THERE really is no better way to test the customer service of a restaurant then to have an embarrassing mishap before you even order the first course.

For me, and the staff at Tosca's restaurant in Southampton, that came with my girlfriend accidentally knocking a full glass of white wine over the table, across the spillage-proof menus, and directly into my lap.

Not only did the waiter quickly hand me a towel to try and dry myself off, but he also managed to play down the crisis in a way that told surprised onlookers that it definitely was an accident - and not the result of a lovers' tiff that ended with an out-of-line boyfriend being given the traditional drink-throwing drenching.

From that disastrous start it was always going to be hard to recover but to my relief the evening was not lost.

A tasty light starter of three small Italian breads, bruschetta al Italiano, was devoured as quickly as it was served, and - as if the chef knew just how uncomfortable a glass of chilled medium house wine feels seeping through a new pair of jeans and into your underwear - the main course also arrived promptly.

The lasagne was piping hot and, to my preference, very rich in tomato sauce rather than cheese heavy or with too much béchamel. Served simply on its own, a small side salad may have added to the dish but on the whole the meal was definitely fulfilling.

My girlfriend's linguine pollo e zucchine - pasta with spicy chicken and courgette - was also well received and was equally hot and deceptively filling.

Despite the lack of room a trip to the homemade dessert cabinet was guaranteed and ended with a generous helping of delicious banoffee pie and an excellent double chocolate cheesecake.

If any advice is needed it is to simply take time over the main course to leave an appetite for the final course.

A warm, reasonably priced Italian restaurant for any occasion, and there's no better place if there's an accidental spillage.

The staff are friendly, the food is good and it is just metres from the doors of The Mayflower so many of the other customers will already be prepared for a night full of entertainment.

Corey Stephenson Tosca's, Commercial Road, Southampton. Tel: 023 8057 2844, Web:www.toscas.co.uk.