Amaretto
12 The Promenade,
Hale Lane,
Edgware,
HA8 7JZ
020 8958 9099.

Walking into Ameretto in Hale Lane, Edgware on a dreary January day, my mood was instantly lifted by the Mediterranean aromas of ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs wafting from the kitchen.

Open for lunch and dinner, the menu is a mixture of Italian classics, as well as some house specialities. For starters, the traditional antipasto misto is a combination of Italian cured meats and mozzerella, or if you prefer something lighter, there is the delicious vegetali alla griglia (mixed grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil dressing).

Alternatively, the wonderful soups are just the thing to keep you warm on chilly winter days. Choose from classic minestrone, hearty pasta and bean soup, or the delicate stracciatella (Clear soup with egg and parmesan cheese).

Main courses include generous portions of pasta, with almost every sauce imaginable. But for something different, why not try some delicious home-made crespoline (pancakes) stuffed with ricotta and spinach, or the gnocchi potato dumplings.

These come served with either a simple tomato and basil sauce, or baked in the oven with mozzarella and grated parmesan, and make perfect comfort food on a winter's day.

Huge, hand-made pizzas are the stars of the show, with toppings from the classic margherita to the more robust flavours of red peppers and gorgonzola.

As you would expect, there are some delicious fish dishes, such as the spigola al finocchio (sea bass with a fennel and white wine sauce).

Meat-lovers, too, won't be disappointed, with plenty of classics, such as saltimbocca alla Romana (veal with parma ham, sage and white wine sauce) and the aromatic, costolette di agnello impante (lamb served with a butter and rosemary sauce).

As well as it's extensive a la carte menu, it offers a set lunch menu with two courses and a glass of wine or a soft drink for £7.90.