Now that the weather has cooled, the time-honoured tradition of a boozy lunch is looking better than ever. Nothing says “Another bottle of red, please” quite like a cloudy, cold and windy day.

 

 

All you need is a friendly spot: one that with let you hang around the table for as long as the wine keeps being ordered. The true legends of boozy lunch hold the table all the way through dinner.

Oh, if only the walls of Canberra’s restaurants had ears…

 

 

A new kid on the block might be the place for a new tradition. Agostinis – the Italian restaurant in East Hotel – was designed from the ground-up as the kind of place you could hang around for hours.

 

 

High ceilings, wide spaces and some cosy nooks only encourage loitering. Well, that and the Beppos’s Blend - a bespoke Italian wine by Bryan Martyn comprised of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Sangiovese that goes down so well that it makes an easy choice for the table to enjoy again and again.

 

 

Like sitting in a family kitchen, Agostinis menu is all about big flavours and modern interpretations of Italian ‘comfort food’. There’s plenty on the menu that appears familiar, however a keen eye will spot the twists and tricks that bring a sophistication as well as a sense of humour.

 

 

It all starts with generous antipasto boards, chips complete with balsamic vinegar served in an atomiser, and the endlessly ‘more-ish’ Frico – thinly-sliced potato, cheese and sage fried in a pan and served like a mini pizza. Try and eat just one slice. It’s almost impossible.

 

 

The pastas are filling and delicious, the pizzas turn up with alarming frequency and, for those looking to do it properly, the Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a cracking match to the delicious red wine.

 

 

And the best part of finishing a long lunch at Agostinis? Well, you’re slap-bang in the middle of Kingston and Manuka so there are plenty of options should you want to kick on and ensure a truly horrible Saturday morning.

[Agostinis]