Occupying a big open-plan space with polished wood floors, shiny chrome detailing, red vases on the windowsills, red leather banquettes and prints galore, the Italian Kitchen is a handy fixture of the Merchant City scene. Pre-theatre deals, kids’ menus and agreeable prices help to bring in the customers, while the full menu shows respect for native ingredients – many imported from the mother country. Pizzas, risottos and pasta are naturally given a good workout (try the linguine with Tuscan sausage, chilli and fennel or tagliatelle with baked ham shank, peas, cream and parmesan), with mains might feature anything from tournedos Rossini or veal escalope in Marsala sauce to daily fish specials. For afters, order pannacotta with Amarena cherries and praline, tiramisu or crêpes with limoncello syrup. Pizzas are also available to takeaway.