Fanelli's

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It can seem a bit lonely sitting in the plush but slightly soulless Merchant Square, but Fanelli’s has a very warm welcome. On offer here are Italian staples with a Scottish influence creeping in. This is evident in pizza combinations such as haggis and parma ham, or in a salsiccia casserole served with a creamy mash. Simple starters include bruschetta piled with tomatoes, fresh mussels in white wine sauce, a tarragon-filled cream of chicken soup and juicy king prawns served in a light tomato, chilli and garlic sauce. The pollo alla cacciatore main with spaghetti is more solidly Italian while the pizza loaded with haggis and Stornoway black pudding is a real Scottish feast. And to finish a Scot-Italian cranachan made with amaretto biscuits. It is also worth noting that the place is very child friendly – Italian to the fore no doubt – and at the weekends Fanelli’s run pizza-making classes for both kids and adults.

• High point: Genuinely friendly service
• Low point: Black pudding deployed in hefty wedges