Restaurants

It’s no surprise to find a line of people queueing outside this retro ice-cream parlour for a tub of fresh fruit sorbet (lemon, papaya) or cone of own-made ice-cream (caribbean coconut, toffee crunch). The spacious interior is often packed too. Marine Ices is a great place for families and group get-togethers (staff are more than happy to serenade you with their rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’). The happy vibe can border on the noisy, but food is good value and tasty. To start, there’s a range of antipasti (including lovely garlicky bruschetta), followed by pizzas, meat dishes (plenty of veal) and many pasta dishes: you pick the pasta shape and the classic Italian sauce to go with it. Alternatively, choose from the more unusual house specialities – how about risotto barbara with Spanish sausage, cream, peas and saffron? The family-run business started in 1928 and the owners are proud of their history. Pictures of family members adorn the walls, along with those of minor celebrities and their scrawled autographs.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009