Situated next to the Thames, the restaurant is in an ideal position - just away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre but easy to find as you wonder leisurely past the river. Occupying two floors of a grand listed building, this restaurant offers something a bit more unique to fans of the Strada chain, with its tall ceiling space filled with sunlight flooding in through big windows. Yet, the restaurant itself is extremely cosy, with dark wood tables, dark red walls and burgundy banquette seating. In the evenings, candles set the scene, adding a romantic glow against the red, so it's a great restaurant choice for a hot date, or meal with your other half!

Apart from the unique shape of the building, what I loved most about Strada Kingston is the way they have used the space. Although some of the tables were a bit too close together for my liking (as in many restaurants!), the unique room shape meant that you couldn't see all of the restaurant at one time, which makes you wonder what's around the
corner! Although dark walls often make rooms look smaller, large round mirrors made the restaurant seem bigger than it was, and the general look is warm and cosy, which I tend to prefer.

What I also loved is the attention to detail - glass jars filled with chilli peppers and other bright and colourful vegetables, and huge red lampshades - which just added to the unique style of the restaurant.

Stairs under a large glass conservatory lead up to the relaxed bar area, which can be hired out for parties with exclusive use of the bar. The largest size accepted for group bookings is 20, and smaller groups can hire cosy burgundy banquettes. There is also room for 20 people outside.

As for the food, I'm just glad I had three courses! Well-presented, delicious and great value for money, you won't be disappointed. The only problem is deciding what to have because there are so many tempting dishes to choose from, including quality fish, meat, pasta, vegetarian dishes and mouth-watering big wood-fired pizzas. It might take you a while… For starters, I had Antipasto Misto, Antipasto of Speck, Parma ham and Napoli salami with buffalo mozzarella, vine ripened tomatoes and olives, served with chargrilled ciabatta. As a big fresh fish lover, for the main meal I tried Tonno Alla Nizza, which consisted of seared Yellow Fin Tuna with a cannelloni bean, rocket, red onion, cherry tomato, cucumber and French bean salad, served with spinach and herbed roast potatoes.

Saving the best to last, the desserts are fantastic. After a great deal of agonizing over what to choose - and after a brief thought that maybe I should just to have them all - I finally decided on Fondente Al Cacao, which is the most amazing chocolate pudding I have ever tasted. Served with rum and coffee ice cream… Well, I'm sure you won't need any convincing!

Strada - Kingston-Upon-Thames, 1 The Griffin Centre, Market Place
Kingston on Thames, KT1 1JT www.strada.co.uk

Children are welcome and highchairs are available.
No smoking area. Air-conditioned. Open seven days a week.