Having only been open for four months, La Voss, a friendly, authentic Italian restaurant, is perhaps the best kept secret in Swiss Cottage.

The first venture of chef Sadri Alihajcaraj and partner Lauretta Von Paulsen, this family run business is a heaven for anyone looking for fine dining at affordable prices.

We chose to sit in the intimate and modest upstairs but the restaurant also caters for large groups in the deceptively spacious downstairs – which offers a more laid back and comfortable dining experience, as well as a cosy bar area which is perfect for a quiet drink with friends.

To start we plumped for the calamari piccante and the chicken liver bruschetta which came recommended by Lauretta.

The calamari was beautifully spiced, pan fried with a chilli, garlic and tomato sauce and the chicken liver, drizzled with a tomato, onion, basil and garlic red wine sauce, was a delight.

This was washed down with a sensational red, a well balanced primitivo from Puglia, the heel of Italy.

For mains we tried Vitello All Limone, pan fried veal, flavoured with a herb and lemon sauce, served with roast potatoes and vegetables, and La Voss, tagliatelle with prawns, chilli, garlic & olives.

The veal was wonderfully tender and not overpowered by the zest of the lemon and the pasta dish was bursting with flavour, without being too spicy.

Despite feeling rather full from the generous portions, we managed to find space for desert.

We were treated to a generous helping of creamy homemade tiramisu and a light and creamy panna cotta that made our eyes roll back with delight.

We finished with an espresso, coffee worthy of any Italian.

This restaurant, cafe and bar has all the romantic appeal of an exclusive eatery, with the charm and comfort of dinner with the family. It’s unlikely La Voss will stay secret for long.