Well known and loved for offering Italian inspired delights, Charlie’s Italian Restaurant on Brantome Street in Gisborne is a family friendly local hang out. Happily buzzing with a red, white and green décor and hanging globe lights, diners can take a seat and watch the world go by through floor to ceiling glass windows, while contemplating an extensive menu of fare just like Nonna used to make. Start with an entrée of garlic mushrooms with grilled Parmesan and mozzarella, before devouring a slice of gourmet pizza such as peri peri chicken with tomato, cheese, shallots, Spanish onion and perinaise. Pasta lovers can twirl a fork around fettuccine carbonara with pan-fried bacon and spring onions, while those with hearty appetites may be tempted by veal medallions in creamy mushroom sauce.