Even those who think making pasta is just a simple business of cooking it al dente and tossing in some condiments may flinch at thought of dealing with hundreds of varieties and kicking up a seriously, soul-satisfying bowl. The rest of us just head to Kitchen Italia where they specialise in a veritable cornucopia of pastas specific to regions in Italy, each paired with a sauce that ranges from light and zingy to rich and robust.

The attractive array of fresh herbs and olive oils on the table beseech your attention for some time, but only till a bowl of char-grilled chicken and basil soup arrive, with lazy strands of angel hair floating within. If you wish to deviate from the pasta trap and find solace in a salad, then there is a tuna and rustic bread version, or from the char-grill choose a wafer thin steak or butterflied chicken.

In the morning when the palate calls for food that's more than just croissants and coffee, try the full Italian breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancetta, Abruzzo sausage, sautéed mushrooms and toasted ciabatta at Kitchen Italia.