SOME restaurants go all out for a trendy image but neglect the quality of their food.

Others prepare the most beautiful food but are happy to let you eat it in something resembling a doctor's waiting room.

The Olive Tree, on the other hand, gets everything right - it is a triumph of both style and substance.

The inside of this Italian restaurant is all subtle lighting, orange ceiling and what look like dividers made from potato sacks.

It's modern and quietly trendy.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen would think it was a bit muted, but Carol Smillie would love it.

Now for the food.

I started with the goat cheese pan-roasted in a black olive and herb crust with a walnut and balsamic dressing, which was a crunchy-melty delight.

For my main course, I went for the canneloni stuffed with feta cheese, spinach, olives and basil, topped with a tomato and chive coulis - another faultless combination of taste and texture.

My companion had the piquillo peppers followed by talapia fillets with artichokes and a pesto dressing, both of which met with her approval.

The Olive Tree is well worth a visit for its imaginative and reasonably priced menu, which features many exciting new twists on a range of established favourites.

AW

The Olive Tree, 29 Oxford Street, Southampton

Reservations: 023 8034 3333