Going back to the future has never tasted so good. Lamaro’s, one of the inner city’s most charming pubs, is the setting for some culinary nostalgia with Geoff Lindsay taking over this year as co-owner and executive chef.

The menu is a roll call of pub classics and signature dishes from his 30 something-year career, such as his Pearl-era steak tartare and red duck curry.

Delve deeper and more delights await, from the surf-and-turf finery of creamy wood-seared scallops shellmates with bits of roasted pork belly in a gutsy citrus dressing; to supple tiles of raw kingfish dressed with coconut cream, finger lime and pomegranate seeds for zest and zing.

Mains might have you tucking into a plate-spanning veal ‘schnitty’ with creamy slaw, or roast free-range chicken salad with pancetta and pine nuts. Finish sweet with the rose petal and Turkish delight ice cream crowned with fairy floss. More than ever, Lamaro’s provides a happy place for diners, drinkers and in-betweeners.

While the comfortable dining room pushes serious food and wines, the horseshoe-shaped public bar plies suits, locals and adjourning long-lunchers with craft beers and bites from bao to sliders for a double act of pub panache.

Must-eat dish: Scallops with pork belly
Instagram: @lamaroshotel