On Hastings Street, the classiest restaurant, with a mantra of only the best of everything every time, is undoubtedly the multi award-winning Berardo's restaurant and bar. Ex New Yorker James Berardo and his Australian medico partner Greg O'Brien are the entrepreneurial restauranteurs.

The white decor, lush potted orchids, perfectly starched white canvas-covered chairs, taupe and white-striped cushions on the banquettes, suggest a refined tropical elegance.

The menu, details everything from entrees, mains and a seven course degustation, through to an extensive list of cocktails, spirits, beers and wines including many premium vintages.

The compendium has been described as "almost a hymn book to gastronomy, containing everything a fussy foodie could desire".