A cool glass of water, a comfortable chair and “something delicious to eat”… that’s the Congress promise and, boy, does this Collingwood wine bar deliver.

Owners (and siblings) Michael and Katie McCormack know the real meaning of hospitality. From the moment you open your tab with whole wheat sourdough and malt butter, gently informative staffers help you marry wickedly good wines with marvellous morsels: impeccable oysters, duck hearts on a skewer, and the soft bread ‘sanga’ loaded with a pig’s head croquette.

All brushed concrete and perforated white brick, Congress is supremely comfortable, with high tables, flattering lighting and folded grey napkins. No wonder apartment-dwelling locals have made it their second home. The beef short rib over celeriac and onion is a clear favourite, but we also loved our scorched hapuka wing, drenched in a sticky char siu sauce; and a chickpea pancake crowned with cauliflower puree and grapes. The $63 Chef’s Menu is a steal.

Must Eat Dish: Pig’s head and green mustard ‘sanga’