The benchmark for Fitzroy fine dining since 2009, Cutler & Co builds its seasonal menus around treasures sourced from local farmers, foragers and fishermen. Raw Merimbula rock oysters make the perfect starter. The good times continue with the autumn vegetable salad which sees romanesco (broccoli flower) and kohlrabi dressed in a zingy cumin vinaigrette.

It’s a simple, well-balanced and wholesome course. A knockout dish of perfectly cooked Gundagai lamb loin and belly teams well with smoked walnut, snappy lettuce endive and marsala fortified wine. While the Parmigiano Reggiano ice cream is boundary-pushing, that chocolate delice is exquisitely delicious. The course is bookended by a limoncello sorbet palate cleanser and bite-sized vanilla macarons.

Cutler & Co’s serious wine list is award-winning and may result in decision paralysis when it comes time to order. But sommeliers and the skilled wait staff are on hand to help find the perfect drop.

A romantic experience from start to end, no wonder Melbourne has had such an enduring love affair with this Gertrude St charmer.

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