THE small but entirely comfortable Pizzeria Amici restaurant in Bradford on Avon is among my top five ‘go to’ eateries.

Whenever my wife, Feona and I, fancy going out to eat but not too far away from home, Pizzeria Amici is right up there in the top two alongside our village pub.

We have been going to Pizzeria Amici for so long, we now count restaurant owner Ivano Capetti as a friend. He and his family have run the eatery since 2005, having moved from Capetti’s restaurant on Pulteney Bridge in Bath, which the family had opened in 1989.

Alongside traditional stone-baked pizzas, they also serve up a delicious range of pasta-based dishes.

So it was with no hesitation that when we decided one evening to go for a takeaway, Pizzeria Amici was the automatic choice, as we had already eaten a takeaway from the New Inn at Westwood for this feature.

Like many restaurants, pubs and cafes, Pizzeria Amici was forced to close because of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The restaurant reopened on Tuesday.

For takeaways, Ivano says: “Please order as far in advance as you can. All orders and payments will be taken over the phone and you will be given a collection time slot to respect social distancing.”

A quick phone to make sure the restaurant was open, and the order placed, we waited until our appointed time slot of 7.30pm to go down to Silver Street to collect.

Despite so much choice being available, we generally select from the specials board on one of the oak beams on the restaurant ceiling when we eat in.

It was no different this time. We both headed for our favourite pasta dishes.

My wife chose King Prawns with spaghetti in a tomato and creme fresh sauce at £13.50, while I opted for beef meatballs with spaghetti in a tomato, garlic and red wine sauce at £13.95.

Our total bill for the takeaway came to £29.50, which I thought was exceptionally good value considering the quality of the takeaway dishes.

Having taken them home, we dished up with anticipation after taking the obligatory photographs of the two meals - apologies to Ivano as our presentation almost certainly does not meet his standards.

My wife felt her meal was, as always, perfect with generous portions and perfectly cooked.

She added: “Tasty doesn’t do the food justice as every meal from Pizzeria Amici is beyond delicious. A perfect taste of Italy from a perfect restaurant.”

For once, I had to agree with her. The beef meatballs I had ordered were spicy, succulent and delicious and just melted in the mouth.

The spaghetti was also perfectly cooked and the tomato, garlic and red wine sauce was lovely.

One of the reasons why I like returning to Pizzeria Amici, even for takeaway, is that the authentic ingredients make for proper Italian food.

I can’t wait to eat there again, because the restaurant is cosy, the staff are friendly and it has a lovely rustic atmosphere.

For those with special dietary requirements, Pizzeria Amici has vegetarian friendly, vegan and gluten free options.

John Baker