Francesco's - Maidenhead

I love Francesco's. It's friendly, popular, fun and, most importantly, it serves really rather good Italian food. It all started in the 70s, when an Italian baker began to produce a range of breads from home. By popular demand, a restaurant came into being - branches of which can be found in Windsor, Maidenhead and Marlow, keeping an ethos of authentic Italian tradition, the joy of creativity, love of hospitality and respect for good ingredients alive. We visited the Maidenhead branch, and after the initial warm reception, we were left to sit back and absorb the ambience and nods to Italian rusticity - terracotta tiles on a mock portico, and weather-worn verdigris. It is a place to enjoy, and in which to feel at home. My husband started with tangy di Capra goat's cheese coated in breadcrumbs, on a bed of spinach topped with sweet onion marmalade. He then moved on to a deeply satisfying classic lasagne - layered pasta and homemade, deliciously meaty ragu sauce topped with Parmesan and crisply baked in the oven. He finished with a clean, cool, refreshing sorbet, and was deep in concentration as he compared the bite of Sicilian lemons with the smoothness of mangoes; and practically purred as he sipped his Italian blended espresso. My journey to culinary bliss was more discreet - simple yet delicious mozzarella and tomatoes to whet the appetite, followed by the comfort of gnocchi alla Sorentina. This tasty favourite consisted of baby potato dumplings with sweet cherry tomatoes in a homemade tomato and cheese sauce. To accompany, I chose a side dish of fresh, taut runner beans with Parmesan shavings. To round off, I decided on elegant pannacotta garnished with plump, fresh raspberries. It is lovely to be served by people who take such pride in what they offer, and such an interest in your experience. I am very tempted to try Francesco's Sunday lunch - their Italian take on our much-loved traditional roast.