GIULIANO’S ****

1 The Parade, Barry. 01446 733340

With its picturesque setting overlooking the gardens of the parade next to the old harbour in Barry, Giuliano’s Italian restaurant is in an idyllic location. On a sunny day, you could even be sat along the Amalfi coast… well, almost.

Having recently been refurbished with a sea and beach inspired decor – pale blue walls, wooden furniture, black and white prints of the bay – Giuliano’s offers inviting surroundings. The restaurant has obviously upped the ante, and so far they are clearly benefitting. We had an early sitting on a very busy Saturday, and despite being busy, our waiter didn’t rush us. To start we had garlic mushrooms and Parma ham with mozzarella, basil and tomatoes. For our mains we opted for sea bass with seasonal vegetables and a huge homemade lasagne which was huge. With all the food prepared fresh for every sitting, you can see the kitchen and the chefs busily cooking away at the back of the restaurant whilst the resulting smells waft through the restaurant.

Giuliano’s is a family-run, intimate and very friendly little place, and the fact that it’s sat directly opposite a beach is another plus point. Perfect if you want to prolong that holiday feeling, the food is excellent, and the service is too. Although I found the wine a little bit pricey, Giuliano’s is well worth returning as you can expect a friendly welcome with some fantastic food. LANCE HARRISON