Vittorio, Stow Hill, Newport.

WITH inviting aromas and lively chatter filling the room, we could have closed our eyes and imagined we were back at last year's holiday destination.

But we were a long way from bella Italia and instead were not far from Newport city centre in the recently extended Vittorio's restaurant.

On the Friday evening we were there, the place was bustling with a healthy mixture of customers - couples, families and groups - which added to the informal and comfortable dining experience.

We started with a hearty and warming minestrone soup and tasty meatballs.

This was followed by my whole sea bass, from the specials menu, which was cooked to perfection and served with a lime-based sauce which was just right, enough to add a piquancy to the delicious fish but not too much to mask the flavour.

Served with new pototoes, pured and very sweet carrots, and green beans, this was a dish to savour.

The other main course, a plain fillet steak, was a wee bit overdone but still polished off.

We had a bottle of the recommended Merlot which was an excellent accompaniment for the meal.

We also managed to make room for two sweets - and what a sacrifice that was. Two gorgeous gateaux were served to us. One had cherries and the other was orange flavoured but mere words cannot really describe the taste of these amazing cakes.

Our bill, including drinks, came to £65.60 and we left with emptier wallets but feeling full of la dolce vita.