Ciao Baby is located on the banking level--yes, there are lots of banks on the same floor. From the length of the queues that day, it would seem that not everyone trusts Internet banking yet. The front of the restaurant is open, with an open-restaurant feel... yet it is indoors, so you can leave your sunglasses in the car. We had no reservations but were seated immediately–-not bad for lunchtime on a Thursday. The restaurant seemed to have its regulars, as the owner, a lively Italian gentleman, was on hand to affectionately greet them. He led us to our table, and we were introduced to our waiter. The restaurant is licensed and seems to also cater to everything from business lunches to family lunches.

It was only once we got the menu that I saw the name of the restaurant *sheepish grin*--rather amusing in itself and kinda catchy. The menu had that fresh, minimalist, modern look that didn’t quite reflect the décor, which was bordering on typical Italian cucina/ristorante, but not overcrowded with decorative bits and pieces.

After some well-made drinks, we enjoyed a starter. This was probably not the brightest idea, as once again, we were reminded that you get your money’s worth in South African restaurants–-quantity and quality! My main course was an excellent tomato/pasta dish called Americiano. You could tell the sauce had been simmering to perfection all night long.

The pricing wasn’t that bad for a lunch for four adults, plus drinks–-as Norwegian prices go, at least. The owner is friendly to the extent that I had my Parmesan personally tossed into my main course. I think he was on the verge of telling us to stop talking and eat at one stage... well, the food would get cold and lose its sumptuousness! *grin*

All in all, it's a pleasant place to have a relaxed (filling) lunch, business lunch, or maybe a semi-romantic meal.