Attimi by Dario Manca

Attimi by Dario Manca brings contemporary Italian fine dining to Given Terrace in Paddington, guided by a philosophy of presence: to savour the here and now. In a chic, welcoming room with attentive service and a curated calm, the experience unfolds with measured poise.

One degustation, the 'Giro d' Italia', traces a journey through Italy’s regions. From Sardegna’s whisper-crisp oregano carasau with smoked stracciatella to the soft landing of Veneto’s vanilla pannacotta with braised pears, it is a passage of textures and restraint. Along the way, carnaroli rice with trifolati mushrooms hums with earth, a chickpea waffle with veal nods to Piemonte’s rustic elegance, and nduja and pumpkin tortelli meet burnt butter in a silky crescendo. A corn-fed duck roulade with celeriac and chestnut purée lingers long after the bite.

Oltre, as its name suggests, looks beyond tradition with deft, modern touch. Cicchetti might pair a parmigiana tart with scallop crudo; pasta e pane brings sourdough focaccia (10 year old starter) beside squid ink tonnerelli. Secondi glide from cured coral trout to wagyu 9+, before dolci play with green apple and a vertical tiramisu.

Settle in, surrender the clock, and taste each moment as it arrives. Book a seat, breathe, and let the present tense be delicious.