Ennios

Nestled in the old city walls and overlooking Southampton Water, Ennio's occupies the ground and first floors of a Victorian warehouse designed by the Scottish-born architect John Geddes.

Once, the tide lapped its foundations and cargo was hauled straight into its cavernous interior - today, those maritime bones lend a romantic, storied backdrop to an evening of Italian dining. The mood is relaxed and quietly elegant, the water a constant companion, the building's heritage adding gravitas without fuss.

In the one-hundred-seater dining room, the kitchen favours honest Italian cooking with a clear affection for the coast. Fine pastas meet top-quality fresh fish, with daily varieties keeping things lively and spirited.

Experience burrata pugliese and calamari fritti to start, followed by spaghetti carbonara for comfort, linguini marinara for briny sparkle, or branzino in crosta di sale for a taste of the shoreline. Heartier appetites are drawn to agnello in padella or filetto di maiale.

Finish with Ennio's tiramisu or a bright crostata al limone, rounding off the meal on a sweet, satisfying note.

For those wishing to make a night of it, the boutique rooms upstairs offer a unique sleep experience to match dinner below. Book a table and let la dolce vita roll in with the tide!