A girlfriend took me to Alto for my birthday dinner before a performance of Kashmere Stage Band. It was a rainy, gloomy evening but even for a wet Friday night, the bar area was packed and buzzing. The restaurant itself was slightly more sedate.

The wait staff were very helpful and friendly, and were careful to explain the dishes we asked about. My friend had the homemade strozzapreti (a pasta with prawns, squid, tomato and olives) and although she reported that it was delicious, it was a little light on in terms of seafood. I had the pesce in padella - pan-fried market fresh fish, hazelnut mayonese, crushed kipflers, watercress. The fish skin was cooked to perfection, nice and crunchy. The flavour of the fish was delicate and the accompaniments were excellent.

Accompanied by a couple of glasses of wine, it was a very pleasant meal.

The staff are accustomed to asking if diners are going to attend a performance so they can make sure you're out on time.

Approximate cost: $30

Delicious food, especially the pork. Not a place i'd usually pick to dine at but was for a birthday dinner with friends. Service was wonderful. I would dine again.

Approximate cost: $30