The Gertrude Hotel is an Italian-inspired gastropub on a prominent spot –the corner of Gertrude and Napier streets. The pub has an unfussy, airy and bright atmosphere, with natural wood finishes and heritage stone. Inside, it’s dotted with decorative pieces sourced from Italy, including framed 1930s newspapers, old cut-glass sconces that frame the bar, and an oil painting in the dining room that influenced the colour palette.

In the kitchen, a seasonal menu features both pub favourites and Italian staples. Kick things off with oysters with an apple balsamic mignonette or fried pepper chicken with ranch. For mains, you’ll find hand-stretched pizza, pasta (including the popular crab linguine), Scotch fillet and eggplant parmigiana. There’s also ice-cream from Billy Van Creamy and a top-tier tiramisu spiked with Vacation coffee.

The sizeable wine list numbers over 150 bottles with a split between Australian and European (predominantly Italian) drops. The cocktail menu also reflects the Italian theme, with a house Martini that’s best enjoyed at the bar or outside on one of the footpath tables on Gertrude Street.

There’s also room in the dining room and public bar on the ground floor. While the second level houses the terrace, a sizeable, light-filled space decorated with greenery and festoon lighting.