Forbury's Restaurant is situated in the central square of a modern development opposite Forbury Garden in the centre of Reading; it has achieved many positive reviews since it opened along with a recommendation from Michelin since 2006, two AA Rosettes and inclusion in Harden's Recommended. The restaurant has been created by Xavier Le-Bellego whose name has become associated with fine food and dining.

Xavier has worked with the internationally famous Raymond Blanc, John Burton Race and Albert Roux before managing The Red House near Newbury where he received the coveted 'Gastro Pub of the Year' title for two consecutive years.

Forbury's offers unfussy renditions of modern French and British cuisines and some of the dishes that emerge from the kitchen could be foie gras with truffles, sauce gribiche and quenelle de brochet. Xavier passionately believes that 'good fresh food does not have to be expensive' and this is reflected in the menu admirably.

The modern and stylish restaurant is fully air conditioned and in addition to the main dining area, there is a private dining room, which can seat up to sixteen, a bar area, and a seating area on the terrace outside where diners on fine days can enjoy the pleasant outlook over Forbury Garden. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner each day from Monday to Saturday and for special functions and celebrations on Sunday.

The highly regarded à la carte menu offers starters such as pan-fried Cornish hand dived scallops, pea purée, pea shoots and black pudding; tian of Cornish crab and avocado, confit tomato and red pepper dressing, or gruyère gougère, fricassée of wild mushrooms and poached duck egg. Main courses could include Ashampstead pig's head cooked three ways; squid ink fafarelle with squid, clams, prawns and rosemary cream, or grilled 7oz Gatcombe Farm angus rib-eye steak, also available in 9oz.

Don't miss the enticing range of desserts that include passion fruit soufflé; Amedei dark chocolate fondant, roasted banana and dark chocolate ice cream, or a Braeburn apple tarte tatin for two to share.

The market menu is good value for money and is available for lunch and dinner. Some of the options there are salmon gravadlax and horseradish cream, followed by roasted loin of English pork with roast potatoes, finishing with treacle tart with hot sauce anglaise; there is a choice of four dishes in each course.

Whether it is good food or wine, the French are not too far from it and Forburys's wine list which features around 240 wines from across the world was mentioned in the AA Notable Wine List for 2008. Some of these wines are available by the glass and are a fantastic accompaniment to the meal or just on their own too.

During the evening they are able to offer secure underground parking, however, this must be booked in advance when you book your table. For more information on everything from private dining, the wine list and latest menus, do have a look at their comprehensive Website.