Joe Rigatoni's has become a firm favourite in the region.
With outlets in Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Darlington, there is more chance of England actually playing some decent, consistent football than being let down at one of their restaurants.
My girlfriend's brother has just landed a job in America and we decided to take him to Joe Rigatoni's Middlesbrough restaurant, in Linthorpe Road, for his last supper.
The three of us arrived shortly after 9pm on a Monday and the place was packed.
As usual we were invited to enjoy a tipple at the bar before being shown to our table.
The low lighting, comfortable surroundings and relaxing music in the eating area created a nice atmosphere, as we began to peruse the menu.
This contained everything from pizza and pasta to speciality dishes.
As a starter we decided to share a garlic pizza bread (£3.45) between the three of us.
Arriving promptly at our table, it was topped with savoury tomato and mozzarella and definitely whetted the appetite.
The service at Joe Rigatoni's is always first class and it was not long before our main courses arrived.
I don't want to sound like a man who likes routine, but my girlfriend, Rachel, and I ordered our usual.
We always go for the fajitas. They are absolutely delicious and at £9.45 are excellent value for money.
Two huge platters came, filled with strips of chicken breast, marinated in cajun spices, onions, mushrooms and mixed peppers. They were served with flour tortilla wraps, sour cream, tomato salsa and guacamole.
Rachel's brother, Howard, ordered a quattro stagioni pizza (£6.45) and a portion of chips (£1.25).
The pizza was topped with cheese, tomato, ham, mushrooms, onions and sweet peppers and was too much for him to finish.
Feeling greedy we decided to order desserts.
Rachel and I shared a sticky toffee pudding and ice cream (3.95), while Howard went for cherry pancakes (£3.95).
Suitability stuffed we left the restaurant in buoyant mood after once again being impressed with the high standards set by Joe Rigatoni's.