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Universal

A visit to Universal is an intensely sensuous experience; voluptuous fragrance and flavour combine to leave you breathless. Chef and spice mistress Christine Manfield has designed her menu so diners can savour as many flavour-hits as possible in a sitting: three savoury dishes are recommended, followed by one of her award-winning, satiny desserts such as the wanton Original Sin, all curved pillows of marshmallow and syrupy quince. A prawn ceviche has none of the usual wince of citrus; its tang comes from a smooth tomato and green chilli salsa and pickled seaweed, and a tender wagyu beef shin slips down easily with green chilli, galangal and rich marrow. When matching wines are factored in you can expect your wallet to take a hit, and service, though expert, can be somewhat brusque; but you’ll leave satisfied, having had every sense expertly tweaked and teased.