Café Truva

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

This is no run of the mill soup and sandwich emporium: the food at Café Truva has the authentic flavour of the owner's Turkish heritage. The décor also brings a touch of Mediterranean warmth: deep red and yellow walls sport patterned plates and colourful glass lanterns hang in the window, while scrubbed pine floors and dark wooden furniture complete the look. There is an impressive breakfast menu and lunchtime brings an even more dazzling choice: mezze, moussaka, couscous and gratin appear in various forms, along with a remarkable array of bruschettes, ciabattas and pittas. The 'bruschetta green' features perfectly cooked mushrooms and roast peppers with olives, smothered in melted cheese and accompanied by an aromatic couscous faintly flavoured with mint. The filo pastry with feta and spinach is a hearty dish, the ingredients combining to make a slightly bitter, slightly salt, soft and irresistibly crispy mouthful. The hot dishes are cooked to order, so, if time is short, nip in for a steaming cup of coffee, or perhaps a Turkish apple tea, to wash down one of the many wonderful cakes on offer. With its soft music and softly spoken patrons, Café Truva is a quiet place serving lovely food.

• High point: Dazzling choice
• Low point: Expect to spend at least £10 on two courses