Volta

If you had to dream up the ideal neighbourhood bar and restaurant, it might look a lot like this. Born from the minds of DJ duo-turned-hospitality heavyweights Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford (aka The Unabombers), this warm and stylish spot fuses laid-back energy with a sharp sense of taste—both in what’s on the plate and what’s on the playlist.

Serving globally-inspired small plates alongside indulgent steaks and Sunday roasts, the food here is confident, clever and consistently good. Every dish is well-judged and beautifully executed, served in a space that nods to New York grill houses with its exposed brickwork, reclaimed wood and vintage mirrors.

The vibe leans bistro-luxe, without feeling stiff. Pewter tankards hold your cutlery, playlists curated by the owners themselves play in the background, and service strikes the right balance between relaxed and razor-sharp. The front terrace is a serious contender for one of the city’s finest sun traps – an ideal spot for people-watching over a negroni or a crisp glass of white.

It’s the kind of place you can linger. Midweek lunches roll into afternoon drinks, and weekends bring a buzz that turns the dining room into more of a drinking den, particularly once the small plates are cleared. Whether you’re in for a long lunch, a romantic dinner, or just grazing with good company, it delivers on every front. The food is outstanding, the drinks are dialled-in, and the soundtrack is exactly what you’d expect from two of the city’s most music-savvy minds.