So when the business moved from its humble home on Elmton Road to the huge former Monroe’s pub just down the road, I was concerned that my favourite Italian would never be the same again.

Previously, Viva La Mamma had flourished in its modest surroundings, so I was sceptical yet hopeful when I visited the re-vamped restaurant, which is not only on a larger scale but also has a brand-new menu.

Since taking over Monroe’s, the owners have given the building a much-needed makeover and have transformed the premises into an attractive, modern establishment.

One half of the building is still being used as a pub, but gone is the dowdy decor and dim lighting, and in has come the funky, modern furnishings, plasma screens and inviting bar.

And in the other half of the building sits Viva La Mamma, and to say it has transformed is an understatement.

The restaurant is spacious and tastefully decorated, and has several tables which are romantically decorated with deep red table cloths, complete with candles and wine glasses.

And you can still watch Mamma cook the home made Italian dishes that has enticed diners from far and wide.

I opted for the garlic mushrooms to start while my husband ambitiously decided to tackle a mince bolognese sauce pancake wrap, which had more bolognese poured on top. The dish was delicious.

The mushrooms too were perfect – just the right amount of melted butter and fresh garlic, drizzled over plump button mushrooms, complete with a side offering of crusty bread.

As a regular at the former restaurant, I could never resist the calzone, which is basically a folded pizza, filled with ham, onions, mushrooms, mince bolognese and mozzarella.

So both my husband and I opted for our favourite dish in the hope that moving to a new location and catering to a larger restaurant would not have affected the quality of the food.

And I should never have given it a second thought.

The restaurant is better than ever – not only is the food even more delicious than I remember, but the surroundings are truly sumptuous.

Some artistic features have been used in the new building to bring a taste of authentic Italy to the restaurant, including a stunning mural of a Venice canal scene, and the front of a quaint Italian apartment that has been erected above the restaurant’s bar.

The menu has also been revised, and as well as the old favourites like pizza and the numerous pasta dishes, there are now many new options on offer to tempt the tastebuds.

And for about £30 for two starters, main meals and a good bottle of wine, my husband and I not only left the restaurant feeling well-fed and content, but like we had received excellent value for money.

by Helen Mullins

Star rating HHHHH