The couple responsible for one of the region’s top restaurants have a shared love of one establishment when it comes to eating out.

Racine Restaurant owners Willa and Shaun Arantz’s favourite place to lunch together each week is the Parkview Hotel.

With children Paloma, 3 and Edward, 8, in someone else’s care on Wednesday, the restaurateur and baker sit down to medium-rare scotch fillet steaks with peppercorn sauce, chips and salad.

Over a bottle of red – usually a Rikard Wines Pinot Noir – the couple meet to talk work and enjoy the atmosphere of the pub.

“It’s the same idea as a local Paris bistro. You know everyone, the staff know you – it’s comforting,” Mrs Arantz said.

While Racine is known for its award-winning menu, Mrs Arantz said its service, atmosphere and then food which makes her a repeat customer at the Parkview.

“Service is number one. You can forgive a lot if you get great service,” she said.

While Mrs Arantz admitted a good atmosphere was difficult to define, she said somewhere with music and a “vibe” was a good place to start.

“The atmosphere is always really cozy in winter. You get the feeling the same people have been going back for years. It’s comfortable and we always feel welcome,” she explained.

And the food? “It could be simple, it can be fancy, but it has to be done well and live up to what it’s promised to be,” she said. “If you promise a steak, do a good steak.”