Looking out over Bristol by night, through floor-to-ceiling windows, we set out on a culinary journey through the delicate flavours and fine fragrances of Italian food. Radisson has got the setting at Filini just right: stylish banquette seating and pillars allowing for semi-private dining, soft lighting and a soundtrack of quirky Continental tunes. The food is also exceptional. Executive chef Nadeem Akhter insists that every dish on the menu is created in-house from scratch, utilising excellent local ingredients and speciality produce sourced direct from Italy and Sicily.

Following a basket of fluffy sun-dried tomato focaccia and bread sticks served with marinated olives, we delved into an antipasti plate to share. This sociable dining experience comprised Sicilian cream of Pecorino, which was unlike anything I have tasted before, creamy Gorgonzola, Parmesan, bresaola, Parma ham and Milano salami – the quality of the produce was evident in every mouthful. Mains were lightest gnocchi (Nadeem’s own recipe) bathed in a sauce of braised beef, tomato and red wine – so delicious not a morsel was left on my plate – and undeniably fresh sea bass with a sunny guazzetto sauce. Mango and lemon sorbets (homemade of course) led to desserts of chocolate fondant and tiramisu, which were devoured despite an earlier declaration that we were both full. Slick service from a friendly team, and a chef whose vast experience means that every inch of the menu has been perfected, complete a picture of Italian dining that’s rivalled by few.