Zia Teresa

This is a good spot to stop when you need a little lunch pick-me-up after a busy morning shopping at The Cornershop over the road. Something slightly odd is going on with the decor (the outside/inside courtyard theme has been somewhat marred by the addition of an aircon unit on top of what would otherwise be a pagoda roof!) which hasn't been updated since the eighties, but that's a welcome relief from the bling bling outside. My tomato pasta was uneventful, but I blame myself for ordering the dullest thing on the menu; my boyfriend's carbonara was much tastier and the fried zucchini delicious. I wouldn't travel out of my way for this or come for an evening meal here, but it ticks all the boxes for lunch in the area: friendly service, down-to-earth atmosphere, reasonable prices (£15 a head for pasta with a shared side and a soft drink). It gets busy so be prepared to wait a few minutes.

The simplicity and retro charm of this place make it an absolute winner for me. So unexpected, sitting opposite Harrods. I totally expected far less and was pleasantly surprised.