WHETHER YOU are looking for a romantic dinner for two or a chance to work off that dessert on the dance floor with the girls, Joe Daflo’s has it all.

Tucked away on the outskirts of the city centre, many are still unaware of the dining delights on offer inside the charming, converted church.

But in truth it has to be one of the finest settings in the city to eat, laugh with friends and enjoy a boogie if the urge takes you.

Relaxed yet up market, Joe Daflo’s offers something for everyone.

As you walk inside you are greeted by the friendly staff who escort you up the grand wooden staircase to the restaurant.

We turned up on one of their regular Dinner and Dance nights, held every Friday and Saturday, creating a real buzz throughout the beautiful building.

With their resident DJ and dance floor discreetly set to the side, the sounds of the sixties and seventies have you tapping your toes as you tuck into your food.

The special dinner dance deal offers three courses and half a bottle of wine each for a set price of £24.95, representing great value for money.

From Monday to Thursday when there is no dancing, the price drops to just £19.95.

But if diners prefer, there is an a la carte menu and for those heading to the Mayflower opposite, throughout the week there is the pre-theatre option – while lunch is also available.

As a new member of the cheese loving fraternity I feared going for my partner’s choice of the melted Camembert box for a shared starter was a little ambitious.

But my heart was instantly melted as much as the gooey cheese inside and I am already looking forward to my return visit to get another taste.

For mains I opted for the Seafood Pasta, which boasted succulent and tasty crayfish, prawns and mussels with every mouthful.

My partner chose the Panfried Sea Bass, with sautéed potatoes and vegetables, which he scoffed with a smile on his face.

It was soon time for dessert and I gorged on a gorgeous chocolate ganache tart.

My partner, being a crème brulee aficionado, went for a raspberry version of the pudding and said it was one of the best he had ever eaten.

Before hitting the dance floor I had a mouth-watering cocktail that would make Carrie and her pals swoon.

Lovingly made by one of the barmen, it was a magnificent drink that demanded a second glass.

Then it was time to dance off our excesses before finally calling it a night.

But it will not be long before we are back.

melanie adams

Joe Daflo’s Southampton, Commercial Road Southampton.
Tel: 023 8023 1101.

Visit joedaflos.co.uk.