SINCE it was gutted by fire in June 2005, Brio restaurant in Harrogate has undoubtedly risen from the ashes in style!

The loss of the Commercial Street business meant the owners had to acquire new premises in the town hence the opening of a restaurant in February last year on King’s Road, right opposite the conference centre.

Stylish, beautifully presented in smart modern decor, attractive lighting and with up to date tasteful surroundings, tiled floor and comfortable seating, Brio has certainly bounced straight back judging by a busy and thriving restaurant on a recent Friday night.

With such a prime position, custom from conference visitors is certain, however, on my visit there were plenty of regulars too as was evident from the warm and friendly greeting staff gave to their customers.

Offering authentic Italian cuisine, there’s an extensive choice on the menu – and not a pizza in sight!

Pasta dishes or meaty main courses are the chief offerings but there are also plenty of specials which change daily.

Starters are offered as shared dishes as well as indiividual portions, always a good idea when appetites are smaller.

Italian cured meats, or a fish selection of calamari, gamabas and sea bass sounded inviting but we opted for a Bruschette Miste (£6.50), a selection of small mixed bruschette slices topped with among other things mozzarella and marinated dried cherry tomatoes, creamed apple and speck and parma ham and shaved parmesan.

Fillet of pork stuffed with spinach and wild mushrooms finished with ceps (dried mushrooms) and a smooth red wine sauce (£14.25) was rich and satisfying for one main choice as was the choice of succulent chicken breast coated in egg and topped with asparagus spears and parmesan cheese (£12.95).

A pleasing selection of vegetables included melt in the mouth fried courgettes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflour and fried new potatoes with plenty to accompany both main meals.

Had a pasta dish been our preferred choice, then there is a superb choice, all offered as either a starter or a main.

Choices include an Abruzzo macaroni dish tossed in a ragout of wild boar (£7.75/£9.75) or a vegetarian option of fresh ravioli with ricotta cheese, with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil and baby spinach (£8.60/£10.60).

Specials of the day offered spaghetti with tiger prawns, clams and crab (£12.95) a sword fish fillet served with peperonata (pepper, aubergine and courgette) at £13.75 or fresh fillets of griddled sea bass with wild rocket (£16.50).

No Italian meal is complete without a dessert and the restaurant staff were good enough to bring us a small sample of their best home-made specialities.

These included homemade pistacchio ice cream and also vanilla, a tempting light chocolate mousse and delicate profiteroles filled with creme anglaise and mascarpone and topped with a hot chocolate sauce.