LOCATED within applauding distance of the Mayflower theatre, it's no surprise that Buon Gusto has the feel of a theatre restaurant.

The Italian restaurant is decked out in a combination of artefacts from foreign holidays and theatre posters creating the kind of charming character feel that newer venues frequently attempt, unsuccessfully, to create.

Being an Italian restaurant, there was plenty of pizza and pasta on the menu, but my friends both opted for the Pollo 'Buon Gusto' - half a chicken marinated in wine with garlic and rosemary plus vegetables, at £11.95.

As a vegan, my choices were limited. In fact, if I hadn't had a lengthy conversation with the waiter prior to booking, I would probably not have been able to eat there at all, as they seemed unsure about the ingredients in several of their dishes.

Fortunately, my perseverance paid off, and I was rewarded with a dish of penne pasta with a chilli and tomato sauce.

All of the main courses were tasty and filling, but this is a restaurant that really specialises in desserts.

Our waiter brought several dishes to our table, all of which were equally tantalising.

My friends opted for the amoretta chocolate mousse and the tiramisu, while I had fresh figs and strawberries.

All the portions were generous, particularly the tiramisu, making us all glad that we'd decided to skip the starters.

Our bill for three people with drinks came to just over £50.

Reservations: 023 8033 1543.