Bang up to the minute, Zuccato is a modern Italian kitchen and bar - or 'Café Urbano' - located within the unique O2 leisure complex on Finchley Road, and clearly visible from the opposite side of the road because of its unique lighting design, which changes through a spectrum of hot colours and signals one of North London's coolest hangouts.

Opened in April 1999, Zuccato has already found a firm following among cineastes and the smart set, but also with enthusiasts of Italian food who are attracted by its growing reputation for serving excellent food at great prices.

Designed by Redbird, an agency with some 17 years experience in designing graphics, branding and increasingly interiors, the black and white décor takes its cue from the classic Fellini film, La Dolce Vita, and is determinedly stylish, with lists of stylish Italians, Italian things and places in Italy, artfully rendered in black type on white walls, with each letter "C" in bronze. The long back wall of the restaurant, facing Finchley Road, is lined with huge, blown-up images of Milan in the early 60s, with Hawthorn in his Ferrari featuring prominently among them.

One enters via the bar which, among other things, serves panini and homemade tarts as well as a highly individual list of Italian cocktails. Alternatives include smoothies and milkshakes, fresh fruit juices or a smart selection of bottled beers, plus every permutation of Italian coffee that can be conjured up from an espresso machine.

Around to the right, past the area where live musicians occasionally perform, is the main dining area, where small parties are advised to book well in advance to secure one of the highly desirable circular booths at either end of the black banquette seating. At the far end, customers can see through the dispense hatch into a bustling kitchen, where Alessandro Veschini, commands a young and dedicated brigade, who are rapidly becoming accustomed to the busy pace of a popular, inexpensive restaurant.