Amore

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the 2012 edition.

At the quiet end of Ingram Street, Amore sits mezzanine height above pavement level which, along with the smart furnishings, lots of sparkling glass and stone-bake oven, provides a pleasant sense of occasion. It's a warm and welcoming enough space, but lacks a certain intimacy, tending to work better for business lunches or large parties. It has a slight feel of an Italian theme restaurant, although most of the staff are Italian and extremely helpful and accommodating. The bumper menu is a bit daunting but reasonably priced and fairly well executed. The speciality pizzas are particularly good, while a starter of pork and haggis meatballs – strikes a satisfying cultural balance. The caprese salad is let down by bland mozzarella but mains of penne arrabiata and the house speciality – sausage and mushrooms in a chilli and white wine sauce – are generously portioned and tasty. Dig in for a third course: the desserts are worth it.

• High point: Great budget lunch options
• Low point: Warm glass of merlot