Strada - Great Queen Street

Just off Kingsway is Strada Holborn, another winning entry in the Strada stable. The decor here is very smart and also very relaxed with the ambience of a neighbourhood eaterie, which is what we've come to expect from this chain.

Complimentary mineral water and grissini arrive as soon as you're seated, then it's down to choices. The wood-fired oven is the source of some superb pizzas, lauded even by native Italians.

For starters, try the bruschetta with vine-ripened tomatoes, then either tuck into your favourite pizza, or make a side trip into a pasta or one of the second dishes, like chicken milanese. Desserts include substantial tiramisu. Wines are interesting Italian.