BUSTLING, busy and bursting, La Lupa is a hubbub of activity to awaken even the most docile of visitors.

Situated in High Street, Southampton, this well-established Italian restaurant is famed for its pizzas freshly baked in the only traditional Italian log-burning pizza oven in the city while diners look on.

But the menu at this airy and simple but modern decorated restaurant offers far more than pizza and pasta with a broad selection of meats, fish and vegetarian dishes to choose from as well.

So we decided to steer clear of its trademark pizzas and test the rest.

Having been promptly shown to our table and with a bottle of Chardonnay already slipping down the throat we landed upon the whitebait and cocktail di gamberetti, more commonly known as prawn cocktail.

That was exactly what it was. Nothing fancy, just simple but enjoyable food that set you up well for the main course.

The friendly and efficient service did not leave us wanting and no sooner had the starter been taken away than the main dish arrived.

For the main meal we chose the chicken breast, which had been lightly fried and served wrapped in parma ham and a light sauce. It was perfectly cooked and very filling.

Scallopine del Bosco, or veal steak in a mushroom, cream and white-wine sauce was our other choice. Although the steak was little thin the sauce satiated every taste bud.

We still found room though to chose a slice of banoffee pie to share, which nicely rounded off a very filling meal, which totalled £54 for two including a £13 bottle of white wine.

Intimate this venue is not. Colourful and full of atmosphere it is - a recipe for a lively and enjoyable night out.

Reservations: 023 8033 1849.