I was taken to Vasco's around 12 years ago and instantly fell in love with its charm, atmosphere and wonderful food. The kitchen use fresh and quality seasonal ingredients, give them the simplest and lightest of touches and consistently deliver exceptional Italian dishes.

I have eaten there on dates, with team parties, and groups of friends and every time had something that wowed me and made me instantly think it had been too long since I last been. The result was I never wanted to tell anyone about it, Vasco's was like a wonderful secret, just between me and the busy little dining room of other people chatting over sublime dishes and Italian wines. Sadly it is time to tell everyone about it, as the last time I was in Vasco's (a Tuesday evening), it was empty, me and two friends, and a single man in the far corner.

With such beautiful pasta, fish and meaty dishes, stunning anti pasti and puddings to die for (the panna cotta and Umbrian cherries a gelatinous trip to gastro heaven, and beyond), the little dining room should not be left so empty. Take the set lunch or pre-theatre menus for stunning deals, or go a little later and linger over the a la carte menu and great wine list. You'll not be disappointed.