Based in Sydney Street, Chelsea just off Kings Rd., Il Giardino, which means ‘the garden’ in Italian, has a new lease of life – as a modernised version of what it used to be.

The décor is based on an attractive black and white theme and the garden has been greatly enhanced to seat over 50 people. It has the enviable advantage of having two entrances: one through the neighbouring garden centre, the other through the front door.

Wisely, they have kept the menu at reasonable prices, with a two course set meal for £14.50. A choice of four starters is offered, among them tagliatelle pasta with wild mixed mushrooms, clams, langoustines and prawns, cooked in a white wine and tomato sauce. To follow, you might opt for gnocchi a la gorgonzola, seriously naughty but seriously nice, or spaghetti with baby squid, or baked sea bass or pork scallops. All so lovely, decisions are hard!
020 7352 2718
www.ilgiardinorestaurant.co.uk