Refined Italian dining in the CBD serving familiar fare with elegance.

More than any other restaurant in the heritage State Buildings, Post feels part of the heartbeat of the structure, with tables set in the old postal franking room, a space given new life with skylights and plantlife. The result is a pleasing dining hall for any occasion, with modern flourishes and an all-day menu set to ease and comfort.

Start with a classic beef carpaccio – one of the city’s best – thinly sliced and flavoured with just the right amount of capers, Parmigiano and rocket.

While breakfast staples are on offer alongside coffee by locals Mano a Mano roasters, lunch and dinner is where the osteria shines. Start with a classic beef carpaccio – one of the city’s best – thinly sliced and flavoured with just the right amount of capers, Parmigiano and rocket. Then it’s time for pasta, which could be one of several handmade options, but why not go for risotto, the rice a suitably creamy consistency and pleasantly sweet from blue swimmer crab and leek.

Carne might mean boldly sauced and seasoned chicken diavolo, while tiramisù hews classic, with decadent marsala zabaglione bringing it home. Staff are professional to suit the crowd, but there’s a relaxed tone here, meaning settling in and enjoying one more glass from Emma Farrelly’s stellar wine list is always the right move for afters.