Mira Mare, 82 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh

We were in Helensburgh for a jazz night and decided on a wander about to find somewhere which attracted our interest. The Mira Mare Italian Restaurant on the waterfront certainly did. With it's kitsch old style signage we knew we had found somewhere interesting.

Stepping inside was like stepping back in time. 80's decor, furnishings and cutlery. We settled down to check out the menu. Good basics listed with something different too. It's the kind of place you could safely take the whole family. In fact later a few whole families came in. From Bolognaise to Wild Boar burger - something for everyone.

We decided on the burger and pasta on the specials menu.

Parpadalle pasta with shrimps and crab meat and some chilli. Tart lemon squeezed on to of this light but zingy dish. Lots of crab and perfect pasta.

Fluffy, sliced bread with garlic butter still moist and not dried out. Could've been stronger with garlic for me however crisp one side and soft on the other.

Meaty and filling burger. Strong tasting meat with a light spice from the chorizo. Home made chips too!

Fermented in Italy and packaged in UK. Light, sweet cider.

Strong and easily quaffable beer.

Chocolate liqueur. Thick and creamy.

Strong shot of espresso with an added shot of Amaretto.

We were too full for dessert (!!) but with ice cream, tiramisu and afogato on offer, these do sound good.

Spotless toilets, old style decor with friendly service and good basic italian food. Ideal for the family, or pre theatre/lunch.

}