CARAFFA RISTORANTE

BEST FOR Authentic, delicious Italian fare in a family-friendly setting. FOOD For starters, try a deliciously light and crisp oven-baked focaccia topped with slivers of beef carpaccio and garlic oil. A hit with meat-free diners is the melanzane alla parmigiana and the marinated roasted black mushrooms. The veal saltimbocca is a classic – unbelievably tender and topped with Parma ham and mozzarella cheese before being finished off with a dash of white wine. There’s an extensive list of seafood dishes, with a firm favourite being the grilled salmon piled with lightly caramelised red onions and fresh cherry tomatoes. All the pasta is prepared in-house, from scratch: the conchiglioni di Parma is cooked perfectly and tossed in a creamy gorgonzola sauce topped with avocado and Parma ham. End with berry-infused pavlova or smooth-as-silk lemon mousse. DRINKS An impressive wine list with local and Italian wines. SERVICE Warm, hospitable service. AMBIENCE Trattoria-style décor and live piano music. (KM)