If it's not broke don't fix it was the motto that sprang to mind when I heard Chiswick's Carluccio's had reinvented itself.
Now well known across London for the bustling atmosphere simple yet hearty Italian food, I was already a fan of the chain and was interested to see it's new look.
A warmer softer feel has replaced the previously harder canteen look, and now features dark wood tables and cosy booths.
A new monthly-changing evening menu has also been introduced to keep customers coming back for more.
This is what I was here to test out.
My date, The Kiwi, and I were impressed that the waitress didn't need any prompting to bring over bread and olives while we mulled over the menu.
Our starters of Mozzarella wrapped in Parma ham and a goats cheese salad with roasted red pepper and pine nuts, both came in at just under £7, with the fresh crisp flavours hitting all the right notes.
The Kiwi and I often fume at the tiny portions that many restaurants serve, leaving both you and your wallet empty.
But at Carluccio's this is certainly not a problem, the food is authentic hearty Italian nosh that leaves you feeling satisfied without spending a fortune.
With the evening menu you find less of the pasta and risotto dishes which feature heavily on the lunch menu but more simple meat and fish dishes.
For my main I went with the pan fried chicken stuffed with peppers and parmesan served with mushrooms and rosemary potatoes and The Kiwi chose the chargrilled lamb steak served with sautéed courgettes and fresh mint.
Both Dishes at around £10 each, were demolished in absolute silence and although very simple, really hit the spot with the flavours of the meat coming through without the need for any sauce.
The usual Italian suspects such as tiramisu and lemon tart were on the desert menu and I not being a fan of fruity or alcoholic puds, plumped for the only tempting option of chocolate bread and butter pudding served with vanilla ice-cream.
While the kiwi happily munched through his bowl of ice cream, I found my first criticism of the night – there just was too much of the bread but not enough of the chocolate.
Barely more than a melted Cadbury's button I suspect.
However this was my only criticism. I think the revamped Chiswick branch offers a more 'grown up' dining experience that is likely to pull in more locals to sample the delicious evening menu offerings which are just bursting with Italian freshness.
The excellent service must also get a mention, warm and informative without being overbearing , our waitress really seemed to care about what she was serving.
