Bunga Bunga is an odd combination of affordable Italian food, stereotypical atmosphere (to the point of becoming sarcastic) and Chelsea service. The result? Somewhere that's certainly a lot of fun.

The Venue
The stripy canvas tents and bright signs are very welcoming but the suited bouncer at the entrance deters random passersby from stepping in: Bunga Bunga may look cheerfully fun, but there is an element of exclusivity to it. The ground floor pizzeria is filled with Italian souvenirs, from vintage posters to striking crash helmet chandeliers and old motorbikes hanging from the ceiling - there's almost too much to absorb in one sitting, but it will certainly keep you entertained. Upstairs, there are two more rooms, accessible via a dramatic staircase with a scene from the Sistine Chapel. One is a conservatory sponsored by Martini (the whole room is encased in glass), and the other (modeled on the basement where the Italian prime minister held his secret parties) is called Eurovision, so expect karaoke, flags from across Europe and light installations to add to the fun.

The Atmosphere
If you've skipped the news recently, the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, was recently impeached because of his wild parties, which is where this place gets its cheeky moniker. This particular Bunga Bunga is a fun and comical take on this embarrassing episode, and the stereotypical atmosphere reflects just that. The staff (attentive with a penchant for jokes) do not take themselves too seriously, wearing tongue-in-cheek aprons with naked bodies or garbed up like Venetian gondoliers. Live music is a big part of the experience, with a small stage delivering a successful mix of Ennio Morricone, opera, traditional songs and the best classics to sing along to. And for those who dare, there is also karaoke. Expect a bubbly, fun, entertaining experience.

The Food
The concise menu is ever changing according to availability, with an emphasis on affordability and quality ingredients. Everything beside the pizzas (£6-£8.50) is meant to shared. Exquisite nibbles (£2-£3.50) are a good place to start, with sinfully good focaccia, lightly fried courgette and some great polenta chips. The bruschettas (£4-£4.50), cured meats (£4-£4.50) and salads (£6-£6.50) are impressive too, as are the small dishes (£3-£5.50), especially the artichoke hearts and the flavoursome king prawns with chilli gremolata.

The excellent pizzas make the best of selected regional ingredients (such as nduja soft sausage or prosciutto di Parma), and their crusts are paper thin and crunchy, with each delicious one served whole on a long board in an oval shape, already cut for convenience. The only dessert is quality gelato: a handful of flavours served in small paper cups (£2.90) - they're a great way to finish.

The Drink
The drinks list is long and very structured. Cocktails are split between classic Italian aperitivo (£6-£10) like a Spritz (prosecco, soda and Campari or Aperol) or Negroni (Martini Rosso, Campari and gin), and Italian-inspired concoctions (£7-£16). Some are served in special cups with the face of Berlusconi (nearly enough to put you off), while the sharing cocktails (£28-£85) come in glazed vases shaped as a Fiat 500, the Tower of Pisa or the Colosseum. The list of Italian digestif liqueurs (£7-£20) is similarly impressive, while the wine list (£14-£39 per bottle, with glasses and half-litre carafes also available) is kept compact.

The Last Word
Bunga Bunga is a great all-rounder which puts this otherwise sleepy corner of Battersea on the map. The restaurant is definitely worth a visit: its cheeky humor, good food, great drinks list and entertaining atmosphere could hardly be packaged any better.

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