There are plenty of reasons why stalwart Italian restaurant Pete’s Place remains popular after all these years. Come rain or shine, the dining room fills up with diners who come for the sumptuous buffet that is as satisfying as it is affordable.

The a la carte options are splendid too. The highlight of the pasta selection is the tagliolini nero e gamberi. Coated in a squid ink sauce, the plump strands of pasta are springy and tossed with lots of calamari slices and fresh prawns. The pizzas are all excellent, but to narrow it down, go for the pizza burrata, which is lovely for its very simplicity—all it holds are fresh basil leaves, tomato sauce and creamy burrata cheese. It is proof that sometimes, the simplest of foods are the most satisfying.

For mains, dig into ossobucco al pomodoro, veal shanks in a subtly tangy tomato gravy. Another standout is merluzzo in crosta di patata (baked cod with a crispy potato crust).

When it comes to desserts, the tiramisu is a must. Then add to your order vanilla white rum panna cotta for good measure. Service shines here—everyone, from the servers to the managers, is warm, friendly, and does their utmost to make the dining experience an immensely enjoyable one.