I have never understood the attraction of going out for an italian, its the most BORING food imaginable. Pizza is just glorified cheese on toast hardly any better than an Icelands jobbie, and pasta with a bit of sauce is just a dull, quick-and-easy dish anyone can knock up in 10 minutes flat. Yet you get charged an arm and a leg for it in a restaurant.
The only italian I go to now and then is The Gallaria in Shoreham, as their Filletto De Rossini is superb, as good a fillet steak as I've had anywhere. But I still wouldn't touch their pizzas or pasta with a shitty stick.
I'd recommend La Florentina in Western Road opposite Norfolk Square.
It's nothing fancy and looks small from the outside but it's cosy and welcoming inside. The food is great and not expensive and you'll always get a very warm welcome.
And you won't be rushed so you can take your time over the meal.