Jafa Restaurant and Bar

Italian food just got serious in Southport. Bright, modern and rooted in the fine art of Italian cooking, this eatery has to be one of the best in the area.

They've opted for a lean and clean aesthetic, siding with minty greens, whites and light browns to create a light and breezy feel which is made all the better with their minimal approach to any additional décor and accessories. Come the evening, the lights are turned low and the focus turns to dining companions and the exposed kitchen that is pleasantly busy. Perfect for lowkey catch-ups, uninterrupted quality time with great food is always a given.

The menu pivots on Italy's two main stars: pizza and pasta. If you're up for a slice or three, enjoy traditional iterations in the form of juicy meatball toppings, pepperoni, and spicy salami. For something a bit different, have a taste of the kipfler potato with a creamy ricotta base, kale and heaps or parmesan. And don't overlook the lemon chicken either! It's irresistibly succulent and can call leeks and goat cheese its tasty companions.

As for the pasta, they're keeping it perfectly simple with family favourites like spaghetti carbonara, mushroom alfredo and pollo spinach in a rich and creamy sauce. Customise to your heart's content with extra toppings and try and keep a bit of room left for a rhubarb crème brûlée; it's simply not to be missed.