Voice’s Restaurant of the Month is the newly opened No.2 Augustan, of Caerleon, a fabulous Italian-inspired restaurant and hotel which opened its doors much to the joy of the local residents at the end of October.

It is the latest acquisition of Gareth Lee Restaurants, with Gareth going back to where it all started – The Stuffed Dormouse. With a fresh lick of paint and a refurbishment to the kitchen, which is now open plan and visible to diners – just like The Gate, the former Isca Arms has been transformed once again into something new.

If you didn’t already know, the name Augustan is taken from the period of the first Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus 63BC–14AD, with roads in Caerleon also having the same name due to the location being an old Roman Fort.

Landlords Heather and Gareth Lee are passionate about flavours and tastes of the Mediterranean and are quite excited to have opened a restaurant that serves some of their most foods.

As with each of their restaurants that they have had in the past, they’ve always tried to offer diners something new, such as the Spanish tapas bar Los Reyes and Taurus, an all-you-can-eat Brazilian style churrascaria restaurant.

In keeping with the authenticity of an Italian theme, the restaurant and hotel is run by managers Damiano and Anjelica, with a mix of Italian and British influences in the kitchen to offer a varied menu for all.

As previously at their other venues, Gareth and Heather offer a fantastic set menu at a fantastic value-for-money price, where you can get two-courses for just £10 (the same price as the menu at the Stuffed Dormouse, which first opened its doors in the winter of 2012).

The menu is concise, to allow the skilled chefs to focus on fresh ingredients and no-fuss authentic flavours. You are assured to find a splendid choice of mouth-watering Italian antipasto and secondi piatto dishes to whet your appetite.

Dishes currently on the menu include: Arrosticini (Abruzzese lamb kebabs); pollo Parmigiana (chicken fried in bread crumbs and Parmesan topped with ragu and cheese); linguine de mare (seafood and smoked salmon pasta); and spaghetti carbonara (authentic Italian carbonara, pancetta, egg and Parmesan) to name but a few of the main dishes.

There is also a choice of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes available, including the already incredibly popular option of Pizza No.2 which is topped with pomodoro, brown shrimp, mussels, garlic oil and mozzarella. Diners also have the option to create their own pizza with a choice of six toppings to choose from.

Sides are priced at £2 each, offering French fries, thyme potatoes, garlic ciabatta and roasted vegetables to accompany your meal.

Lunch is served from noon until 3pm Monday to Friday, with evening service starting from 6pm until 9pm.

The restaurant is open all day from noon until 9pm on Saturday and Sunday, offering a traditional Sunday roast with an Italian twist that is priced at the same great value for money of £10 for two courses.

Throughout December a festive party menu is available for groups of 10 people or more and is priced at £15 for three courses. Dishes include minestrone soup, lasagne Verdi and homemade tiramisu to tempt you – available for both lunch and evening dinner – booking required.

If you haven’t made plans to eat out on Christmas Day yet a festive three-course menu is offered priced at £75 for adults and £25 for children, served in one sitting at 12.30pm sharp. Call for more details and availability.

So, why not let No.2 Augustan introduce you to the beauty and simplicity of Italian cuisine this December and discover the tantalising joys of Italian cooking at its very best.

As you’d expect from Gareth and Heather’s establishments, a very warm welcome awaits.

No.2 Augustan - Ponthir Road, Caerleon, NP18 3NY

01633 430142

www.facebook.com/no2augustan/