Oliveto

Oliveto is a cool, stylish, straightforward Italian restaurant that offers enterprising pizza and pasta at an extremely sensible cost. This is an agreeable surprise, given that it is situated just off Eaton Square in Belgravia, where some of the most expensive properties in London can be found.

It is the sister of the better known - and slightly more expensive - Olivo, just one block over, but it is considerably more reasonably priced and specialises in rather more simple food.

Its many fans describe it as quite the best high class pizza parlour in London, as its kitchen turns out the most wonderful thin crust pizzas with highly inventive and enterprising toppings. It also specialises in some good plain Italian standards, and excellent pasta dishes like 'Linguine with fresh crab meat, garlic & chilli' or 'Fresh tagliatelle with mussels & asparagus'. Starters are particularly inventive, including carpaccio of tuna and swordfish as well as the more common beef one, but include a delicious 'Chargrilled mixed vegetables with olive oil, basil & chilli'.

The atmosphere positively hums, a good sign that the customers are having a great time, and this continues even after the bill arrives, as it is more likely to come as an enjoyable event rather than a nasty shock. The clientele is quite upmarket though, and it is even sometimes a place to spot the odd star or two - booking is essential, as it can get extremely busy.

Tips are left up to the customer, and the service is normally attentive and friendly.