Antonio's, Bearwood

People looking to banish back to work blues with a taste of mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine don't need to go abroad to get their fix.

All they need to do is head to Antonio's - an exotic haven for foodies who want well-cooked, delicious grub on their doorstep.

Having lived in Bearwood for a number of years I've probably walked past Antonio's, on Three Shires Oak Road, hundreds of times but until one frosty evening I had never ventured through its doors.

It's fair to say that my winter chills were instantly thawed by the sunny disposition of owner Antonio Pitsillides.

Welcoming and friendly, he showed my companion and I to a table before offering us the drinks menu which includes a good variety of French, Spanish, Greek, Cypriot and Italian wines, as well as soft drinks, beers and spirits.

My partner went for a bottle of San Miguel, £2.50, while I couldn't resist a glass of the house white wine, £2.75, which was crisp and fruity.

After surveying the menu for a good 15 minutes my partner and I were struggling to make up our minds on what to have for our starters.

It wasn't that there were too many dishes to choose from, it was simply that they all seemed far too scrumptious to pick just one - so we didn't.

We instead decided on a mix of traditional Greek dishes which included tasty taramasalata, £2.95, a dip made from smoked cod roe, lemon juice and olive oil.

Smooth and creamy houmous, £2.95, a popular Cypriot dip made from chick peas, tahini/sesame seed paste, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic, tzaziki, £2.95, a mouthwatering yogurt, cucumber, mint and garlic dip and fresh tasting feta cheese, £3.95.

As well as a portion of keftedes, yummy Cypriot and Greek style fried meatballs, calamari, £4.95, and a mixed salad, £3.50.

All the dishes were delicious and it was clear to see and taste that the chef had used quality ingredients and care in his preparation.

Although it's hard to wittle down my favourite dish from our starters, I thought the mixed salad and carefully crafted keftedes were particularly excellent.

The keftedes were succulent and moist while the salad was a perfect mix of leafs, feta cheese, tomato, cucumber, peppers and a dressing that was one of the best I have ever tasted.

For our main dishes Antonio recommended chicken al Antonio which was a breast of chicken, oven cooked in a rich tomato sauce with ham and mushrooms.

The dish, which forms part of a special Christmas menu, is not normally featured on the al a carte list but after devouring it I thought it should be.

The creamy yet robust sauce was incredibly flavoursome as was the perfectly cooked chicken which my knife sliced through effortlessly.

The chicken was accompanied by a separately plated portion of scrumptiously seasoned potatoes and a serving of rice that was light and fluffy.

Completely satisfied from our generous meal, I finished my wine and soaked in the atmosphere of this little gem of a restaurant.

It may not have been full of customers but the warm and family orientated demeanour of the venue gives this restaurant a special ambience that can be hard to find at other eateries.

Antonio says he tries hard to create a relaxed atmosphere for his customers to enjoy.

"A lot of people that know me know we have a friendly approach here," says the 63-year-old. "They feel at home here and that's important to me."

Having enjoyed the meal and the hospitality at Antonio's immensely, I hope that the restaurant, which celebrates its fourth anniversary this month, will soon become a home from home for me.

I would definitely recommend Antonio's Mediterranean Restaurant. The evening menu is on offer from 6pm-11pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm-3pm and 6pm-9pm on Sundays.

Claire Morrall

Three Shires Oak Road,

Bearwood

Tel: 0121 4203301