Amarone

Amarone has an unmistakeable appeal of its own, a quality that is getting more and more difficult to find in the restaurants of today, and in an age where huge chains are gaining more foothold, this little gem surely seems like a gift sent from on high.

Located at the Canning Circus end of Nottingham's Derby Road, Amarone offers modern Italian cuisine in the relaxed atmosphere that is typical of a neighbourhood restaurant. Starters of grilled sardines stuffed with bay leaves, sultanas and pine-nuts on baby spinach, or a salad of sliced wild-boar salami with taleggio and sun-blushed tomatoes gives you a taste of some behind the scenes brilliance.

Ravioli of wild mushrooms and ricotta with rocket and truffle oil can be taken as a starter or main course, and such choices as the stuffed chicken supreme with Parma ham and parmesan or a traditional zabaglione with rhubarb rarely fail to please. The wine list is carefully built and supports the menu well.

Amarone offers rooms that can be hired for parties and conferences free of charge.