Puccini is a real gem, offering delicious home-cooked food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re eating in the small dining room or the larger room beyond, the decor, temperature (even on a freezing January night) and background music will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.

The menu does the same, offering dishes from Spain and the Middle East as well as from Italy. With the help of the knowledgeable staff, we decided to visit every region, starting with tapas. Our falafel, halloumi, lamb couscous and Spanish potatoes were delicious. Although I was tempted to order some tapas for my main course too, I headed for Lebanon with a main of shish tawook – skewers of chicken with rice and a garlic dip. My companion opted for Puccini chicken – ham-wound chicken breast stuffed with basil and mozzarella on a bed of roast vegetables. Both dishes were cooked to perfection. Having missed out on the pizza and pasta dishes, we ducked back into Italy for our dessert, sharing a delightful tiramisu.

With a pianist playing on selected weekend days to complement the dining experience, the only way is up for Puccini. We will be back.