant flavours, with a menu that's not only well-balanced, but adventurous too. Take for example, the delectable Macchli Charminar, a perfectly cooked dish of oven roasted Tasmanian salmon with a prawn topping accompanied by herbal spiced yoghurt. Perfect in fact, as an appetizer before Zaafran's mains of lamb shank braised in a spiced lamb-jus with yoghurt, pureed cashews and onions (accompanied by a mushroom naan with truffle butter) or Kundapura Koli Saaru which, for those who've yet to have the pleasure, is slow cooked chicken in roasted coconut sauce, heightened with cinnamon and clove. Needless to say, we reckon that, in partnership with Vikrant Kapoor, the two brothers from Bombay have got a winner on their hands.

Italian Restaurants

Bertoni Casalinga

281 Darling Street, Balmain, Tel: (+61 2) 9965 5845, Website: www.bertoni.com.au, Open: Mon-Fri 6.30am-7pm, Sat 7am-6.30pm, Sun 7.30am-6.30pm, Public Transport: take Bus L40 or 440 from Circular Quay
Together with its own range of coffee, deli and grocery products, this likeable Italian eatery has established a large following in this part of Sydney. So much so that second branch recently opened at 90 Vista Street, Mosman.

Sicilian chef Claudio, along with the ever bubbly Mamma Maria are charged with preparing the daily specials, which usually include rich soups, salads, lasagne, meatballs and creamy pasta dishes. Accompanied by regular offerings such as filled panini and pizza by the slice, you'll also find homemade Italian sweets and the café's famed "Bertoni blend" coffee. Be warned though, this place gets seriously crowded at lunchtime!

Otto Ristorante

Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011, Tel: (+61 2) 9368 7488, Website: www.otto.net.au, , Open: Tue-Sun midday-3:30pm, Mon 6pm-10:30pm, Tue-Sat 6pm-midnight, Sun 6pm-9pm, All major credit cards accepted, Public Transport: bus 311 from Circular Quay, by water taxi to Berth 59
Since opening in early 2000, Otto's has established itself as one of Sydney's best restaurants, being notable not just for its modern, innovative take on classical Italian cuisine, but also for its chic atmosphere, marina location and friendly, professional staff.

As one of the best venues in town for celebrity spotting, Otto's food also lives up to star billing, with a delicacy and complexity of flavours that will stun even the most world weary and cynical diner. Dishes such as puff pastry tart of Gorgonzola dolce, with sweet onions, walnuts and aged balsamic vinegar hint at the delights to follow, while twice-roasted duck in rich lentil and red wine sauce, is a wholehearted, satisfying choice that'll make you eager to dine here again. Recommended.

Rossini

Shop W5 Alfred St, Circular Quay, NSW 2000, Tel: (+61 2) 9247 8026, Website: www.rossini.com.au, Open daily 7am-10pm, Public Transport: CityRail, bus, or ferry to Circular Quay
As a cafeteria-style Italian eatery, Rossini offers good quality, reasonably priced meals, along with great views of Sydney Cove from Circular Quay (and the excellent opportunity to wile away a Sunday afternoon people-watching). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, early birds with an appetite can order sweet pastries such as Panzerotto (a doughnut filled with sweet ricotta cheese), muffins and banana bread, or more hearty fare such as bacon and eggs. Lunch selections are just as tempting, with a firm favourite being the Veal Parmigiana (veal topped with aubergine and cheese, served in a rich Napolitana sauce). To round things off we recommend both their tiramisu and panna cotta. Simply delicious!

Japanese Restaurants

Tokyo Joe's

Cnr. Young Street & Loftus Lane (off bridge Street-Opposite AMP Building ), Sydney, NSW 2000, Tel: (+61 2) 9252 1608, Website: www.tokyojoes.com.au, All major credit cards accepted, Public Transport: CityRail, bus, or ferry to Circular Quay
Established for over 12 years, Tokyo Joe's enjoys a downtown location near to Circular Quay, making it popular with locals, business folk and foreign visitors alike. Relatively inexpensive compared to other restaurants nearby, it offers traditional starters such as tataki beef and soft shell crab, along with tempting sushi and sashimi platters, fish/meat teriyaki and tempura dishes. For diners who prefer to sample a range of flavours, then Tokyo Joe's Bento boxes are the best choice, with the most expensive costing a reasonable A$37. What's more, the restaurant is still a good choice for groups, even if one or two individuals aren't too keen on Japanese cuisine, as Tokyo Joe's offers no-nonsense options such as fish & chips and Atlantic salmon fillet.