Ooze is an amazingly low-priced restaurant which stimulates the taste buds and offers top quality, simple, Italian-style cuisine.

The Venue
It's so refreshing when to find a restaurant that gets it right in just about every way, but doesn't brag about it or have any illusions of grandeur. All white and light with pale grey flooring, plenty of tables for two and a burgundy banquette running along the wall, Ooze has a cafe-style ambience. There's a small shop area at the front selling mainly Italian produce, including olive oil from Sting's property in Tuscany.

The Atmosphere
The restaurant is filled most days and nights with a mix of office workers and regular punters, and with a particularly high proportion of female diners, possibly in search of healthy, wheat-free eating. The wait staff are friendly.

The Food
Ooze presents healthy, tasty, light and well thought-out Italian-influenced food—food to perk up your taste buds rather than deaden them—and they often beat the Italians at their own game with some inspired combinations. Symbols point out dishes which are low in fat, salt and carbs as well as which meals are gluten-free.

The specials board is well worth checking out. Starters can include three pieces of bruschetta with different toppings like fig and mascarpone, a wonderfully garlicky broad bean puree and speck and apple cream, all of which are delicious. Dispelling the reputation of risotto as a heavy dish, Ooze employs a light touch with the Italian classic. The broad bean, pea, courgette and mint risotto is heavenly with its zinginess of pure spring and the rice is perfectly al dente. There's also risotto with seafood or meatballs, as well as grilled fish and meat dishes (lamb, tuna, swordfish and chicken) and super salads. Even the side vegetable dishes are inspired, such as butternut squash with hazelnut and sage. For desserts you can let your hair down a bit with a yummy apple crumble, or a classic Italian pannacotta. Best of all, to match the good honest grub, there are good, honest and cheap prices.

The Drink
Italian wines are, due to the climate, often more dependable than their French counterparts. Ooze offers a good selection of reds and whites, including the classic Montepulciano D'Abruzzo and the more robust Sicilian Nero D'Avola. There's also the normal selection of soft drinks, teas (including fresh mint tea) and coffees.

The Last Word
Light, fresh, tasty and invigorating, this is what an enjoyable, satisfying meal out is all about.

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