ENSCONCED in the heaving bosom of Ashley Cross, Poole you will find this alluring and mysterious restaurant.

From its flirtatious gold lettering, dark curved windows and heavy curtains it looks like all manner of naughtiness could be taking place inside.

Inside the décor is dark red and very intimate, with cosy booths offering privacy for that shady business deal or marriage proposal.

Booking ahead seems to be almost essential – particularly if you desire one of the much-coveted booths.

If you’re lucky enough to get a booth then I don’t think there’s a restaurant in the area with a more romantic atmosphere. We went on a Friday evening to celebrate a special occasion and virtually all the tables were full.

After being warmly greeted by Paulo and his friendly waiting staff, my partner and I were presented with a mouth-watering selection of canapés as we slavered over the menu.

A quick word about Paulo – he’s extremely passionate about his food and equally fond of a saucy innuendo.

The main menu offers predominately French cuisine and a joyous selection of dishes.

There is a separate vegetarian section, and a three-course bistro menu is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Both being famished, we proceeded straight to the main course without further ado.

My wife decided on the breast of duck and confit of leg served with an orange and Grand Marnier sauce.

This proved delicious and came in generously large proportions.

With a hankering for fresh seafood, I chose the Sole Isabel that consisted of fillets of sole layered with thin sheets of homemade pasta and topped with a shellfish and cognac sauce.

It proved a good choice and was presented with loving care on the plate.

We also ordered extra vegetables: baby new potatoes, French fries, creamed Swede (much more glamorous than it sounds), crisp spring cabbage and tangy carrots.

We also had a bottle of decent bottle of red, but avoided the tempting-looking puddings on offer and plumped for Irish coffee instead.

Isabel’s is not cheap (starters range from £4.50 to £9.50 and main courses are between £15.50 and £19.90) but for the quality and the service it is good value and well worth it for a romantic rendezvous.

  • Isabel’s Restaurant, 32 Station Road, Ashley Cross, Poole.

My Isabel’s bill:

Sole Isabel £17.90

Caneton a l’orange  £17.90

Selection of vegetables (x2)  £4.40

Irish coffee (x2)  £6.20

Drinks  £27.40

TOTAL:   £84.40