One of three pasta chains located in George Street, Bella Pasta is undoubtedly the best value for money; our two main courses and puddings with drinks was under £30, which makes this a very good choice for eating Italian on a budget - and being well-located next door to the New Theatre, it's perfect for a pre-show supper. However, be warned that many other people will have the same idea; this restaurant can be crowded at peak pre-theatre time, and although the food still arrives quickly, it can be difficult to attract the attention of the waiters.

The menu has few surprises, offering standard Italian fare. This means that even the most conservative diners-out can find a spaghetti bolognese or margherita pizza to satisfy them. Given his counter-suggestibility it was not surprising that despite the fact that we had come specifically to Bella PASTA, my father chose a Quattro Stagione Pizza. From many years of Four Season Pizza eating, this was pronounced one of the best; the crust was not too thin and contained plenty of toppings (peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni and smoked ham). I chose the Gnocchi Alla Romano, three colours of gnocchi in a cheese, cream, garlic and spinach sauce. This was piping hot and very garlicky, but made a change for a vegetarian usually condemned to pasta and tomato sauce. There are however a number of vegetarian pasta and pizza dishes providing vegetarians with a reasonable choice. We didn't have any side orders, but there were a number of tempting-sounding anti pasti dishes such as bruschetta, marinated olives, and the obligatory garlic bread (which can also come with cheese). Next table had some rosemary potatoes which smelled wonderful and came with a mayonnaise style dip. Food was accompanied by a glass of the pleasant house red.

"The Godfather" is a compulsory Bella Pasta pudding and comes "for one" or "for two". I was glad to see the first since it meant I was not obliged to agree to share in order to fulfil my father's desires for ice cream! I decided to opt for the Torta Pera Mandorla, or pear and almond tart. This was served warm with mascarpone and rounded off the meal nicely. He chose the Godfather for one, described on the menu as "nutty chocolate fudge brownies, vanilla, toffee and chocolate ice cream with chocolate crunch, chocolate sauce, cream and waffle biscuits". This was sufficiently indulgent and left him satisfied. It appeared from observing the other diners that this is a popular choice for groups.

Having not gone at a peak time we were in and out very quickly; whilst this is perhaps not the place for a luxury and leisured evening out, it does provide a good, speedy meal that will not break the bank.

NB. The restaurant is currently closed for refurbishment.