we've only ever eaten at il centro previously as part of a function, so it was an absolute pleasure to dine there today to celebrate my wife's big birthday. we arrived 12.30 to find the venue almost empty, and it was obviously a slow sunday, so lucky us. the river view is wonderful, and the wait staff are very much up to their job. our waiter allan looked after us very well. some mixed plates of entrees went down a treat. the oyster vinaigrette was near-perfect and the bbq'd octopus was superb. those who had the signature sand crab lasagne were well-pleased, but the stand-out was my daughter's beef cheeks served with truffle shaves, porcini risotto, and good amounts of pecorino. my own bistecca was great, but the sides a tad cold. we all left well-satisfied: what more can you ask of such a venue?