Cilantro is back and how! This fine dining restaurant of the Madejski Hotel had been closed for refurbishment and diners had to settle for their brasserie, Le Café, which no doubt served its purpose well, but was not just quite the same. Post refurbishment however, Cilantro has got back its share of patrons who love refined gourmet cuisine and it's an added bonus that the atmosphere is relaxed and intimate and not at all stuffy. The attached stadium, home of the Reading Football Club and London Irish Rugby Club, seems a most unlikely venue for a hotel such as the Madejski, but for whatever reason, the combination has struck the right note.

Cilantro's mellow lighting, muted colours, crisply starched linens and luxurious seating exemplify the stylish décor, while the new menu brings with it an exciting range of dishes. In the new a la carte, you might find delectable starters such as delicately flavoured Anjou pigeon and apricot terrine with homemade grape chutney, oak smoked salmon and quail egg with caviar and fennel salad, fine herb and spring onion risotto, or the delightfully creamy roast pumpkin soup with hazelnut crème fraiche.

Further on, main courses include Cornish lamb noisette accompanied by foie gras gratin, pomme anna and cherry vine tomatoes or a free range guinea fowl breast with hazelnuts, on grellot onions and wild mushrooms, arancini and mushroom reduction. Pan fried John Dory with seared scallops and sauce vierge; potato strudel with leek, garlic and thyme, served with roasted beetroot, tender broccoli spears or root vegetable Wellington with sauté anya potato and caramelised shallot cream complete the sumptuous list. For two people, there is a further choice between chateaubriand or Dover sole, grilled or Meunière, for many a difficult decision to make.

It would be unthinkable to skip dessert, particularly when there's a vanilla and strawberry ice cream cupola with mint salsa, Braeburn apple tart with fresh blackberries or an elder flower essence rice pudding with butternut ice cream. A delicious assortment indeed, while the selection of cheeses will also not fail to satisfy those who are looking for a savoury ending to their meal.