There’s a relaxed swagger to Neptune, the kind you get in a place being run by people who know what they’re doing. The confidence and experience is clear the moment you step into this well-designed wine bar-bottleshop and scan the shelves: you’ll find a smart range leaning towards the natural without ignoring the classic. A similar approach is taken to the food. No-holds-barred flavour bombs like an ‘nduja and cheese jaffle or wincingly rich bone marrow tortellini mix it up with subtler dishes such as char-grilled eggplant with mint, burrata and buckwheat, an expertly roasted chicken served with patatas bravas, and fat juicy sardines teamed with gremolata. It’s food you want to eat, paired with wine you want to drink in a room with comfortable booths, a fireplace and noise levels that are elevated without being ridiculous. Bookings are only taken for tables of four and above, but waiting-list pain can be alleviated via cocktails in the upstairs bar.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Wine: ★
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
