Italy and Italians are known for their love of romance so its hardly any wonder that their cuisine makes the perfect cibo dell’ amore.

So why not take a leaf out of their book and go Italian for Valentines day and what better place is there than Gino D’ A Campo at the Marriott Hotel in Leeds.

With a menu created by the master himself the surroundings are stylish and the ambience romantically cosmopolitan. Just step through the heavy wooden doors and its like you are stepping into an opulent and glamorous restaurant on some far away shores of the Mediterranean.

This is a restaurant that has been designed with passion and flair. Tables are well spaced offering privacy when the time comes to utter sweet Valentine’s nothings. Starched white cloths, sparkling crystal glasses and shining cutlery adorn the tables

One of the jewels in this restaurants crown is its staff from the manager to the servers they know their product, are unpretentious and although it sounds like a cliché they cannot do enough for their patrons making each one feel very special.

It is always hard to chose from the extensive menu at Ginos. I decided on the Minestrone as classic Italian vegetable soup. This was a Minestrone like no other. It was loaded with vegetables of every type and the beans made an interesting combination.

My colleague decided on the Pate Di Fegato Di Pollo. This was warm and smooth and just like pate should be. The chicken liver pate was served with toasted ciabatta sage leaves and mustard fruits which gave a marvellous taste to the pate.

For her main course she chose Pizza Capricciosa. The pizza was loaded with generous amounts of Italian Ham, San Marzno tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms and olives and made according to the traditional methods which really does reflect in the taste.

I opted for one of my Ginos favourites Pollo Ripieno Di Mozzarella. This is a chicken dish like no other for me. The huge chicken breast is stuffed with mozzarella, sun dried tomato and fresh basil pesto. It arrived crispy and hot and as tasty as always.

To partner our mains we shared an Insalata Caesar with Gem lettuce, croutons, pecorino cheese and an ultra tasty dressing – there was everything needed in this salad make it one of Ginos best ever salads. A must to try for every diner.

Both are desserts were certainly in the class of ‘heaven on a plate’.

My Bailey’s panna cotta was mouthwateringly good and served  with expresso caramel and amaretti biscuit. It was light but you could really taste the Bailey’s from the first to the last spoonful.

My colleagues Crostata Di Mele E More consisted of a warm apple and blackberry crostata. The pastry was really short but light with almonds and every part of the dessert blended well together with the finishing touch of ice-cream very appropriate.

To add the ultimate finishing touch to your dessert try a glass of Palazzina Moscato d’ Vendemmia Tardiva a recommendation from the master himself.

Since Ginos opened its become the must go to venue for special occasions, family meals, revival lunches after a bout of retail therapy or just a place to spoil yourself and your loved one on Valentines Day.

Ginos at Leeds Marriott 6-8 Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 6ET

Tel: 0113 468 0804