HAVING visited Warrington Market on a number of occasions – and being a lover of Italian cuisine – it is surprising we have not visited La Cuccina.

Having opened in The Cookhouse in March last year, the family-run business aims to bring a ‘taste of Italy’ to the Time Square site.

And it certainly delivers on this front.

Sometimes, perhaps unfairly, due to the laid back and open plan layout of the market hall, we do not expect food to be of the high standard of a high-end restaurant.

But we can safely say that the pasta we had was up there with any we have tried, and even compared with pasta served in Italy itself.

We opted for Pasta Milano, with fusilli pasta paired with spicy n'duja sausage, fresh tomatoes, garlic and chillies, topped with half a ball of mozzarella cheese.

It certainly came with a kick, so not one for those who do not enjoy the spice, but perfect for us, while the sauce was also rich and tasty.

Moreover, the cool mozzarella added a nice contrast to the heat of the chillies and n’duja, melting into the dish while you eat it.

We also ordered a nine-inch Italian flamin sub

We also ordered a nine-inch Italian 'flamin' sub'

We also ordered a nine-inch Italian ‘flamin’ sub’, containing spicy chicken strips, salad, spicy chilli sauce and cheddar cheese.

What makes this an Italian sub you might say? The fact that instead of a submarine roll, it comes on authentic Italian focaccia bread.

The bread was incredibly tasty and crispy, packing a crunch with the chicken strips and a kick with the chilli sauce.

Fries come included with the sub too, meaning the portion size is right for a large midday meal or even an evening tea, and the pasta was a more than generous helping also.

Having celebrated its 12-month market anniversary earlier this year, La Cuccina is now well established at The Cookhouse.

It is owned by Chapelford resident Cy Beautier, a passionate chef from Paris who trained in the city, resulting in a unique French-Italian mix.

Cy says La Cuccina’s first year in business has been really positive, and we look forward to visiting again soon.

Note: This was an unannounced visit, and no free food or drinks were asked for or provided.