Oggi Pizzeria is an Italian-owned restaurant that aims to reproduce the essence of Southern Italy in Guangzhou. To do this they have the skills of Chef Raffaele De Gregorio from the island of Capri who has created a menu that combines both Pizzeria and Trattoria.

Oggi has recently expanded into the Jian She Liu Ma Lu area with a new restaurant just off the main street. Their original restaurant is located in Ti Yu Lu and is large with a pleasant outdoor seating area. The new restaurant is much smaller and cosy, but is nicely situated away from the main road. Until recently it had a very nice outdoor area overlooking a public square, but local authorities seem to have stopped that.

Buongiorno is one of the latest batch of Western restaurants in Guangzhou, and has a prime location in the popular Jian She Liu Ma Lu area (just opposite the Garden Hotel). The restaurant is owned and staffed by Italians, and you are guaranteed to see the Italian owners running around the restaurant and ensuring everyone is happy during busy periods.

Pizza Hut, for those times when your cheese cravings can't be satisified anywhere else. Likely to be the same standard the world over, serving you 'a decent pizza' (especially the thin-base). Not as good as a real pizzeria, but better than most you can find in the psuedo-Italian restaurants in China.

Service is good, queues often long (especially around noon and 6pm), and prices are generally higher than elsewhere. However, it's quick, clean, and consistent. If you like what's on special offer then you can also get a good deal.

The Spaghetti House is another franchised restaurant chain that has taken Hong Kong by storm, and has now recently opened in Guangzhou.

Food and prices are not bad, although the sauces tend to be too rich, and it is no substitute for a 'real' Italian restaurant. It makes for a popular venue for young people.

The Olive Italian Restaurant boasts an Italian chef, and makes for a good romantic evening.

Prices range from 30-50 for salad or soup, with main courses between 150-200, and pasta at 60-80. Food is very delicious and there is a live Jazz band from 9pm.

They have an outdoor area, along with a large selection of wines. Food is very good with large portions, although this does come at a price. Wine will set you back between 300-600, and food between 30-200.

Prices are expensive. There is a lunch buffet (Monday to Friday) from 48-98. Salads are 28-58, Italian rice is 58, Pizza / Pasta is 68, and main courses between 140-200.

Conveniently located close to the Garden Hotel this restaurant serving Italian food is sure to be popular with business people and tourists. It's set in a large old house just off Huan Shi Dong Lu, amidst a beautiful garden.

The interior of the restaurant, however, is not so beautiful, and you are basically sat inside someone's house - from the furniture to the carpet, it's all very homely, and the restaurant is spread across several small rooms. This may make for a more cosy atmosphere, but it makes for a difficult time attracting the attention of staff.

Pizzas, while small, are perfectly formed and tasty. Prices are good, averaging around 40 for a 9" pizza.

One of our favourite Italian restaurants in Guangzhou, Anti-Pasto is tucked quietly away behind the Garden Hotel. Tastefully decorated in an interest round building, and serving good Italian food, it's the place to head to when you want some exclusivity from the usual pandemonium of Chinese restaurants.

The staff speak English and have learnt the most important rule of Western restaurants - don't hover around your customers.