Machiavelli

Plot your next corporate takeover or political coup over a bowl of penne Bolognese at Machiavelli. Every heavy hitter has eaten here at one time or another, from "Aussie" John Symonds to Julia Gillard – each with a larger-than-life photo on the wall to mark the occasion. The restaurant's been open over two decades offering the likes of steak Diane (a Machiavelli signature) and crepes Suzette. The dining room is 95 per cent older-man-in-suit. Get power dressed, grab a seat in the corner and start scheming.