Galileo's

With its Haymarket address, Galileo's can rightly claim to be a central London restaurant. And rather a fine one at that. Part of an inexpensive, family chain of Italian restaurants in key tourist areas, this Galileo's is a buzzy, trattoria-style venue that's almost always full. And not necessarily of tourists.

The menu leans towards the delights of Tuscany, famous for its olive groves and idyllic countryside. If the veal escalope with spinach, beef tomatoes, cheese gratin and potatoes, followed by a rich chocolate pudding doesn't quite tempt, several other dishes will. An after-dinner liqueur is a must. Thumbs up to the very pleasant and polite waiting staff. In fact, thumbs up all round.