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Every so often one comes across the culinary sheep in wolf's clothing; of such an ilk is The Three Lions which at first glance appears to be another country pub with food. Do not be fooled. Go beyond its unassuming exterior and be prepared for something very special. Actually the quality of the shiny machinery in the car park is a bit of a giveaway.

Michael and Jane Womersley impose their flair in a way which ensures that the place belongs in a different league to most. The menu draws heavily upon local produce and ingredients and chef Michael resists the temptation to draw upon flights of fancy, with the result that very recognisable but exquisitely created dishes feature largely. One cannot ignore the string of accolades that have come their way - but then he did work with both Michel Guerard and Raymond Blanc - nor the reputation which travels widely.

The wine list is equally challenging, French-inclined and quite expensive. The Three Lions is definitely one for the Specials List.

Pizza Express remains a hugely popular bedrock of casual eating. Its popularity is testimony to the fact that across the country, they have restaurants where you will always be guaranteed a good nosh, with children's tastes being well catered for.

Pizza Express has gone even more Roman, and following the success of that particular example of listening to their public have introduced Romana pizzas, including the scorching Etna and the hearty Siciliana.

These pizzas are now thinner, bigger and crispier, and if that sounds like a marketing line, it is. However, unlike many such lines, this one is true, and their quality is always consistent, though cleverly they have still managed to retain a homemade feel to their pizzas.

As an alternative to pizza, try their pollo pesto - cavatappi pasta with torn chicken breast, mushrooms, red onions and mozzarella in a creamy gruyere, parmesan and pesto sauce and finished with grana padano - or the niçoise salad with mixed leaves, yellowfin tuna, free range egg, green beans, potatoes and tomatoes with olives, anchovies, capers and house dressing.

Many of the big chains have come a long way, and Pizza Express is certainly amongst them. One of the first to be quoted on the Stock Exchange - in 1993 - Pizza Express is not a franchise operation and retains tight control through its own staff.

Their wine list - though short - contains some surprisingly good offerings, especially their intense Australian Chardonnay, and a big, full-bodied Merlot from Cusumano, Sicilia.

There are times in life when the phrase "and now for something a little different" seem pretty inadequate. If Pebble Beach was located somewhere in, say, the Greek islands, it would be regarded as pleasant but unremarkable. Set in Southern England it is truly very different from the average restaurant with rooms, with spectacular views over to the Needles, out to sea, and a strong continental flavour.

Head Chef Pierre Chevillard sees to it that the freshness and simplicity of a cosmopolitan cuisine prevails, with all the confidence of man who earned his Michelin star during his 24 years at Chewton Glen. Starters may consist of a Breton style fish soup, served with croutons, rouille and gruyère cheese, or a crispy duck salad on rocket, watercress, bean sprouts and mouli with an orange and hoi sin dressing.

No surprise that the main courses have a distinctly maritime inclination - after all in theory you have only to cast a line from the beach to be in with a chance - so let's start with grilled fillet of smoked haddock, served on a bubble and squeak cake with a lightly poached egg and whole grain mustard jus. The hock of pork is braised in Burley cider a and served with pan-fried black pudding, apple mash and honey roasted carrots, and the pan-fried noisettes of Scottish venison with potato, celeriac rosti, roasted pear, spinach and blackberry jus are an alliance made in a gastronomic heaven.

Not for nothing was Pierre an outstanding sous chef for much of his time at Chewton Glen, and old habits die hard. A chargrilled tropical fruit brochette with caramelised rice pudding and piña colada sorbet raises more than a few eyebrows.

They are likely to remain raised during a cursory scan of the wine list, clearly the work of somebody who knows wine and the people who drink it.

Everything about Pebble Beach is special - you are strongly advised to enjoy it.

Da Merola, well located in the centre of Crawley provides a welcome touch of culinary interest and excellence in an area where there is not exactly a proliferation of either. And should you wish to walk off the experience later the nearby public gardens are as pleasant a place as any. The great majority of the traditional Italian dishes are there, with some agreeable variations which, whilst they might not be in the lexicon, are enterprising as one might expect from a Neapolitan chef. There is much emphasis on fresh ingredients in the best traditions of old Napoli. A wine list well filled with Italian wines covers useful ground.

If your definition of fine dining includes relaxation, good food and drink and an impressive view of Southampton's waterfront, look no further than La Margherita. Known as Cabin Crew when it was established in 1973, this delightful place has come a long way from being a small café. The friendly atmosphere and appetising food are two things that have remained unchanged.

This Town Quay restaurant encourages you to relax and enjoy anything from simple gourmet pizzas and pastas to a range of fine aged steaks and fish, all with that special Italian touch. The chefs at La Margherita pay a lot of attention to the freshness of ingredients and presentation. The restaurant's strength lies in its balance of traditional and contemporary tastes, giving diners an impressive mix of new and old.

You could sample one of the truly Italian pizzas - while watching the yachts coming in to dock - like Napoli, Sofia Loren or Al Capone, all topped generously with tomato, mozzarella, ham or fresh vegetables, depending on your choice, they are sure to leave you wanting to order them again the next time you visit. If you're the partying kind, don't forget to take a look at the lively dance bar.

With dishes like creamy cannelloni di fungi made from tubes of pasta filled with porcini mushrooms, spinach, caramelised onions and ricotta cheese, served in a pool of basil, tomato and cream sauce, there is enough to satisfy anyone. The lunch and dinner a la carte menu lists pate di pesce, made of home made smoked halibut and salmon with lime dressing served with melba toast, among other starters. The main course selection lets you enjoy della valtellina, scallop of veal sautéed in butter, baked in the oven with fresh basil and mozzarella and served with spaghetti Napoli.

Top off your meal with homemade apple crumble or the exotic banana flambé, prepared by the waiter at your table. The extensive wine list has a wonderful description of each wine and the country of origin and is a treat. As you might expect, there is quite a range of Italian wines, but they are not too parochial as there are also ones from other parts of the world.

With its authentic food and warm hospitality, La Margherita offers a little slice of Italy, right in the heart of Southampton.

Alresford is a warm and friendly market town oozing with local charisma and charm. Nestled within the town is the popular and renowned Caracoli, located in a Grade 2 listed building in Broad Street, in the centre of Alresford.

Developed by Gail and Chris Nichols, Caracoli is a coffee house and food store that offers a full range of specialist coffees and a wide variety of teas as well as smoothies and boutique wines from around the world, all complemented by artisan breads, homemade cakes, biscuits and savoury dishes.

At lunchtime expect to find dishes such as fresh potato gnocchi served with chanterelles, aged manchego and chives or wild boar, Armagnac and hazelnut terrine with toasted house brioche. If you can make it to brunch on a Sunday, the southern hemisphere touch is evident in oat pancakes, local crispy bacon and maple syrup, or a smoked trout eggs Benedict.

Caracoli turns itself into a casual tapas bar on a Friday evening serving dishes such as monkfish carpaccio with lemon olive oil, roasted apple stuffed with morcilla and quince jelly or smoked duck breast with homemade toast and parsnip and apple remoulade.