Shutters

Light and bright is the best way to describe Shutters, a restaurant and bar inside the Crowne Plaza hotel on Coogee Beach. Sunlight streams through the venue's white shutters, keeping with the vibe of a poolside Miami lounge bar — and it's name.

Inside, you'll find marble tables, velvet chairs and booths in pale pastels, white and gold art deco fixtures, and pops of green from the big leafy plants dotted around the space.

On the menu, the influences of Corsica and Sardinia are evident, from starters like stracciatella with roasted tomato oil, basil and olives ($16) to the flaky limoncello mille feuille ($14) being served for dessert.

It's all about a leisurely afternoon meal at Shutters, beginning with fresh oysters with mignonette, horseradish granita or lemon and sea foam ($24 for six; $46 for 12). You'll also find some charcuterie and a warm octopus salad complete with kipfler potato, chorizo and orange ($18).

Next, you can move on to pasta — try the king prawn and goats curd ravioli ($26), or a twist on lasagne with confit chicken, sofrito, cashews and avocado ($24). There's also a handful of main dishes (covering steak, spatchcock, fish and vego options), all of which are served with unlimited fries (yes) and salad. You can round off the meal with an after dinner mint granita, dark chocolate sorbet and sponge cake ($16).

The drinks list complements the food offering, covering a few classic cocktails, five spritz varieties (including a strawberry and basil mix that is almost too tempting, $18), a smattering of tap and bottled beers, plus juice and kombucha. Wine is the main event, with drops coming from Italy, France and around Australia in equal numbers.

Shutters is the first of four "micro" venues to open in Coogee Beach's Crowne Plaza. Soon to follow will be Estate: a bar, restaurant, taco joint and hidden karaoke spot. We'll let you know more about those when they open.