This lively Italian eatery will take you right back to your student days. A friendly Battersea hangout where good food, cheap wine and noisy discussion are plentiful.

The Venue
Situated on the ever-popular Northcote Road, Buona Sera is not short of competition. However, this large, friendly Italian is forever busy and by the queue for tables on a drizzly Tuesday night, it's obviously doing something right. The décor is plain and unfussy and the dual-aspect frontage makes for plenty of window tables. In the summer months the large veranda is opened overlooking Northcote Road, offering the area some rare alfresco dining.

The Atmosphere
The ambience is more the clatter of a busy kitchen than chilled tunes which fits the excitable nature of the place perfectly. After dark, the clientele is a mix of large groups of celebrating students and local young professionals grabbing a late supper after work. The days are more family friendly and judging by the number of expensive pushchairs in residence, tend to be dominated by Battersea's mother and baby crowd.

The Food
As a standard neighbourhood Italian there are no real surprises on the menu. But saying that, the tempura squid and zuchinni starter is a definite recommendation. The wobbly pile of delicately battered squid and swords of crispy green courgette served with a lemony mayonnaise is so delicious it could easily cause a fight if ordered to share. The main courses include all the usual suspects, pizza, pasta and a few tried and tested meaty mains. The pizzas are very good, wide as a wheel and as cheesy as a Doris Day flick. The Four Seasons is loaded with artichokes, pepperoni, and mushrooms and is one of the finest in Battersea.

The Drink
A decent selection of Italian wines are available by the glass, bottle and half bottle. The Pinot Grigio is a fine example and at a price that is quite quaffable. Peroni and other bottled beers are available and the after dinner coffee is suitably Italian, dark, strong and keeps you awake at night.

The Last Word
For a cheap and cheerful night out with a large group of friends, you can't go wrong with Buona Sera, but for a hot date it's student-y vibe probably won't give the right impression.

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