Review

The location of The Galleria, literally on the bank of the River Cam, makes this restaurant an ideal place to while away time and watch the world walk or punt by. The family-run restaurant specialising in modern European and Mediterranean cuisine is popular with tourists, parents visiting their student offspring studying down the road and locals looking for a good feed in an elegant, relaxed setting.

The menu revolves around steak, fish, poultry and a few vegetarian options all with some interesting

an ideal place to while away time and watch the world walk or punt by

sauces. We began our meal with green olives marinated in an interesting oil dressing spiced with cumin, lemon and feta cheese. These were yummy, served with chunks of French bread to mop up the dressing with. The main course we tried, gnocchi pasta with cherry tomatoes, rocket, ricotta cheese and lashings of garlic was a little bit too filling, but delicious and beautifully presented. Our food was served with a smile and we were made to feel very welcome.

The management work hard to create an "intimate" dining atmosphere at Galleria. The restaurant is tastefully decorated in neutral colours following a recent refurbishment and paintings by a local artist adorn the walls. There are plenty of tables set for couples, candles and romantic low lighting across the split levels of the restaurant.

When the weather is warm, you can actually sit over the river, dining al-fresco style on the balcony tables and chairs. A combination of the sun, the food and the laid back friendly service work their magic and time flies as customers relax and chat the hours away. In our view, watching tourists who have hired punts snaking along the Backs crashing into each other and occasionally falling in the water is excellent entertainment while dining.