What a delightful little big restaurant this is. Not having booked and not realising there was a huge restaurant next door, we dined al fresco on the street in front of the bar area. Nice and intimate and if you’re a devoted life observer this is the spot. The service is prompt and the menu expansive – with a commensurate (though a little expensive) wine list.

I adore arancini and Bucci’s caramelised cauliflower and gorgonzola arancini is the best I’ve had. Perfectly cooked al dente risotto, a perfect balance of cauliflower and cheese and a punchy little pesto on the side.

I loved the presentation of the crispy-skin quail – mostly deboned making it nice and easy to tuck into – served with pear vin cotto and a pancetta pistachio crumble.

Their spaghetti and meatballs had a great rustic tomato base and the pasta was perfect, though the meatballs might have been a little less dry. Perhaps that’s the Iti way?

Overall great value and fantastic food. I reckon a rainy Sunday afternoon with a bottle of Pinot Grigio, a platter of salumi, more arancini (drool) and Bombolini (dark-chocolate coated donuts with boozy black cherries) could be just the thing.

Bucci is in James Street, Fortitude Valley. We arrived early so got a table, but it fills up quick so book if you can.