Nestled by Magdalene Bridge, Galleria is an understated modern cafe/restaurant with the best view in town of the River Cam and the punts floating by.

The Venue
Situated by the Quayside, this area is a favourite haunt for locals and tourists alike and the Galleria is extremely busy at peak times.

It's spread over two floors, each with a terrace overlooking the river, and the decor has been kept simple so it doesn't detract from the quaint view.

Large windows let light cascade through, which reflects off the fresh white walls to keep inside feeling light and airy.

Furniture is also fuss free with wooden tables and wicker chairs giving clean lines and an effortless laidback quality.

The People
During peak times Galleria manages to strike a good balance between lively and peaceful, as the chit-chatting of customers creates a buzz around the room, but the serenity of the river adds a note of calm.

All ages feel comfortable here, from students who want to relax to tourists soaking up the sights and families who want to enjoy each others' company. The service is friendly and attentive which only adds to the amiable atmosphere.

The Food
The menu is nothing adventurous but offers typical modern cafe/restaurant food with hints of traditional English favourites and global influences.

Prices are around £5 for a starter, £10 to £15 for a main, and £5 for a dessert. The choices all sound appetising with a range of meats, fish and vegetarian options, but the dishes can be rather lacklustre.

The pan-fried tiger prawn salad has perfectly cooked prawns that are soft and sweet. Combined with the gentle heat of the chilli this dish has a delicious flavour, helped along by the peppery freshness of the salad leaves and the rich roasted flavour of the crunchy red peppers. However, the salad is drowning in the sweet chilli sauce and is overloaded with cashew nuts.

The Drinks
The wine list is reasonably priced, ranging from £12 to £20 a bottle for European and New World wines. The bottled beer selection is also decent with popular choices such as Peroni and Corona for around £3.

The Last Word
The food may not be spectacular, but this romantic restaurant is worth a visit for the charming view.

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