FOR such a small village with just one main street, Botley doesn't do badly for places to eat.

There's an Indian, a couple of pubs, a tea shop, and - as I discovered on a recent trip there - a very attractive Italian restaurant.

Reggina's, named after Reggina Hall who runs it with husband David, occupies an old building full of character on Botley's square.

On a cold winter's night the restaurant looked cosy and inviting, and inside it is decorated in a modern but homely style.

The restaurant, on two floors, is deceptively big but it manages to maintain an air of intimacy.

The menu is quite extensive, with a selection of pastas, pizzas, meats and a small fish section, while there are also a couple of daily specials on the blackboard.

I decided to try one of my traditional favourites, the Tricolore salad with avocado, mozzarella and beef tomatoes, while my friend chose the pt.

Both dishes are very simple but they were well presented and lived up to expectations.

For our main course we both decided on pasta.

I was a little disappointed with the menu because I don't like a lot of cream and many of the meat dishes were served with creamy sauces, as were most of the pastas.

The only pasta which seemed to be free of cream was the penne broccoli, so I chose that.

My friend chose the creamy tagliatelle figaro, which he reported was very good, with plenty of flavour and lots of juicy shellfish.

I liked the combination of penne with prawns, olive oil and garlic, although I thought the pasta was a little overcooked and the dish would've benefited from slightly less olive oil.

We also enjoyed some garlic bread, coffee, and a few drinks from the bar, bringing the total bill to £42.95.

FG

13-15 High Street, The Square, Botley. Reservations: 01489 782068.