Although the name seems to suggest its riverside location near the Royal Regatta enclosure, the interior at Villa Marina with candle lights, a lovely fireplace and closely packed tables has all the trappings of a cosy Italian restaurant.

Then there is the food that is reliably authentic starting with tulips of smoked salmon and prawns with mascarpone tartare, baby calamari with chickpeas in a tomato, herb and chilli sauce, and lamb's lettuce salad with avocado and crispy bacon and balsamic dressing. Next to arrive could be plates of cod steak served in a tomato, olives, capers and oregano sauce and chicken breast in mushroom, Marsala wine and cream. The simplicity of a pasta dish is undeniable with egg pasta tossed in smoked bacon, asparagus and tomato sauce, and linguine with prawns, cherry tomatoes, rocket salad and bortega.

The concise wine list at Villa Marina draws from Italy, France, South Africa and Spain with house wine from Rosso.