The Sydney Explorer: Jamie's Italian

Jamie’s Italian is pretty great, but despite what the website says it is not so easy to just ‘come along' whenever you feel like it. Having been open for nearly a year already, the average one-hour queue can act as a pretty strong deterrent for this fashionable food fiesta, but on the other hand the queue must say something!

It's best if you go super early and grab a drink at the bar whilst waiting for the charming English waitstaff to take you to a highly coveted table. Alternatively bookings can be made for parties of 6 or more.

The restaurant offers exactly what it promises, fresh, hearty and reasonably priced Italian goodness. The entrée platters are a winner, especially the vegetarian option at $10 a head. The autumn bruschetta of pumpkin and beetroot was another favourite.

For secondi try some fabulous fresh pasta or a huge veal saltimbocca with cherry tomatoes and capsicum. The ‘posh chips’ with truffle oil are also a winner.

I was too full for dessert, but the panna cotta looked incredible, as did the tiramisu.

The other excellent thing about this restaurant is the open kitchen, which allows a glimpse at just what it takes to serve up oh so many delicious meals.