Larocca is a polished gem hidden in the heart of Clarence Dock. It serves up original dishes in stylish surroundings.

The Venue
Larocca is the shiniest addition to the uber-fashionable Clarence Dock development. The colour scheme focuses on rich mahogany browns, reds and creams with a lot more red mixed in for good measure.

Long ruby-coloured curtains and drapes, in a variety of textures, cover every floor to ceiling window. They are pulled back in the day time and let down in the evenings for a cosier ambience. Tables are immaculately set with cute square salt and pepper pots each with their own lid and tiny silver spoon. The tableware oozes class, from the super shiny silverware to the dazzling white cloth napkins.

Every available wall is festooned with picture frames depicting classic Italian themes with the larger of them illuminated from behind with red lighting. There is a gleaming black piano nestled in-between the restaurant and the bar area that comes alive around 10pm.

The bar houses big glass show-windows filled with obscure objects such as jars of pasta flowing out of taps in a bejewelled setting. On a raised white platform behind a floaty red gauze curtain is a table for two with its own suited and booted mannequins, and its own multicoloured light sequence.

In Larocca’s vast interior not one normal light fixture or fitting can be found. Instead normality has been replaced with huge cream tube like structures that let out a soft glow over the main dining area, while oversized light shades hang from the incredibly high ceiling.

Its layout caters for any size party with intimate tables for two or big red leather booths for larger groups. The toilets are very posh with a tasteful piece of eye candy in every cubicle. Adonis-like nude portraits are hung on the wall, creating an fascinating talking point when you've made your way back to the table.

The People
Staff are impeccable and very attentive. They take pride in walking you to your table, showing you the bathroom or escorting you to the door once you've paid your bill.

However, it would be great if the waiters had as much personality as the decor. They're polite and dutiful but they lack any conversational skills and come across as slightly robotic. That said, the service is pleasing, leaving just the right amount of time between courses.

Larocca has a delightful ambience and can be extremely busy on a Friday or Saturday night. This is a great place to start the night before heading off to a city centre club.

The Food
Complimentary bread arrives at the table with a delicious mix of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The menu is absolutely huge so prepare yourself for some serious decision making. Dishes are original with a mere spaghetti bolognese no where in sight.

Starters and nibbles are available from £2.50 to £8. Garlic bread (£5) is mouthwatering with or without lashings of mozzarella cheese. The breaded camembert served with baby fruit and cranberry sauce is also a treat at £6.50.

Main courses are mostly Italian cuisine infused with originality. Pizza, pasta and some interesting meat and fish options have been given a bit of a twist. Farfalle al salmone (£9) is a delectable choice offering a generous portion of firm butterfly shaped pasta with meaty chunks of salmon served with cherry tomatoes in a rich cream sauce. The dish is topped off with a huge slice of fresh smoked salmon.

Pizzas range from £6.50 to £9 and are cooked to perfection in a thin and crispy style. The roasted suckling pig in a parmesan basket (£14) is exquisite and comes with garlic cannelloni beans.

Desserts also sit slightly outside the box with choices such as marinated figs with yogurt flavoured ice cream and pannacotta with liquorice at £4.50. For those who prefer the simpler things in life there is still a sticky toffee pudding or a tiramisu to be had. Chocoholics may be disappointed as there is a distinct lack of chocolaty items.

The Drink
The extensive wine list has more than 40 bottles of wine from Australia, Spain and Italy. A good range of house wines are available at £11.50 a bottle. The champagne list will leave those celebrating spoilt for choice with more than 12 varieties.

For those who really want to splash out there is the Louis Roederer Crystal priced at £295. However bottles of champagne start at £30 so a celebration need not damage the bank account.

Sip cocktails at the bar with friends from £3.90. The Lady Boy Martini (£5.50) is a fabulous mix of gin, sloe gin, grapefruit, blackberry and raspberry. Non alcoholic cocktails are also available. Coffee and liquors are a nice after dinner touch.

The Last Word
For posh food without the posh price tag, Larocca offers tasty Italian cuisine in a waterside location.

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