Treviso

There’s a lot of choice if you want a restaurant in Richmond but I liked this independent, traditional Italian (all the staff spoke the language) restaurant with its relaxed style and good, simple fare.

It’s on a corner plot and has an outside deck all around it – meaning that al fresco eating is possible in good weather. It also provides a safe haven for those who need a cigarette. The large windows mean that the interior is light but still intimate.

We were greeted warmly and shown to a no-nonsense wooden table and given a beautifully designed glass bottle of water. My companion stuck to Diet Coke (£2.50) as he was driving whereas I had a couple of glasses of the excellent Greco Bianco (£8.25). The wine list itself was extensive but there weren’t many that were available for a glass.

There was a mixture of other diners – young and old couples and small family groups.

We skipped starters but were tempted by the home made fishcake (£6.50), wild mushroom crostini (£6.75) and scallops with pistachios (£8.95).

My companion opted for one of the specials which were moules – either in a white wine or a tomato sauce (£14). He opted for the latter and requested a kick of chilli which was granted. He declared them excellent although was a little disappointed with the portion size.

My seafood risotto (£13.95) was very good – sizeable chunks of seafood nestled in well-flavoured rice. Just the right amount.

The menu offers all the pasta and main dishes that you would expect and a few more surprising options. Spinach and asparagus risotto (£11.50), tagliatelle carbonara (£10.25), penne arrabbiata (£9.50), chicken and roast potatoes (£14.95), salmon and mussels with leeks and potatoes in a white wine sauce (£16.75) as well as steaks (£18.95) and beef fillet medallions (£24.50).

My companion had the special cheesecake (£5.20) for dessert but I lucked out with the marvellous vanilla and coffee bean pannacotta (££5.20),

It’s a relaxed and friendly restaurant - and not as noisy and busy as some of the restaurants in the area.