Aqua Mediterranean Meze Bar & Grill is rapidly becoming one of the most popular places to eat in Croydon.

It is little wonder given that it offers first class food at value-for-money prices.

I first visited it when it first opened two years ago and was impressed by its stylish décor and good food.

When I went back a year ago the restaurant had done so well it had been enlarged to offer an extra 30 covers.

This week when I returned I was impressed to see the food seemed even better than I remembered. This is a place where the staff strive to improve on the already high standards.

Even more pleasing was seeing the restaurant fill up so quickly. There was a constant stream of diners and by 8pm the restaurant was already full with couples enjoying dinner for two, friends on a night out and families, with both adults and children enjoying a celebratory meal.

The décor, background music, and pen plan kitchen all lend the restaurant a Mediterranean-holiday feel and it was obvious that diners enjoyed this buzzy feel.

My personal favourites from the menu are the starter of seared king scallops, wrapped in pancetta and served with pea puree (£7.95) and the pan fried fillets of sea bass with crushed new potato, red onion salsa and rocket (£13.95). Both featured the freshest fish cooked to perfection.

I know fish is not to everyone’s liking so my husband would recommend the sirloin steak £15.95 which came exactly as he had ordered it – medium rare. This came with chunky chips, tomato Provencal, rocket and béarnaise sauce (£15.95).

Those who want to bring a little sunshine into their lives will love the choice of Greek and Italian dishes on the menu which will evoke memories of holidays in warm, Mediterranean climes.

And the lively atmosphere with everyone, young and old enjoying great food, certainly reminded me of happy holiday meals in the Med.

Aqua Mediterranean Meze Bar and Grill.

33-35 South End Croydon CRO 1BE Tel: 020 8667 0070