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hand picked restaurants

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.

Set in the village of Fetcham in Surrey, The Bell is known for its unique style of dining, remarkable food and excellent real ales. A truly British pub and a stylish restaurant, its décor is marked with prolific use of heavy mirrors and warm colours, grand chandelier lights and comfortable leatherette seating. The Alfresco option - carefully landscaped to make a feature garden - is not just great in summers, but the additional covered and heated areas make them a splendid and viable option in winters as well.

Classic British cooking, utilising top quality produce, parades on a menu that comes complete with dishes such as warm chicken and bacon salad, spicy crispy squid and the traditional fish pie that's topped with mashed potato.

A good range of well kept cask ales, a wide selection of lagers and over 30 specially selected wines by the glass or bottle are to hand at The Bell.

Located in North Leatherhead, Kingston Road, Lal Qilla has long been established as one of the leading Indian restaurants in the region. The vibrant, modern interior combined with friendly staff and attentive service make for a warm, hospitable atmosphere that patrons have come to enjoy and recommend. Head chef Azad is passionate about his art and personally specializes in south Indian coastal cuisine with a modern twist.

Start with tender pieces of chicken marinated in yoghourt spices and barbecued in a charcoal oven and south Indian style buttered tiger prawn with fresh curry leaves, ginger serves and chili jam. Main course could see gosht kata masala, diced boneless leg of spring lamb braised golden brown with sliced onions, fresh ginger and coriander appear at the table with a choice of Indian breads. An exotic fresh fruit platter followed by a tea will leave you satisfied with your outing.

The business centre and historic market town of Leatherhead is home to the Five Rivers restaurant, situated in Bridge Street, and helping to set fresh standards in popular Indian cuisine.

Five River's low fat food is free of artificial colours and is inspired by India's grand culinary traditions; the menu features dishes predominantly from the Northern part of the country. Starters of aloo chat, tandoori chicken, and lamb reshmi kebab complemented by a spicy yellow lentil daal soup provide a great start. Classic curries ranging from bhuna, korma and dupiaza, to rogan josh, vindaloo, and jalfrezi make regular appearances on the tables.

House specials of delicately spiced paneer saag malai, keema mutter of minced lamb and green peas, salmon tikka and king prawn karahi add to the excitemen. Naan bread and rice can be had alongside, while biryani is a complete meal in itself.

You are sure to find a good accompaniment to your meal from the well-chosen list of drinks.