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Prezzo has been delighting diners for over eight years, and this Italian restaurant chain has since been able to expand throughout large parts of England and Scotland with some 141 outlets.

Interestingly, the company seeks to restore either impressive buildings or ones of local interest. The conversion of the Newbury library and other listed buildings, such as those in Salisbury, Romsey and Mayfair, are all welcome examples of 'new use'. Their trendy and sophisticated décor usually consists of tiled or wooden floors with delicate lights and colourful paintings, along with wooden furniture and sparkling cutlery, creating a setting that is suitable for a relaxed lunch, a family meal or an evening out with friends.

The restaurants are of particular appeal to those who like genuine Italian cuisine, and they use only the best seasonal products, many of which are imported directly from Italy. The menu includes pizza, pasta, risotto, grilled meats, fresh salads and frequently changing specials.

The freshly baked breads, like the garlic bread with mozzarella cheese, are perfect for sharing and give you adequate breathing space to order starters to follow. Crab cakes served with garlic mayonnaise or grilled goat's cheese with plum tomatoes and caramelised onions on foccacia bread with a balsamic glaze set the tone for a hearty meal. Best fun is to order an antipasto platter to share made up from seven well loved Italian nibbles.

Find pastas such as the unusual penne con salmone, with oak-roasted salmon, broccoli and fresh chillies in a red pesto and cream sauce, or firm favourites like spaghetti with meatballs, spaghetti Bolognese, and fusilli al pesto, asparagus spears with field mushrooms and roasted peppers in a basil pesto sauce.

Amongst the special pastas, the pollo mariano, seasoned chicken, pepperoni sausage, roasted peppers and fusilli in tomato sauce, is interesting and different. Italian menus would be incomplete without risotto, like tiger prawns with petits pois in a creamy saffron sauce.

Classic pizzas embrace, among a wide selection, the popular napoletana, topped with yellowfin tuna, tomato, white anchovies, capers, red onion, mozzarella and marinated olives, and the much loved quattro stagioni - pepperoni sausage, prosciutto ham, artichoke, field mushrooms, capers, marinated olives, mozzarella and tomato.

Specials could include the pollo Siciliana, char-grilled chicken breast, prosciutto ham and plum tomato slices, baked with their blend of cheese, only one example from the many tempting offerings that come out from the Prezzo kitchens.

You can accompany the food with a variety of tipples, though for many, Italian food requires Italian wines to be enjoyed to the full, ranging from house wine through Morellino di Scansano and Prosecco to liqueurs and beer, and there is espresso or fresh ground coffee to wind up an enjoyable meal, in company with a glass of grappa or sambuca.

This is Italian food at its attractive best, convincing and bringing together the traditional with the modern twist or two against a background of excellent value.

Prezzo is a lively group and opportunities to improve and update are never left on the table for long. Keep up to date with a quick click on their Website.

The Case Restaurant with Rooms in Sudbury is an exceptional hotel renowned for their mouth watering cuisine and, now, their splendid accommodation as well. The efficient and friendly staff members welcome you into the smart, sophisticated establishment and you could settle down for a delicious meal with ease. The decor is delightfully minimal without losing its essential essence of warmth and the food is superb, prepared fresh using the best local produce and meats.

From the à la carte, which predominantly features Modern European fare, you could choose to begin with a warm salad of whitebait and pancetta over crispy cos lettuce and anchovy dressing and move on to a main course of navarin of lamb made with diced lamb, root vegetables and tomato, served with new potatoes and fresh herb dumplings. The selection of desserts is enticing and the wine list at The Case Restaurant is excellent offering a wide variety of choices.

The Compasses in Stansfield is a friendly rustic pub serving delicious modern British and French fare to plenty of regulars and visitors as well and judging by their popularity, they seem to be going in the right direction. The brightly painted exterior, the profusion of potted plants that lends a cheerful outlook or the warm and cosy decor inside add up to create a memorable village pub experience.

The blackboard lists the daily specials and from the regularly changing menu, there is fresh calamari which arrives deep-fried in salt and pepper with chilli dip, chicken liver pâté with Cumberland sauce, and sautéed garlic mushrooms for starters. A main course of smoked haddock is served on a bed of creamy mash with mature cheddar on top and surrounded by chive sauce while the ale pie is characterised by plenty of chunky beef, topped with mashed potato. Sunday lunch is a popular affair featuring roast pork with all the trimmings; the wines at Compasses are priced decently, with plenty available by the glass alongside beers and ales.

Scutchers is quite rightly the pride of Long Melford, Sudbury, where special occasions are celebrated with flair and enthusiasm and an overall delightful experience awaits when you enter. This is casual sophistication at its best, a marvellous coming together of traditional and contemporary tastes, whether it is in the decor or cuisine. The dining room has a relaxing atmosphere and you could sit by the cosy fireplace in the lounge sipping a drink and perusing the menu.

Begin your gastronomic journey by starting with quail breasts and oyster mushrooms with lardons and a shallot and balsamic dressing and then move on to the luxury fish ragout - halibut, scallops, tiger prawns and lobster in a creamy vermouth sauce served with steamed potatoes. An excellent finish is provided by the classic deep filled treacle tart with custard and the superb wine list at Scutchers offers numerous choices from the Old and New World, with many available by the glass.