Il Convivio

A conservatory with a retractable electric roof, offering the prospect of all-year ‘alfresco’ dining, is just one of the attributes of this perennially popular Pimlico Italian. The good-looking Georgian townhouse has been tastefully decorated in opulent red & gold, making a convivial space for the attractively priced contemporary food. Attentive but unobtrusive staff present diners with a succession of upmarket dishes, spanning everything from spaghetti nero with lobster & spring onions, or confit of crispy pork belly with marinated cherries, to Arctic black cod caramelised with aged balsamic (rather than the near-obligatory miso). An impressive selection of artisan organic cheeses rounds things off for savoury palates, while the sweet-toothed can savour the delights of the chocolate trilogy or white espresso ice cream. Two-course lunches (£14.50) & three-course dinners (£17.50) are a steal. Upstairs, a pleasing, homely room is available for private dining.

Wine List The list has been tidied up, presenting what was always a great collection of Italian wine in a far more coherent manner. The quality now shines through & you’ll discover great producers & rare old bottles from the length of this diverse country. Best Buy White 2007 Verdicchio Classico Riserva, Casal di Serra, Umani Ronchi, Marche, Italy, £30. Best Buy Red 2008 Pinot Nero, Colterenzio, Alto Adige, Italy, £29.