DA VINCI had only been open three weeks when we visited.

We'd usually like to give a place longer to find its feet but we'd heard good things and frankly could not wait.

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We were briefly taken aback by the prices, plus it was clear that some of the dishes needed sides, so prepare for that potential added expense.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The salmone da vinci.

However, when the accompanying vegetables include romanesco cauliflower, asparagus and squash, you know that corners are not being cut.

Cat was impressed with her delicious salmone da vinci, a gurt slab of the most succulent pink fish bathed in rose-coloured cream sauce flavoured with tomatoes, white wine, garlic and a hint of chilli.

Along for the ride were three handsome king prawns, adding their distinctive texture to the soft fillet.

Cat forked up juicy flakes of the tender salmon, after sweeping each one through the gentle sauce. The triple-cooked chips were a perfect example of the genre.

Top billing among the main courses was lamb kleftiko. If its place front and centre on the menu wasn't enough signposting, it was also tagged as the chef's special. They really wanted us to have this, and so we did not let them down.

Da Vinci's slow-cooked shoulder joint, like the fish, was a joyful plate to pile into. The combination of tasty seasonal veg with a quite enormous helping of the soft and meaty lamb in a rich deeply-flavoured red wine and rosemary sauce was a delight - mouthful after luscious mouthful.

Tiramisu (main image, top) is Cat's benchmark dessert in a venue with an Italian vibe (assuming that crepes Suzette is not on offer).

This trifle was plenty for us to share and, unlike other parsimonious restaurants, the chef at Da Vinci had sloshed on the marsala wine, making it a boozy as well as creamy treat.

The attractively presented dessert was also a visual treat; the tiramisu encircled by summer fruits and edible flowers.

Plus, if it wasn't alcoholic enough, there was a bonus tot of limoncello alongside, which we shared after divvying up the delicate chocolate and biscuit straws.

Stylish Da Vinci is a great addition to Newport's restaurant scene, hitting the sweet spot of fine-dining presentation and premium food, serving hearty plates of decent nosh.

MATT AND CAT'S BILL:

Kleftiko £18.95
Salmone Da Vinci £16.95
Chips £3.50
Garlic bread £4.95
Vegetables £2.50
Tiramisu £5.95

TOTAL: £52.80

RATING: Five stars: Exceptional – one of the very best places we have tried.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Da Vinci, 11 Holyrood Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5AU.

T: 01983 300055

W: davinciiow.co.uk

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