Nostalgic flavours and playful desserts take flight at this small suburban restaurant in Ainslie. Pilot’s four-, nine- and 12-course set menus are quintessentially Australian, and on any given day, you may be served IPA beer pretzels, Hawaiian pizza scrolls or brandy butterscotch Wagon Wheels. The experimental non-alcoholic drinks pairing is just as impressive as the boozed-up version, with a focus given to small, sustainable Aussie producers, which we love to see.
Speckled handmade bowls elevate the earthy medleys that are cradled within, where nasturtium leaves and verdant broths are to be expected. Soft light penetrates the 24-seat dining room through off-white fabric curtains if you’re escaping the direct sunlight; otherwise, Pilot’s petite outdoor area, cornered by miniature olive trees, is a divine backdrop for snacking in the rays.
Time Out tip: On Thursdays, Pilot welcomes BYO. Just choose how much you’d like to contribute, and 100 per cent of the proceeds go towards the monthly-rotating charity.