Da Vinci's Warehouse Brasserie and Ristorante Pizzeria

Da Vinci's Warehouse Brasserie and Ristorante Pizzeria sits on the waterfront with stunning views over the glistening waters of Poole Harbour, and there's plenty of original woodwork and antique charm to bolster the imagination. Just head for the lifting bridge and walk a few yards down the Quay.

Furniture, fittings and décor all combine to create a feeling of permanence and solid confidence that provides a fitting backcloth to dining out in the waterside setting of a harbour that has charmed millions of people over the years.

Da Vinci's is an informal venue that's perfect for a quick lunch or leisurely dinner, it's not uncommon to see diners get off the boat and pop in for a meal in a very relaxed atmosphere. There's a bar at the rear where you could sit outside and enjoy a bowl of mussels while watching the boats; and at the front is a tiny coffee shop with harbourside tables where guests enjoy some delicious homemade Sicilian lemon tart.

A menu of simplicity and comfort with a strong maritime influence kicks off with starters that may include calamari, avocado with prawns, and deep-fried mushrooms stuffed with dolcelatte cheese encapsulates three of the favourite tastes of many, whilst vegetarians will rejoice in the buffalo mozzarella with sliced tomato lightly coated with virgin olive oil and oregano. Follow with pasta that includes the linguine lobster, half a grilled lobster served with pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, white wine and chilli.

Main courses, as with any others, draw heavily on fresh ingredients, and the fish is displayed daily on the counter. Expect to find chicken supreme fried in bread crumbs and egg, served with spaghetti Napoli. Prime fillet of beef topped with pâté of foie gras, cured ham, dolcelatte cheese covered with delicious Madeira sauce is a welcome addition to the menu, with tenderloin of beef an ever welcome favourite.

Proximity to the sea enables peeled scampi with anchovies, oregano, white wine, garlic and tomato sauce to be a regular on the carte, and the rigatoni pasta with avocado, onions, tiger prawns and mascarpone flamed with sambuca is a tasty and unusual addition. A good value wine list offers a choice of some exceptional Italian wines.

This family-run restaurant manages to combine relaxation, decent well-prepared food, friendly service and accessibility in surroundings that if not unique are at the very least an amalgam of that feeling of escape and indulgence that should ideally characterise the whole experience of eating out. All this and more and with the sun beating down on the shining waters of Poole Harbour, a bottle of something very Italian, with time to spend, you have a recipe for a pretty relaxing chill-out.

Da Vinci's is also a popular location for business dinners, presentations, wedding breakfasts, and buffet or drinks receptions.

Do note that for further information, and to use their Book Online facility, which is quick and easy to use, a visit to their Website is recommended.