Five and Dime (245 Cuba Street)

Opened by the same name behind Five Boroughs (that is, Elie Assaf), I read somewhere that eating at Five and Dime was like dining inside a jewellery box – and how true that was. It’s pretty darn small, and the kitchen is right there in the thick of it. It’s decorated in such a way that it feels sophisticated and modern, and your choice of cosy or bustling, depending on whether you sit at the bar looking onto the kitchen or at a table.  The menu is extremely unusual; an ongoing experiment some would say. It features about 18 dishes which are mostly designed for sharing, and the menu changes about every 2 weeks. Quirky flavours and pairings had me inwardly cringing, but putting my trust into the chef I found myself enjoying everything that I tried. Despite claims that it is silver service without the price tag, I did think it was still pretty expensive, however would definitely go back if the right occasion presented itself. The house-made pear soda was definitely a highlight; it was dry like a cider, and tasted so much like pear. There is also an extensive range of (organic) wine on the menu too.