The bargains and delights of the East End's celebrated Roman Road market are hard to resist at the best of times. But now there's another good reason to head east: Chicchi.

This Italian 'coffee lounge plus ultra-modern internet café' has a loyal following. Sandwiches are prepared using freshly baked Italian breads and cost from £2.10. Mains such as bacon and smoked cheese pizza sandwich cost £2.20, while pasta dishes, such as home-made lasagne, cost under £4. The pasta salads (all £3.75) are also extremely popular, with combinations including tuna, black olives, cucumber and carrot.

Desserts range from the very good to the sublime. We devoured a glorious Torta della Nonna and an exquisite tiramisu cake that tasted as though it had been flown in from Italy that morning. If you really want to push the boat out (or your waistband), there are waffles stuffed with all manner of sweet fillings, plus traditional semifreddos, ice-creams and sorbets aplenty.

Owner Alfonso is passionate about coffee and Chicchi's special blend (60 per cent arabica, 40 per cent robusta) is freshly roasted every week to maintain his exacting standards - my double macchiato was first-rate. Tea (and tisane) lovers are not forgotten with a choice of 28 varieties (all £1). There are also excellent own-made fruit smoothies (£2.20 each) and indulgent milkshakes for just £1.70.

Internet use is free of charge for customers and Alfonso maintains a strict over-21s-only policy. A lot of care has gone into creating a relaxed ambience. You can also pre order food before noon and it will be served as soon as you arrive. How's that for service?

Time Out