WITH a view directly overlooking Poole’s multi-million pound marina with Brownsea Island in the background, Banana Wharf can easily lay claim to one of the best locations in town.

Situated at Dolphin Quays on The Quay, this friendly restaurant with its ceiling to floor windows is south west facing so you get the sun all day from sunrise to sunset. There is also an outdoor terrace if it’s warm enough to dine al fresco.

Service is friendly and informal and there is a wide choice of food and drink on the menu. Starters include Jerk Wings (£7.95), Mezze to Share (£8.95) and Steamed Mussels (£10.95). I didn’t particularly enjoy my starter of Crispy Breaded Mushrooms (£6.95) as they had been deep fried (I should have checked before ordering) but the Tex Mex Fajitas were superb. There’s a choice of vegetable (£12.95), chicken ( £15.95) or a steak and chicken combo (£17.50). My tiger prawns (£18.95) were served sizzling on a skillet with stir-fried peppers, onions and side dishes of sour cream, cheddar cheese and warm flour tortillas. (There’s no charge for extra wraps). Dessert was a Banana Wharf Split (£8.95) ideal to share, with a choice of three scoops of ice cream.

RESTAURANT CHECKLIST:

Location: Best in town

Ambience: Buzzing

Service: Friendly and informal

Cleanliness: Excellent (bathrooms pristine)

Music: Everything from Elvis to classic chart toppers

Description of food: Big menu blending tropical and Oriental dishes, seafood, traditional favourites, pizza, pasta and salads

Presentation: Attention to detail

Prices/value for money: Prices are average for this type of restaurant but the portion sizes are good

Family-friendly: Ideal for all ages

Recommend to a friend: Definitely

Drinks: Plenty of bubbles and wine to choose from.

And another thing: This place is opens from 10am during the summer at weekends for breakfast

Overall comment: Deserves a higher profile. Perfect for fine diners and fast fooders but probably not first choice for the calorie conscious or die-hard vegans.

Contact : 01202 665062 or email poole@bananawharf.co.uk