Ave Mario

Big Mamma sure knows how to get your attention. The now international group started out in France before spreading to the UK and Spain, and judging by the response so far, they're not stopping anytime soon. Their restaurants seem designed to overwhelm all your senses with their combination of elaborate decor and fresh takes on Italian classics, invoking the spirit of that country's trattorias while serving up plate after plate of delicacies sourced from Italian family-run suppliers.

The spacious Ave Mario planted its flag right in Covent Garden with three sizeable rooms, each with its own twist on the "idyllic day in Florence" theme the restaurant is going for, and two huge terraces. As expected, the décor is a feast for the eyes, with the attention to detail manifest in every nook and cranny – if you don't believe us, go have an Italo disco moment in the toilet.

That same care is paid to the dishes and their presentation as well. The menu changes monthly, but you can always count on Italian standbys such as pizza and pasta to complement whatever new thing the head chef comes up with. The extensive wine list features Italian wines, of course, while the house showstopper is the Gelato Tower, a giant ice cream cake they cut you a slice off of right at your table.