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hand picked restaurants

A fairly recent opening in Ipswich, said to be the second oldest settlement in UK, Artista is bringing healthy Italian food to a part of the country which is already pretty well blessed with the English variety, but no matter, in these egalitarian times let's get on and enjoy whatever is on offer.

Which at Artista is starters such as fantasia dell'Artista, a seafood fantasy, about five vegetarian dishes including freshly baked Italian garlic bread, and old favourites like mussels cooked in garlic and wine sauce. An 'interlude' course of soup could be crema di pomodoro, or cream of tomato for those not interested in impressing the waiter.

Primi Piatti list spaghetti, risotto, penne, ravioli and various forms of pasta, amongst which the eye could be drawn to pasta with bacon, cream, tomato egg and cheese, or gnocchi with salmon and prawns in cream sauce, though my personal favourite would have to be spaghetti with seafood in tomato sauce and fresh herbs, a simple dish that brings out the best all round.

Secondi Piatti offers an impressive range of fish and meat or chicken dishes starting with deep fried scampi and calamari, or swordfish char grilled, followed by sliced veal served with a Marsala wine based sauce, or fillet of beef with green peppers in cream sauce. A prime favourite is straccetti di pollo alla Gorgonzola; yes you've guessed, sliced chicken in blue cheese, white wine, cream sauce and fresh herbs. The usual side dishes are available.

To those of you enduring the onset of pizza withdrawl symptoms, fear not, they are there, starting with the classic margarita, the quattro formaggi, the four seasons with tomato, mozzarella, ham, mushroom and olives. Extra toppings can be added from a variety of fruit and herbs, meat or fish and vegetables.

A set lunch of one course for £5 or 2 for £7 seems incredibly good value and should be a winner with the business community in downtown Ipswich.

A strongly Italian wine list offers house wines by the bottle, half, and large or small glasses from prices as low as £1.85 a glass.

The Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich, Suffolk offers the perfect balance between contemporary tastes and tradition and creates a warm and wonderful atmosphere in which it's quite easy to become indulgent. Stylish and modern decor contrasts beautifully with the exposed brick walls and the industrial pillars while smiling service makes your stay pleasant and memorable. The boutique restaurant at this warehouse turned hotel brings delicious Mediterranean cuisine and interesting takes on traditional dishes that render them imaginative and innovative.

The restaurant at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel is particular about using seasonal local produce and everything is prepared freshly, right from the bread to the sauces. Typically you might expect to find starters of oxtail ravioli with buttered carrot ribbons and a rich burgundy sauce followed by a main course of pan roasted fillet of local cod with chorizo and cannellini bean cassoulet. For dessert don't miss the lemon tart with a raspberry coulis sauce and their extensive wine list offers numerous choices that suit every palate or pocket.

The Belstead Brook Hotel in Ipswich comes from the Swallow Hotels group which are renowned for their excellent service, warm welcome and the perfect combination of luxury and comfort. Located in nine acres of serene gardens and a delightful willow-lined stream, this lovely hotel is perfect for a vacation or even just a weekend while their superb conferencing facilities make it an ideal spot for business meetings also. The hotel is close to the city centre and those wishing to access the picturesque Suffolk coast will find it to be an excellent base.

Their Manor Restaurant is housed in the original 16th century Jacobean hunting lodge, an elegant, oak panelled space where you can enjoy the delicious meals in an intimate atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to sit back and relax as they peruse the contemporary bistro style menu which demonstrates a generous use of local produce in creating modern British fare. The Garden Bar is more suited for informal meals and light lunches.

Avid fans of horse racing will not be unfamiliar with Newmarket, where much of the action takes place, and whether you're an old hand at it or visiting the races for the first time, the Heath Court Hotel is an excellent place to stay. Elegant and comfortable rooms make your visit memorable and the excitement in the atmosphere becomes palpable as there are some marvellous views of horses out training. Their newly remodelled restaurant Berties has a pleasant atmosphere and offers casual and relaxed dining with delicious, traditional home cooked food.

The menu offers a host of tantalising dishes beginning with mussels cooked in white wine, cream, shallots and garlic followed by a main course of sautéed chicken breast on spiced couscous with cherry tomatoes and shallots. The grills are superb so be sure to try the rib eye steak with home cut chips and mushrooms and end with a rosemary infused rich chocolate torte. The bar is stocked with cocktails, beers and a good selection of fine wines.

Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard is the oldest pub in Woodbridge, and a distinctive 16th century inn serving excellent ales and traditional English fare. The name is derived from German for a weighbridge, used to ensure that wagon weights of barley and rye or hides did not exceed three tons before going to the docks or onto the toll road. The building is steeped in history and is full of fascinating artefacts.

All dishes are home cooked from fresh local produce whenever possible. The menu changes daily but there is always a choice of time-honoured favourites such as steak and ale pie and fresh fish and chips in addition to pork hocks on a bed of sauerkraut and apples, and German meatballs in caper sauce with beetroot and new potatoes.

Children and pets are welcome and there is a secure, tranquil beer garden with patio heating for al fresco dining or simply to relax and enjoy your favourite tipple.

When tourists get off at Abbey Gardens to visit the town of Bury St. Edmunds, Street Level Café offers an excellent venue that takes care of their replenishment of the inner man and provides other facilities. With a contemporary British menu, prepared using local produce, the restaurant serves delicious fare at modest prices. You could have a healthy breakfast before visiting the ruins of the Great Abbey and the adjoining new cathedral and return in time for a hearty lunch.

Vegetarians can try the Moroccan vegetable tagine, chunks of sweet potato in a lively fruity sauce with onions, peppers, carrots, aubergines, butterbeans, chick peas and apricots served with rice or with a jacket potato and salad. Fish dishes include fillet fish coated in natural bread crumbs. Meat lovers may well prefer a whole sliced chicken breast, served on a bed of rice, topped with bacon and cheese in a creamy cider, rosemary and sage sauce and garnished with mushrooms and apples.

A newcomer to the haven of attractive eating places which is Bury St Edmunds, and a very good one too. Everything is concentrated on the food, which is not to decry the lovely old beams and the well-cared for furniture. Try twice-baked cheese soufflee with tomato and basil pesto, followed by picata of Suffolk pork with sage mashed potatoes. The fudge petit fours are to die for and coffee as good as any you will find concludes a memorable meal.

The Golden Boar Inn is a stunning 16th century public house and restaurant located in the idyllic village of Freckenham, Suffolk. The venue retains the charm from the bygone era, with timber frames and open fireplaces. The modern yet cosy restaurant situated at the back of the bar is split into two levels, with the lower level offering scenic views of the countryside.

Order for dressed crab celeriac and dill carpachio served with Melba toast or smoked duck breast, with celery and apple salad before moving on to chicory tartain, poached hen's egg, roast garlic, salsify, and curly kale. If this does not satiate your appetite you can try grilled John Dory, stuffed baby squid, salt cod mash, preserved lemon, and squid ink fish cream.

At the bar there are four traditional hand pumps serving real ales and the drinks menu features a fantastic range of wines and champagne from both the New and Old world.