Basilico has other branches in Fulham Road, Finchley Road and East Sheen. All trade strongly on presenting pizzas that are much nearer the real thing than the competition, you will certainly find that everything is much more imaginative than the average pizzeria, and naturally they have that essential for flavour, the wood fired oven.

Certainly customers seem pretty content with what's on offer, particularly the inventive and unusual toppings, like artichokes, chorizo, capers, roasted peppers, salted anchovies, free range eggs, jalapeno peppers, basil pesto, spinach, calamata olives, goat's cheese, spring onion, pineapple, fresh green chillies, wild mushrooms, meat balls, prosciutto crudo, Italian salami, prosciutto cotto ham, buffalo mozzarella, rocket and smoked chicken - quite an impressive list; suggesting that this might indeed be so near the genuine article as to make little difference.

However, the menu goes well beyond mere pizzas, with excellent salads, from the classic Caesar to marinated olives and feta cheese, as well as the delicious sounding matador - oven roasted Spanish chorizo with new potatoes and marinated vegetables. They even have their own special blend of coffee. So for a taste of the real Italy, Basilico could be the answer.