Mama Mia! What a feast.

If only the Italians drove like they served food, the world would be a much safer place!

Situated on Southampton's waterfront at Town Quay, La Margherita is Italian in every way. A lively restaurant with waiting staff only too eager to tend to your every desire - cuisine-wise that is - the food certainly matched the enthusiasm of the staff.

We decided to pig out a little - taking advantage of the generous menu on offer.

Although I'm not a seafood person, I couldn't resist the Calamari Fritti - squid that is - deep fried with tartare sauce and salad. We also tried the Bruschetta Pomodoro - toasted ciabatta bread topped with tomato, basil, olive oil and a side helping of cheese. Both could have been meals in themselves for those with a smaller appetite.

I plumped for the chicken as a main course - Pollo Al Parmigiano e Pancetta which translated as chicken filled with parmesan cheese, wrapped in Pancetta with porcini and cream sauce served with gnocchi and parmesan. Involtini di Melenzane, or baked auborgines rolled in peppers, mozzarella and basil sauce to the uninitiated, was the second choice.

We were beginning to regret going for a three-course feast as the helpings for the first two were enough to feed a small army.

However, we found a little room for a pecan and toffee cheesecake and chocolate surprise that could have fed a 20-strong class of nursery children.

The atmosphere was good, the service could not be faulted and the food went down a treat. Our meal for two came to just under £48.

La Margherita, Town Quay

Reservations: 023 8033 3390