EAT: Bangin' Berta

Unlike the first or second date where you want to hedge your bets with a few surrounding bars to keep the conversation lubed up post-dinner, Berta is the place to go for that third or fourth date when you know you're on a roll.

Tucked away in Surry Hills, Brownie Points P.A circled it twice without realising. It's discreet and away from the sceney street crowds played out on Crown St. Yet once you push through the glass door and head down the corridor, it's so loud and vibey you'll be wondering how you didn't notice it. If she hasn't heard of it yet, get in quick so you score some brownie points.

Brownie Points PA recommends the fontina and sage balls (aka the 'cheesey poofs' hilariously listed on our bill) and the duck which comes in an amazing broth with large sheets of papardelle. If you're both up for it, there's a $65 bistecca which Berta staff strongly recommend you share. This is mid-tier dining at its best so your bank balance isn't cringing.

We sat by the bar so the the service was excellent, the menu selection simple yet delicious and the wine list, long. All the goods for a banging night out (..or in?)

Brownie Points P.A memo: If you still need a bar to get things going after dinner, head across Goulburn St and up onto Commonwealth and Foster. You've got two choices - cocktails at Longrain or down and dirty beers at the Hollywood.