The Old Library

Now well established with a band of loyal regulars, this classy renovation offers everything from simple stuzzichini (snacks) to sophisticated mains. Like any beachside joint, from Malibu to St Tropez, it also has a comfy bar. The menu shows strong, assertive flavours, with a pleasant contemporary Italian touch. Cannelloni is simply stuffed with slow-cooked pulled beef, peas and rocket, certainly not trad but definitely delicious. Good Italian sausages come with a sweet and spicy sauce of Cynar, chocolate, chilli and tomato; and baby peppers are stuffed with spicy crab and pureed corn. Meat is definitely where it's at. A fall-apart braised lamb shoulder makes a gigantic main course with a big piece of crisp belly, a dollop of sheep's yoghurt, peas and olives. After all these big tastes, a mixed serve of gelato or sorbetti is a suitably surfside way to say dessert.