Breakfasters here make good use of the bar area as Thuy draws another Romcaffe coffee, or in the high backed leather booths focus on the merits of free range poached eggs, Noisette's supreme sourdough versus multigrain, or will today go better with bacon or avocado?

Mid-morning Benito's hosts many meetings far too important for the office, and there's paperwork on the burnt orange tabletops to remind us of that. The coffee, brewed tea and house made sticky fruit buns seem to smooth the way for tidy resolutions in those dozens of conversations, daily.

Lunch draws big crowds and the kitchen goes head first into it, conjuring the finest pasta and risotto they dare, fresh fish, Goulburn Valley beef, and always a keen nod to their vegetarian friends as well.

Their wine selection is a constant conversation and this enthusiasm has helped build many friendships with customers over the years. Benito's bar and dining area proves itself a wise location for after work drinks, pre-show, a special night out. Dinner can indeed be casual antipasti, a quick spin around a bowl of pasta, or see the sun off again with a stretch of a few more courses, rounded out by some sublime Italian cheeses from the cabinet.