Azzurro Portsmouth

Cheery mini-chain Azzurro does comfort food with a strong Italian accent, & it keeps things familiar – so expect the full range of Brit-friendly trattoria standards including spag bol, lasagne, pizza ‘quattro formaggi’ & mushroom risotto, to name but a few. Otherwise, the kitchen doesn’t challenge the palate too much further than, say, sea bass with spring onions, lime & coriander dressing or tagliatelle with smoked salmon & asparagus. Desserts are reassuring too, with tiramisu & profiteroles doused in chocolate sauce among the top picks. The predominantly Italian wine list only exceeds the £20 mark for its best bottles – perfect for groups & casual meals with colleagues. Good-value spirits & draught lagers keep the bar buzzing for pre-supper warm-ups & post-prandial wind-downs.