Vivian house

There’s a chic, relaxed vibe to this elegant restaurant where you can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen. They deliver your dishes too, which are attractively presented and a model of self-restraint, utilising well-thought-through combinations. Quality Swedish and Danish produce helps to achieve good depth of flavour, with a beautiful balance of richness and acidity running through the cooking.

There aren’t many restaurants that can claim to have made it past their 40th birthday, but then 28+ isn’t just any restaurant. Passionately run since 1985, it sits in a historic building in one of the city’s most elegant neighbourhoods. Descend the stairs and you’ll find yourself in a romantically candlelit cellar, where you settle in to spend the evening over a tasting menu of timeless classics. Prime Swedish and Scandinavian ingredients are showcased in carefully executed, boldly flavoured dishes, which are accompanied by an exceptional cheese selection and an outstanding wine list.

There is an elegant quality to this smart, modern bistro de luxe with rich décor and crushed velvet banquettes. The seasonal menu mixes contemporary techniques with a more traditional base and all dishes come with suggested wine pairings. Choose between six, eight or eleven courses during the week, with only the longer two options available on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a deservedly busy spot where the attentive, personable service adds to the experience. Be sure to look out for the dishes from the Josper oven.

The imposing 1920s city post office is now a hotel, and this glamorous restaurant sits within what was the central hall – the listed cashier booths still on display. A Nordic-Japanese approach sees fine Scandinavian produce meet Asian techniques, and there’s an impressive range of sake by the glass.

Following a 20-month closure for essential city groundworks, Bhoga is back. Set steps away from one of the most picture-perfect canals in the city, it’s a popular spot, and the team will make you feel truly welcome. For dinner, choose the length of your menu – five, seven or nine courses – and the rest is up to the talented chefs; that could include a lamb chop and cabbage-wrapped lamb meatball, with a classic stock poured at the table. On Thursdays and Fridays they also serve lunch: choose one of three main dishes – meat, fish or vegetarian – and they’ll fill the tables with sides to match.

In this cosy, romantic restaurant comprising just eight tables, chef Allesio Fioriniello continues his father’s legacy by cooking up authentic Italian dishes with southern overtones (the family hails from Naples). He is helped along in his mission by childhood friend, Enzo, who takes charge in the restaurant. Carefully prepared, seasonal dishes are a model of their kind and could include the likes of a rich, beautifully textured parmigiana di melanzane or Rossini venison with seared milk bread and panzerotti.

Enter through the huge wooden doors of this old military stable and you’ll find yourself in a large and stunningly converted room with a truly buzzing atmosphere. A huge horse’s head – a copy of Leonardo's Cavallo di Forcione and a reminder of the building’s former life – takes centre stage in the bar, which is a popular spot for a cocktail and some nibbles. When it comes to the food, it’s all about Italy, with the fresh, flavoursome dishes prepared on-view in the open kitchen. From homemade pizzas and pastas to traditional meat dishes, there’s something for everyone here.