The Partners Italian Bistro

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

This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

After being taken over by Nasreen Aksi – a stalwart of the Ashoka chain, particularly the West End and Ashton Lane branches, of which she was franchise owner – not much has changed at the Italian Bistro. The new owner has gone back to a cuisine that she spend much time around while working in the city's restaurant trade for many years, and it is certainly a nice venue to be doing it in. With the Partners SUite upstairs, a dedicated and opulent wedding venue, the former railway station, out on it's own near Gartnaval is an impressive edifice, with a stylish and spacious interior. The food is a good selection of dependable Mediterranean offerings, with plenty of pizzas and pastas and ore sophisticated, nicely presented bistro dishes such as pan-seared king scallops, Gressingham duck and steaks. The à la carte prices can add up but there are plenty of good deals such as an often-on market menu with two courses for £12 and all pizzas and pastas are just under £7 at lunch.

• High point: Lovely renovated railway station
• Low point: A car helps to get there