A TRIP to Curro's in Cross Street, Caerleon ,is one of life's bankers when it comes to dining out in Newport.

The popular Italian in the Caerleon village has forged a well-deserved reputation for its consistently high quality food and friendly service.

We visited on a busy Saturday night in which the small restaurant was close to being uncomfortably full but, unlike many restaurants at peak times, we received a warm welcome and relaxed, unhurried service. We started with generous portions of garlic mushrooms and toast and pt which were both excellent.

For a main course I chose chicken in a spicy tomato sauce with vegetables and potatoes, while my girlfriend opted for a pasta with a creamy carbonara sauce.

Both dishes were well presented and cooked to perfection. We were both far too full for a dessert, even though the selection looked tempting and over indulgent.

The total bill came to £48.20 which included a bottle of house red. The Curro's experience is one of reliability and high quality as its legion of regular diners - which has included Anthony Hopkins will testify. Highly recommended. Gareth Phillips