When the cold winter evenings roll in, why not treat your belly to a fine Italian feast at Clapham's Eco restaurant, where the more than generous portions will keep you going till spring.

The Venue
Located alongside a rather unglamorous Woolworths on Clapham High Street, Eco seems to be a startlingly popular place and even on gloomy weekday evenings it's filled with a whole host of lively locals. The exterior is a sandblast of beige and glass, but once through the door the welcome is as warm as the wood-fired ovens on show. The decor inside is more abstract than unassuming. Long, rectangular waves of bronzed metal cover the ceiling and a large, sepia chequerboard covers the floor. The open kitchen at the front of the restaurant is a hive of activity and tables around this area can prove to be quite noisy. Venture further in where the tables are quieter and without any kitchen distractions.

The Atmosphere
The ambience at Eco works for both larger groups and more intimate gatherings. The friendly staff and lively music gives the place a real up-beat vibe and even after the hardest day at work, just stepping in to the warm womb of Eco and you can feel your stresses melting away along with all those good intentions.

The Food
Eco takes the best Italian ingredients and produces dishes with such flair and gusto that you can't help but be impressed. Starters include half a kilo of steamed fresh mussels in a slightly spicy tomato sauce, and already Eco proves that they are not shy with their portions. The divine baked asparagus rolled in crispy pancetta and served with wedges of truffle-like avocado and a creamy garlic dressing is also surprisingly generous.

Pizza is Eco's true love and and this is where they beat the competition hands down. From bresaola and rocket to porcini and truffle oil, the chefs have certainly been inventive with their toppings. The tradizionale calzone is certainly one for the hungry. This whopping doppelganger of a Cornish pasty arrives smothered in a deliciously soupy tomato sauce and festooned with fresh garlic shavings. Crack through the crisp shell of dough to reveal a melting mountain of pizza-ish goo which rushes out to greet you. If it's comfort you need, order a calzone, it's like a great big hug of a pizza. The al forno dishes are also worth a mention. The chicken, mozzarella and pesto variation comes as a large, succulent double chicken breast, smothered in creamy, melted mozzarella before being doused with a bucketful of fresh basil pesto.

After a fine and oh-so filling feast, it doesn't leave much room for dessert and the short dessert menu caters for this. The tiramisu is nice enough but with rather too much cream and not enough booze, but in true Eco style it is big enough to share.

The Drink
The vino at Eco is splashed into rustic glass beakers, but the house wine here is certainly no cheap plonk, in fact it's a very palatable Australian Merlot and at almost £11 a bottle, absolutely cracking value. The rest of the list is a varied mix with some fine examples from Chile, Argentina and Portugal. For a sparkly celebration the Prosecco also offers good value at a smidge over £16 a bottle. After the meal you may only be able to fit in a small liqueur and there's a fine selection of those available too.

The Last Word
The lucky old Claphamites have bagged yet another fine feeding hole. Eco is a great neighbourhood Italian restaurant where its fabulous food in hearty portions are only matched by the friendly, efficient staff and happy, up-beat vibe. Recommended.

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