Il Gondoliere

Just off the Corso, this Italian trattoria keeps customers coming back with a warm welcome and the promise of hearty traditional meals. Locals pack into the cosy space for generous servings of unfussy Italian staples - big plates of pasta and risotto, pan-fried veal or tender chicken with veg. Bruschetta brims with a mountain of fresh, flavourful tomato and just the right hit of garlic, the faithful gnocchi napoletana is rich yet satisfyingly simple, and fettucini ai gamberoni is pleasantly spicy with prawns galore. And there's something extra appealing about these dishes when they're served atop a red-and-white chequered tablecloth.