There’s been an explosion of new wine bars, restaurants and everything in between over the past six months, particularly in the much lauded inner East.

But with Sydney diners being a notoriously tough crowd, there’s sure to be a few places that opened to much fanfare in 2010 that are already beginning to feel the summer heat.

So why will Avido Restaurant & Wine Garden stand the test of time?

Avido is that rare bird that combines good old fashioned friendliness with a mouth watering menu that is lovingly crafted and exquisitely delivered.

Savour a glass of Sauvignon from the punchy wine menu in the front bar, with its high ceiling and tasteful furnishings; or wander through to the outdoor courtyard with its charming garden feel ripe for reminiscing about the good times.

Chef Jamie Thomas spent time at famed Victor Churchill Butcher and it shows. For those who find it hard to decide on an entree, the charcuterie board (to share) with a selection of prosciutto, salamis, pork rillettes and house terrine served with sourdough and caper berries is an inspired offering.

For mains, the confit Bangalow pork belly, succulent and well proportioned, served with a refreshing Alsace salad and a drizzling of apple sauce is melt-in-your-mouth good. The tagliatelle, hand-made on site and served with a Sardinian eggplant ragu and a symphony of yummy ‘stuff’ like salted ricotta, pine nuts and chilli flakes will win over even the most discerning of taste buds.

The hardest decision we made was passing up the 300-day grain fed Rangers Valley skirt steak with hand cut chips and roast shallots. Thankfully though, we’ll be back for another helping soon.

Where: 438 Oxford Street, Paddington
Hours: 11am til late, 7 days
Get me in: Call (02) 8084 5465 for reservations