Welcome to CBD Restaurant & Bar

My partner and I went here for a treat one night while staying in a central city hotel.

We skipped entrees and opted for a main each and a dessert. I had the lamb shank and my partner went for the kangaroo. I couldn't fault my meal - the lamb fell beautifully off the bone. My partner enjoyed his main although commented that the kangaroo was a little on the tough side.

Dessert for me was an absolutely fabulous rosewater pannacotta served with fairy floss and turkish delight. Honestly I think this dish alone was one of the best I have ever had be it entree, main or dessert (and I've eaten in a lot of places all over the globe). The combination of the very subtle rosewater together with the fairy floss was nothing short of inspired. I don't think the turkish delight was even needed but the flavour went well with the rosewater.

I vaguely remember my partner having the mudcake (I was too taken with my own dessert to notice overly!) - no complaints came from his side of the table.

I kept my eye on the kitchen, which was a true military operation - any time I hear "yes Chef" said with true respect, I know I'm going to enjoy what I'm about to eat. Service was near perfect, very efficient, speedy (food was served extremely quickly) and friendly without losing any of the slickness that clearly goes on behind the scenes in this restaurant. I just picked up an ever so slightly condescending attitude from the waitress so don't wish to give the full 5 stars here.

We found the restaurant on one side too noisy so asked to be seated to the right, away from the music. We were offered a little spot by a window - warm and quiet and away from the main hubbub. Combined with modern and stylish decor, the lighting is good yet soft and the colour-scheme bravely employs warm strong colours that contribute to an excellent overall ambience.

As one might expect of a CBD high-end restaurant, the prices are on the steep side but as dining experiences go I found it hard to fault and therefore worth the extra dollars.

This is quite a fashionable place to come for lunch - see people and be seen. Menu has interesting items. The pizza I had the other week fell short of my expectations however. Quite bland and not crispy (despite my explicit order to the contrary). Probably a great place to hang out with friends after work and check out the opposite sex while enjoying a drink and some nibbles. Will have to go back and try some other mains for a more thorough understanding of their cuisine.