Grappino Trattoria

In the heart of Paddington, Brisbane, Grappino Trattoria celebrates the unfussy warmth of Italian dining.

This is a kitchen that favours time-honoured recipes and honest technique, bringing depth and comfort to the table with the sort of confidence that comes from tradition well kept.

To begin, there is a nod to the countryside with peposo bruschetta, where hunter's veal stew meets toasted ciabatta, and saffron arancini studded with ciabatta, brightened by olive tapenade.

The pastas follow with equal intent: Grappino's marinara folds briny seafood through spaghetti, while pappardelle all'anatra leans rich and silken - the duck sauce clinging to wide ribbons in all the right ways.

Side dishes keep things elegant and seasonal, from caprese crowned with buffalo mozzarella to asparagus dusted with parmesan. For those who linger, a little cheese intermezzo beckons, with taleggio and gorgonzola dolce latte offering creamy, blue-veined intrigue.

To finish, the tiramisu "pick me up" does precisely that, while gelato and sorbetto keep things breezy.

Gather friends, bring an appetite, and let Grappino Trattoria do the rest - give the meal a twirl.