Pizzeria Amici, 22 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1JZ.

(01225) 863661

Whether you’re a visitor taking in Bradford on Avon on the tourist trail or just popping down into town for a night out, Amici fits the bill.

Perfect for either a group or for two, as we were, it can move effortlessly between the buzzing, busy atmosphere or a more intimate vibe.

While limited space makes booking advisable, the relaxed atmosphere is noticeable the moment you step in off the street (and be careful making your exit, you step out on to the street!).

Takeaway orders are available, but the steady flow of folk picking up their orders never felt intrusive. The sporting-themed pictures and inset bookshelves added to the impression that you could have been walking into someone’s front room.

Seated quickly by the friendly staff and having ordered a bottle of red, the choice of starter was really a no-contest once the plate of cold meat antipasti for two (£10) had been spied.

What emerged was a deep plate featuring salami and Parma ham, generously garnished and seasoned with herbs and dressing.

The topping of thin breadsticks criss-crossing the top was a nice touch, while the hidden treasure underneath was a small dish of marinated black and green olives.

For our main courses, there was never really any doubt we were gong to take the plunge with a pizza, priced between £6 and £9, although the selection of pasta dishes, a tempting lasagne among them, did cause a moment’s indecision.

The range of pizza toppings available was wide, and you could watch your pizza take shape in the stone-baked oven in the corner.

I opted for crispy pancetta, roasted garlic and caramelised red onion, a delicious mixture really enhanced by the sweetness of the onions, while the base was crisp and light.

A plate of doughy garlic pizza bread as an accompaniment was ideal although, given hindsight, we arguably could have got away with sharing one between us.

The rather rich-sounding desserts listed on the blackboard looked interesting but we were already satisfied.

With the bottle of wine, a cappuccino and a Coke, the bill came to just under £50 – a small price to pay for a very pleasant evening.

Takeaways available.

Lunch and evening menu.

Vegetarian options.

No parking.

Children welcome.

Very small, so booking advisable.

Town centre.

Our Eating Out is an independent review carried out by the Gazette without prior knowledge of the owners.