Il Falconiere

There is a huge choice of Italian restaurants in London, some are excellent and others quite frankly that are either stuck in a time warp or over expensive and are not to be recommended; but there is only one Il Falconiere, where still - after over twenty five years - the quality and value for money is as good as ever.

The first thing that stands out when you walk in is that the place is so well-decorated and looked after that it retains the appearance of only having opened yesterday. Whilst the welcome from owner Pepe Mosquera is as warm and genuine as it has always been.

The menu is not only an interesting selection of the best of Italian cuisine; it also represents excellent value as well, something that has become increasingly more difficult to find in London in recent years.

They even offer a fixed price menu at lunchtime at a mere £10 per head, with an optional 10% service charge, whilst in the evening this is still only £18.50, and not just soup to begin with followed by pasta, but presenting a proper full meal.

With choices on the evening fixed price menu like starters of mushrooms sautéed in garlic and parsley; grilled sardines; seafood salad or insalata tricolore - mozzarella cheese, tomato and avocado salad set the scene perfectly.

These might be followed by veal escalope with aubergine and mozzarella cheese; fresh salmon, served grilled or poached or thinly-sliced fillet of beef with mushroom and white wine sauce; with a choice of desserts from the menu.

However, you can also eat simply from the a la carte menu with a wonderful selection of different pasta dishes such as linguine ai frutti di mare - with seafood sauce and tomato sauce; risotto with porcini mushrooms or fresh ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and spinach.

Over the years a combination of a beautiful setting, friendly staff and great food and service has won a large following of locals as well as the rich and famous. It is worth noting that there is a Private Room available for parties up to 35 people.

The wine list is also more enterprising than in many Italian restaurants and sensibly priced. More information is available on their Website.