Da Vinci's Warehouse Brasserie

On the second floor of a venerable warehouse that has successfully made the leap into a new 21st century use, da Vinci's Warehouse Brasserie sits on the waterfront, painted pink, with stunning views over the glistening waters of Poole Harbour, and 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.

A menu of typical brasserie simplicity and comfort, and a strong maritime influence, kicks off with seven starters that may include Poole Bay mussels steamed in coconut, fresh chilli and ginger sauce, yet still managing to retain the essential flavour of the shellfish. An avocado baked with crab and mature Stilton encapsulates three of the favourite tastes of many, whilst vegetarians will rejoice in the buffalo mozzarella with grilled Mediterranean vegetable olive oil and sweet Balsamic vinegar.

Main courses, as with any others, draw heavily on fresh ingredients, and the fish is displayed daily on the fish counter. Expect to find lemon and saffron chicken breast with peas and pancetta.

A Roman style veal escalope is a welcome addition to the summer menu, with fillet tenderloin of beef an ever welcome favourite, though the crumbled lamb cutlets with spinach and anchovy sauce at the end of the le carni menu are sublime.

Proximity to the sea enables fresh lobster ravioli with seared scallops and prosecco rossa cream to be a regular on the menu, and the pasta with bread dumplings and tomato sauce with mint is a tasty and unusual addition. The mixed seafood, saffron and rocket risotto well exceeds the normal expectations of that tricky dish.

However, in the light of all this culinary flair it is perhaps a touch churlish to note that one of the favourite dishes here is the house version of that old favourite, fish, chips and mushy peas. The only difference is that at da Vinci's it goes under the slightly more dignified description of battered fillet of cod, accompanied by homemade mushy peas and pommes frites.

A wine list of worldly proportions offers a choice that combines value with the ability to be able to feel refreshed whilst remaining legal.

For me this 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. And as if that was not enough, on the ground floor, but separate from the brasserie, is an up-market ristorante and pizzeria run by the same people for those seeking something a little more informal. Either way you win.

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.