An authentic, traditional Italian restaurant, Donatello’s friendly staff and location will make you think you are in the heart of Tuscany although the food falls slightly short of spectacular.

The Venue
With the advantage of a stunning location, the restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from Brighton Square. Donatello certainly enjoys the benefits of being on a quiet little road and is slap bang in the middle of some quaint, pretty architecture which gives it a country feel.

Outside seating provides a pretty view of the street whilst inside is a colour palette clearly inspired by the Italian flag in greens and reds. Tiled floors and good use of foliage ensure this restaurant has a pleasant trattoria feel. Upstairs you'll pass photos of the celebrities who have eaten here before you including former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The Atmosphere
The lovely ambiance in the evening is best suited to couples who want a cosy and quick meal. During lunchtimes however, there’s a mix of local workers and tourists. And of course, you may even see the Blair family.

The Food
Donatello prides itself on quality and affordability. In all fairness it is reasonably priced so half a loaf is better than none as they say although there are more hits than misses here on the whole. For starters try the traditional Italian favourite Minestrone alla Contadina, a fresh vegetable soup or the more unusual Bresaola della Valtellina which is smoked fillet of beef with lemon and rocket. The peppery rocket really cuts through the sharpness of the lemon but is likely to be a little too sharp for most palates. Other Italian favourites include Insalata di Avocado con Gamberetti (a mixture of avocado, prawns, tomato, lettuce and cucumber) Sardine alla Griglia (freshly grilled sardines) or Calamari Fritti (deep fried squid which are crispy and not swimming in too much oil).

Mains feature a selection of fish, pasta, pizza and meat dishes that will tempt even the pickiest of diners. The range of pasta dishes is almost mind boggling with spaghetti, tagliatelle, rigatoni, fusilli and tortelloni dishes all covered. Try one of Italy’s signature pasta dishes the Alla Puttanesca, with garlic, salty anchovies, olives, capers, green peppers, tomato and parsley or the Alle Vongole, a mixture of tomatoes, baby clams, garlic and parsley. Less impressive is the Primavera with al dente vegetables (if that’s the way you prefer them), a mixture of broccoli, courgette, olive oil and fresh tomatoes. Unfortunately this could easily be whipped up in the comfort of your own home and really lacks any oomph.

If you prefer meat, it's worth choosing the Costata di Manzo, a juicy grilled 10oz Scotch sirloin steak, Scaloppine alla Pizzaiola which takes delicately cooked escalopes of veal and combines them with garlic, tomato, white wine, oregano, capers and parsley or the Petto di Pollo ai Funghetto, a chicken breast cooked in a garlic, mushroom and white wine sauce. The wine is subtle but works well in this dish. To finish choose from Bigne al Cioccolato, rich profiteroles filled with patisserie cream served with chocolate sauce, a classic Tiramisu Donatello style which is adequate enough and a Torta di Mele, Italian apple tart which suffers from a little too much sweetness.

The Drink
Aside from the usual crisp and fresh Italian favourite Frascati, try the medium bodied and fruity Valpolicella Classico Superiore or a sparkling Cesarini Sforza that at around £17.00 won’t send your bank balance into the red. Cocktail enthusiasts shouldn't leave without ordering the Forza Italia, a mixture of vodka, melon Midori, lemonade and lemon juice.

The Last Word
A good choice when the sun is out, Donatello whips up decent Italian fare at prices that make it as affordable at the beginning of the month as the end. You'll leave reasonably satisfied on the culinary front and charmed by the atmosphere.

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