Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

It is not everybody who would seek to expand into a town that happens to be the only one in Britain with two three-Michelin-starred restaurants already well established. But then Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi are not just 'everybody', and with three other successful restaurants up and running they are clearly entitled to tread where others might not.

The results support this supposition, and an a la carte menu really says it all. A primi of warm thinly sliced roast pork stuffed with Italian herbs on salad leaves and green lentils sets the tone before moving on to the pasta dishes with a ravishing Sicilian tortelloni stuffed with mozzarella and aubergine with a cherry tomato sauce.

No Italian menu is complete without its pesce dishes and the char grilled king prawns and squid with oven-roasted baby fennel and cherry tomatoes resounds well. So too does the wild boar stew with red wine and tomato sauce on truffle polenta, though oven-baked lamb cutlets in red wine with wild mushrooms and shallots work well for me.

From the dessert menu out of a choice of six, including the cheese selection, with doughnut sticks with Strega crème patisserie and Sambuca jam there really is no competition. It may be bold and brassy and Italian, but this is an Italian restaurant - par excellence.

The wine list is almost Italian, as one might expect or indeed hope for. Some of the Southern and Sicilian wines are particularly noteworthy and when it comes to dessert wines . . . . . .

This is one not to be missed.

The Bull at Barkham is a wonderful local pub near Wokingham with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a very traditional environment that lends itself nicely for an evening of relaxation over a fine meal. This 18th century building, formerly an inn, is grade 2 listed and is full of character, and the current owners have transformed it into a haven of gastronomic delights without taking away much in terms of its original charm. Their passion for local produce has led to the creation of some delicious dishes that have won them quite a few awards also.

Starters from their modern British menu could feature succulent crayfish tails with marie rose sauce on a bed of crisp salad leaves which makes an impressive prelude, only to be followed impeccably by the homemade fish pie topped with mash potato and served with green beans and carrots. End with a hot Belgian waffle with caramel fudge ice cream and choose something from the list of excellent wines to complement the meal.

If you've been to Thailand and loved its traditions and food, Thai Place in Thames Street could help you relive the experience. The ambience pleases the eye, with a red and white interior, soft lighting, and well laid out dark tables and chairs.

According to Thai tradition meals usually include at least three main dishes complemented by either rice or noodles and sharing helps in making the experience all the more special. You could perhaps try khanompang na moor, minced pork and prawn on toast, or tender spare ribs for starters. An extensive list of mains presents choices such as nue kra-pow, stir-fried beef with chilli and basil; sweet and sour chicken with pineapple and tomatoes; tangy tamarind duck, and steamed sea bass.

Thai curries take in the popular red and green as well as massaman and panang in coconut cream with potatoes, chilli, onions, peanuts, lemon, and basil leaves.

Zerodegrees has embarked on a drinking and dining concept that pioneers the emerging trend in fresh, hand crafted beers brewed by microbreweries. Diners are guaranteed a theatrical experience with the sight, sound and smell from the working brewery and a busy kitchen with its traditional stone-fired pizza oven dishing out favourites such as mango tandoori chicken and Peking duck.

The menu encompasses a selection of gourmet pizzas, delicious salads, speciality sausages, pastas and kilo pots of mussels served with a variety of sauces. International wines and freshly brewed beers seek out the tastiest and most exotic flavours from across the world, while adding their own seasonal and speciality numbers. The range extends from black lager to pale ale, with some delicious fruit beer in between.

Incorporating the mechanics of the working brewery into the building's architecture has resulted in a functional and futuristic place and the industrial feel whilst unavoidable is an added attraction.

This one is a firm favourite amongst numerous Bracknell residents who unabashedly love their curry. Sultan Balti House is one of the popular dining destinations where people can enjoy spicy and tantalising Indian cuisine in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. The spacious restaurant specialises in preparing fresh dishes which comfortably cross all lines between exotic and exciting.

The extensive menu offers a range of traditional Indian dishes such as chicken tikka and sheek kabab while some of the chef's specialities include lamb chilli masala, roasted in the tandoor and simmered with hot spices in a rich butter and cream sauce. Those fond of balti could try the sultani special, lamb, chicken and prawns cooked with garlic, ginger, tomatoes, green chillies and flavoured with delicate herbs. Typically Indian dishes such as roghan, karahi, bhuna, dhansak and dopiaza provide a heartening nod to tradition, with naans, parathas and rotis as perfect accompaniments.

The former country home of John Fuller of brewing fame, Grovefield has become a handsome modern hotel has at its heart a restaurant serving a good range of classical and modern cooking. There is a creditable wine list with house wine at £14.50.