Metrogusto has returned, hurrah! Between 1998 and 2005 this restaurant was a mainstay of battersea, with innovative takes on Italian cooking – it even earned mention in the Michelin guide as best value in London. We then lost it to Islington (and was replaced locally with the much more derivative Three Bridges Italian). But now we can welcome it back with open arms. Economic times mean it is a little more restrained, it's focus is on excellently turned out pasta's and risotto's. It has also embraced the concept of tapas style morsels, which are excellent value (who can argue with £3 for 2 large rice croquettes). Unusually (for a london italian), the food and wine predominantly heralds from northern italy. It also has a lovely space, with a sleek, but warm, modern look (the art is more restrained than it once was (more's the pity)). It doesn't aim to compete with the value end of the market (like the excellent st genaro (for pizza) or antipasto – both nearby), but aims at the quality mid market. This is the place to linger with friends and enjoy fab fresh food, and excellent wine ( this is the first place in London for some years where I have seen an amarone Classico on the menu for less than £50) – the wine list is excellent, and balanced with fab (and quite unusual) beer choices. I understand that during the day they have a children's menu, and encourage coffee and cake hunters ( with sofas at one end) Enjoy this much welcomed addition to battersea.