Since November last year, those who have ventured past the original exterior on Argyle Street have discovered a stylishly renovated restaurant offering a new style of dining which, judging from the patronage, is a welcome addition.

"The original concept was that rather than come to the restaurant for a three course meal, you have seven shared courses over the night - maybe start with a glass of wine and mezza plate, then some chicken, or prawns... it's not a degustation menu, more like finger food with which you can graze while you sit on the sofa and catch up with friends," owner Todd Alexander said.

"I'd like to teach people in the Highlands how to graze, and enjoy each other's company. The way the place is set up people can chat, see other courses come out, decide to try something different. It's a fun and relaxed atmosphere."

The decor is best described as art deco, but is a mix of many different styles and artefacts that Todd and his family have collected over the years.

"It's a bit eclectic, but it works. The chairs are from the Crown Casino, table tops from the Intercontinental...Mum had a big influence on the design," Todd said.

One of the main features of the interior are the wall lights - the original French hand-cut glass lights from the Marble Bar in Sydney.

"A lady who had helped put them together walked in the other day and was blown away to see them again," Todd said.

However, it is not only the furnishings that are attracting attention.

The menu has drawn from many cultures. Arancini balls, lime and coconut prawns, polenta chips and zucchini flowers were some of the dishes enjoyed by an undercover Southern Highland News reporter one night, however, Todd intends to change the menu every eight to ten weeks.

"I like to keep everything fresh - it keeps the clients and staff interested. It means people can come in for a culinary journey.

"I'm not in it for the hats, but this is definitely a long term project," he said.

If Todd's face is familiar, it is because he ran Alexander's on Argyle from 2003 to 2006, which transformed into a Thai restaurant on weekends.

He then moved to the coast for six years, towards the end of which his family bought the Tooses building.

For the past two years Todd has been dedicated to transforming the premises, making tables and sourcing fitting.

"My aim is to make the place affordable on a regular basis. It might be nicely decorated but I hope people feel relaxed and welcome," he said.

Tooses has just reopened after a short break with a new menu and is planning to offer live jazz every Sunday between 3pm and 6pm, except on the first Sunday of the month.

Todd is also planning regular theme nights. The first will be Thai, by popular demand from those who remember his previous iteration in Moss Vale.

In winter there will be an open fire in the wine bar.

"We've created a place where people can sit back, enjoy life, and spend quality time with their friends," Todd said.

Tooses is open Thursday to Sunday. Call 4868 3164 for bookings.