A HEARTY Italian was what we needed to warm our cockles on a bitter December evening.

We looked no further than Azzurro, in Westcliff. The warm welcome immediately made us feel like our custom was valued and we were quickly shown to our table.

The restaurant is decorated in hues of beige and peach, which makes it feel warm and cosy while you settle down to eat.

We perused the extensive menu while pecking on some marinated olives and crisps which had been laid out for us – a nice touch.

There was so much on offer we ordered a deliciously light garlic pizzabread while we struggled to make up our minds.

I went for a ministrone soup which I found chunky and full of flavour.

My partner opted for the homemade liver pate with brandy and cream, served with toast. It had a nice texture, but was a little underseasoned for his liking. However, he was thrilled by the Dover sole with prawns which was perfectly cooked and served in a lively, citrus sauce.

My veal was also cooked to perfection and was very tender, but I found the roasted garlic and rosemary sauce with cheese a little overpowering for the flavour of the meat to come through.

We topped off the meal with two perfectly pleasant desserts – a tiramasu and a toffee crunch ice cream with walnuts.

We found the waiters friendly and attentive despite the fact they had a large Christmas party to cope with.

All in all we found Azzurro really hit the spot.

What we ate Garlic bread £1.75 Minestrone soup £4.25 Homemade pate £5.75 Veal with rosemary £11.95 Dover sole with prawns £14.95 Sauté potatoes, boiled potatoes, mange tout and carrots for two £5.90 Toffee crunch icecream £3.95 Tiramisu £3.95

Our verdict Atmosphere 4; Food 4; Decor 4; Value 4; Service 5; Disabled access Yes.