RISTORANTE La Piazza looks welcoming from the outside, with a wide, bright frontage, including a covered outdoor dining area (with underfloor heating).

Inside there’s a similarly modern and spacious feel, although there’s room for around 100.

On Poole Hill, near the Triangle, it’s a short walk from Bournemouth Square, and although we were there even before the official opening in mid-August, the owner was pleased to report that several customers had liked the place so much they’d been back more than once, or even twice.

La Piazza is the latest addition to a thriving set-up that also includes Barolo in Winton, and Bar Sebis Brasserie and Salsa in Charminster.

The aim is to create a similar vibe, with tasty food, friendly service and a lively atmosphere.

On our visit, couples on romantic dates mixed quite happily with a small hen party and a few family groups – so that ticked the “lively” box.

The waiting staff were indeed “friendly”, and very helpful and efficient too.

As for the “tasty food” pledge, well, we’re talking a triple whammy here.

And not only was the food delicious, there was plenty of it.

Our starters – calamari fritti and king prawns in garlic – were spot on. Sometimes squid can be chewy, but not here. The prawns were substantial and fleshy.

Other choices included bruschetta, minestrone soup and seafood salad, and there was also a wide range of main courses, covering pasta, pizza, meat, fish and rice dishes.

I opted for vitello alla Genovese, two fried breaded escalopes of veal with fried egg and anchovies, an intriguing combination; while my companion chose Meta-Meta, a huge bowl full of prawns, mussels and squid sautéed in garlic, chilli and wine (speaking of wine, the house red went down a treat).

We ordered rice, fries and vegetables as side dishes, but not even I, a man who would be a shoo-in as captain of the England eating team, could polish that lot off.

We had to leave room for puddings, after all, and Ristorante La Piazza is justifiably proud of its tiramisu and Italian “gelatti” ice creams. I couldn’t resist the banofee pie from the trolley, however, and it was scrumptious.

With starters from less than £4, and pizzas and pasta dishes under a tenner, a visit to La Piazza needn’t break the bank.

A steak will set you back between £15 and £20, and, if you’re a fan of seafood, there’s a choice of prawns, sea bass, salmon even Dover sole.

With something for all tastes and budgets, and to suit any occasion, La Piazza looks set to be a valuable addition to the Bournemouth town centre experience.

• Ristorante La Piazza, 14 Poole Hill, Bournemouth BH2 5PS. Open noon to 11.30pm seven days a week. Call 01202 294094 or visit ristorantelapiazza.co.uk