From past experience it seems takeaways and these so-called Italian restaurants are simply cashing in on Britain's indulgent taste for foreign cuisine. Luckily there is a place this side of the Midlands where Italian really does mean Italian, where pizza means freshly made thin bases and no there isn't a stuffed crust in sight.

Where is this place? Nottingham that's where. We may be the home of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest and all things British but don't be fooled, we have an excellent selection of real Italian restaurants that won't cost you all of next months wages. My guide to the best Italian Restaurant is the sure fire way to insure you aren't stuck eating chewy calamari way past it's sell by date or pasta that hasn't seen a rolling pin since the production line.

Nottingham Zizzi Italian restaurants are undoubtedly one of the best chains of Italian eateries throughout the UK.  Zizzi Nottingham located in Nottingham city centre has been a favourite of mine since I was introduced to it a few years ago. On entering the restaurant you are immediately struck by its authentic décor, and the interior really does allow the customer to unwind and imagine they are really eating out in the Italian Riviera. The menu provides you with a real taste of Italian cuisine, with all their pizzas being cooked to perfection in their wood burning oven- one of the many quirky attributes this restaurant is able to offer.

Insalata Litorale

Despite all of this the prices are extremely reasonable, yet still the quality is not compromised. Typical starters include, marinated olives, Insalata Litorale, which is a crayfish salad with smoked salmon and rocket or my personal favourite, tomato pesto bread. Main courses are just delicious and very well presented, call me old fashioned but when a meal arrives nice and warm and without delay there is a high chance I will return. Zizzi gets ten out of ten on all counts.

For those customers who like their food plain and simple there are dishes to cater for your needs with a simple Spaghetti alla Bolognese in a simple yet delicious traditional meat sauce or for those of you who like your food the fussier the better they do a great Spaghetti Marinere. This spaghetti dish is served with mussels drizzled in a creamy white wine and garlic sauce, again cooked to perfection. The staff are very friendly and will always go out of their way to help in any way they can and despite having a long waiting time for tables during the weekends the staff are always apologetic and will often offer you compensation in the form of free drinks.

Think of the Med

Over in Parliament Street, Antibo  claims that once inside, the customer "can imagine being anywhere in the Mediterranean". This really is the case; the management team  really have got the authentic look down to a tee. On first observations the restaurant is run by people with Italian upbringing, and who is more qualified to make authentic Italian cuisine than real Italians?

The focal point of Antibo is the open kitchen, where you can see the highly experienced chefs cooking up a storm. From a personal point of view I love the idea of watching my food being made, it also amazes me how the chefs stay so calm when under pressure especially with many customers looking on in admiration. Recommended starters include Garlic mushrooms, Minestrone soup and Scottish Mussels, despite the name implying little Italian input I have it on very good authority that they are exquisite! Main courses to try include Cannelloni alla Ricotta, cooked cannelloni filled with baby spinach and ricotta cheese and spaghetti meatballs. Again the menu is extremely reasonable, with Antibo offering their customers two for one on main meals every Sunday to Thursday.

No need for a bike

If all that eating has left you reaching for the nearest exercise bike don't fret Antibo even have this angle covered, they do salsa classes with Carlos every Wednesday and Sunday for all abilities. Antibo a few years back had a reputation for attracting stag and hen parties attempting to drink the bar dry this is however, no longer the case. (Note to all such parties- Antibo is a relaxing upmarket restaurant. Please do not ruin the ambiance and stick to other hotspots, such as Frankie and Bennies amongst other, lets nail as many road signs as possible to the wall restaurants). All in all the minimalist décor and interesting injection of colour in the form of abstract art, just adds to Antibo's charm. Even after one or two Birra Moretti's later (that's local Italian import to me and you) the place is still just as charming as when I arrived.