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Diva Restaurant and Piano Bar

Tara O’Grady’s harbourside Italian restaurant has had to contend with construction work associated with the new marina recently, but will once again enjoy a prime location once it comes on-stream.

At the top of the stairs, double doors open into the pleasant bar with comfortable sofas, where a fire blazes in winter. The two rooms that make up the restaurant are usually busy, with tables full of contented diners, often including young families; the back room is where the pianist plays and sings while you dine.

The menu has all the Italian favourites, including pizza and a choice of chicken dishes - and, unusually, gluten free pasta is available and there is no flour in any of the sauces. Bruschetta, authentic minestrone soup, or mussels on the half shell make good starters, and main courses include classics like lasagne al forno, and spaghetti bolognese, alongside less usual dishes like scallopine Anna Bolena (sautéed scallops in fresh pasta, with a white wine sauce with sundried tomatoes).

And do leave space for dessert - a chocolate and orange mousse, perhaps, profiteroles, tiramisu or a seasonal strawberry mascarpone cheesecake.

The wine list is shortish, with good value house wines.

With excellent mid range food, a lively atmosphere and friendly, welcoming staff, Diva has all the ingredients that make for a good night out.

Seats 120; Open Mon-Fri 5-"late"; Sat-Sun 12-"late". MasterCard, Visa, Laser.