A popular fixture of Holloway Road for almost ten years, Lamezia’s authentic Italian food and easy atmosphere make this a lovely spot to dine.

Islington Gazette: Great pizza aside, there's every reason to try the pasta hereGreat pizza aside, there's every reason to try the pasta here (Image: Archant)

Lamezia has been a favourite among locals and Italian visitors seeking home comforts since 2009.

This no frills pizzeria takes its name from Lamezia Terme, a city in the Italian region of Calabria where many of its ingredients are also sourced.

Lamezia feels homely and personal. Interiors are understated and there's a true family-feel to the place; we were served by Maria while her parents prepared their signature pastas and homemade pizzas in the kitchen.

This place is for bringing your loved ones and settling in for an evening of comfort food and a bottle of red. It is the antidote to those frenetic, packed-to-the-rafters venues where service is hurried and you are turfed out after an hour to make space for the next paying punters.

Islington Gazette: This stripped back, casual restaurant attracts tourists from its namesake city in CalabriaThis stripped back, casual restaurant attracts tourists from its namesake city in Calabria (Image: Archant)

Arriving at 7pm on Saturday, we had the place to ourselves to begin with. Our bruschetta starters featured chopped tomatoes, garlic and a touch of oregano on a crispy bread base; a strong opening which gave a taste of the authentic flavours that were to follow.

Lamezia's menu is fairly extensive and there is a strong case for choosing a pasta dish, although as the restaurant began to fill it was clear that most had come for the pizza.

I went for the Piccante - a Lamezia bestseller which packs a punch via its spicy sausage and fresh chilli - while my guest's Parma (ham, rocket, shaven parmesan) was another delicious success. At £10.50 each, you're certain of good value for money here.

Definitely save some space for pudding if you can - Lamezia's sweet menu is far smaller but each dish is a snip at £3.80.

We chose to share a tiramisu and some cannolo, with its rich, creamy filling served up in a chocolate-infused pastry, this was probably my favourite plate of the evening.

Finishing with a chocolate liqueur and some limoncello - the former made by Maria's mum and the latter by her grandma - we headed home contented and talking of our next visit already. This is a cracking choice if you want traditional Italian home-cooking without unnecessary gimmicks or bravado.

Lamezia Pizzeria, 165 Holloway Road, N7 8LX. For more information visit their website