Annam (125 Featherston Street)

I have now been to this French-Vietnamese restaurant a few times, and while the food always blows my mind, I have been a little confused about the vibe and décor. It feels quite big and hollow inside, and until recently I had never been at a time when it was that busy – meaning the atmosphere felt a little flat. However, on my most recent visit there the place was packed (to the rafters, literally – there is an upstairs bit too that was full) and it really carried the vibe of the whole place. The owner is great; he speaks with this wonderful French accent that I could just listen to all day long. The menu is fresh, healthy (feeling) and extensive. This is a place that slides under most people’s radars, but is definitely one of the better spots in the Lambton area.

Somewhat unexpectedly, I rated their burger the best of the Wellington on a Plate burgers for 2016. The Boa Burger ‘De La Sauce’ was comprised of a steamed Banh bao yeast-rice cake bun, with a delicious medium-rare beef patty, pickled vegetables, red onion, roasted sesame seeds and coriander, on a bed of salad with kumara chips. It was so fresh, light, and flavoursome: 10/10.