The mouth-watering counter at this handsome deli-cum-restaurant – with its dried hams, mushrooms, beautiful cheese, pasta & piles of olives – does a fine job as an appetite enhancer for diners. If a glass of wine or coffee & a snack will suffice, stop at the smart bar on the ground floor. For the complete dining experience, head upstairs to the restaurant. The kitchen takes full advantage of the deli, with a strong line in antipasti (both meat & vegetarian), but there are also beautiful salads, pastas (try the vongole) & classic Italian main courses. Desserts (tiramisu, torta ricotta) are heavier & less interesting, so settle on a vin santo to finish. Valentina is a family-run business, & now has three branches. Expect service to be kind, straightforward & friendly.