THERE are three things that you can be sure of in life - death, taxes and a decent meal at ASK in Winchester. I have not had a bad experience there yet and they always try to fit you in, no matter how busy. It's the sort of place you can take your friends and be confident of getting a decent meal.

The best tables are at the front of the restaurant looking on to the top of the High Street, but there's not really a bad one in the house. The lighting is subtle and candles on every table create a romantic feel. However, be warned - there's no faffing around when you've ordered and the food appears in double-quick time. So if it's a long, relaxed meal you're after, take your time in ordering and sample some of the Italian wines on the menu.

The starter menu had refreshing variety and would suit most palates. We began with bruschetta bread with chopped tomatoes and onions with olive oil drizzled on top - and tomato, mozarella and basil. Both were light enough not to spoil the main course.

For our main courses, we both went for pasta but there was also an impressive choice of pizzas which, on another day, would have appealed. I plumped for the spaghetti al pomodoro with a light spreading of a tomato-based sauce. It's another easy-to-eat dish which does not leave you feeling sluggish after the meal.

My partner chose ricotta parcels which came with a thick sauce but complemented the dish nicely and made a refreshing change from more traditional pasta dishes. The specials board, changed daily, almost tempted us with the vanilla cheesecake for dessert, but our willpower got the better of us - just! The meal came to a little over £20.

Reservations: 01962 849464.