Ferdinand

Named after the King of Naples, who would sneak out of the palace to eat pizza, Ferdinand on High Street in Northcote fulfills cravings for tasty Italian fare. This sleek, trendy hangout mixes shiny, black wall tiles with wooden furniture and rectangular brass lights, exuding a chilled out vibe ideal for a leisurely evening meal. In warm, sunny months dine alfresco in the brick courtyard, with a glass of vino in hand and take in the wafting aromas of pizza cooking in the woodfired oven and pasta like Nonna used to make. On offer are must haves like crumbed calamari served with a mixed leaf, cherry tomato and balsamic salad, or tartufata pizza with fior di latte, truffle oil cream, parmigiano and mushrooms. Pasta lovers can twirl a fork around spaghetti with smoked salmon, cream and lemon.