Review: Checco’s Trattoria Pizzeria, Great Harwood

4:10pm Wednesday 18th June 2008

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CHECCO'S is home to the world's finest garlic bread, according to my boyfriend's sister and brother-in-law, who eat there often.

So we had high expectations when we finally got round to visiting ourselves on a rare free Saturday night.

Unfortunately lots of others had had that same idea too and so when we turned up at around 7.30pm the car park was already over-flowing and we had to wait an hour for a table.

Thankfully the waiting area was nicely kitted out with squishy leather chairs and we sank back, with a large glass of wine, enjoying the hustle and bustle and people-watching.

The garlic bread was indeed delicious, I don't know about the best in the world, but to be fair we were so hungry we wolfed it down too quickly to properly savour the flavour.

For the main course I chose the steak au poivre with chips and mushrooms, which was cooked to perfection, a real melt-in-the-mouth experience and my plate was wiped clean.

My boyfriend went for the monkfish and prawn penne from the specials board, which was declared a success (even if he did concede mine was nicer).

We rounded it off with strawberries and ice cream to share - although we were told we couldn't have the neopolitan mix we wanted because you're only allowed one scoop, which was a bit disappointing.

What's great about Checco's is the authentic Italian feel to the place.

With its low ceilings, red and white check tablecloths and crammed-together tables, not to mention the thick Italian accent of the maitre'd, you feel like you've left Great Harwood behind and entered a little corner of Italy the moment you walk through the door.

With two glasses of wine the bill came to £42.

Over all a great little restaurant for those who love Italian food - but don't go starving hungry on a Saturday night because you're likely to have a wait on your hands.

>>>The verdict

Popular Italian and you can see why, but be prepared for a wait.

Checco's Trattoria Pizzeria, Whalley Road, Great Harwood.