Bites

Love bites

Where are the Italian restaurants called Amore when you need them? And why are there no Love Me Tender steak houses in these passionless times? Here are some real places to eat at that sound as if they could be ardour-arousing.

Where are the Italian restaurants called Amore when you need them? And why are there no Love Me Tender steak houses in these passionless times? Here are some real places to eat at that sound as if they could be ardour-arousing.

Love Saves the Day, Smithfield Buildings, Tib Street, Manchester (0161-832 0777). Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Fantastically appetising café and licensed deli in the Northern Quarter. As a prelude to more bistro evenings, it has one on Wednesday for £30 a head including an aperitif, wine and three courses such as charcuterie with figs and artichoke hearts; roast salmon with celeriac mash and glazed fennel and Brimstage ice cream with almond biscuits. Or, from its take-away side, Love To Go, whisk away the makings of a private feast.

Kama Sutra, 331 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow (0141-332 0055). Mon-Thur 12-12, Sat 12-12.30am, Sun 5pm-12. Very central, busy Indian restaurant complete with urn-shaped pillars behind wrought-iron doors for that "temple of love" effect. The kitchen is open, the buffet table's serve-yourself at lunchtime for £5.95, and early evening for £10.95. A reasonable standard, wide range of vegetarian dishes, and around £15 for dinner with drinks.

Passione, 10 Charlotte Street, London W1 (020-7636 2833). Mon-Fri lunch and dinner, Sat dinner. Rather more than a neighbourhood Italian, this comes with the endorsement of Jamie Oliver (they're mates of his). It's not fussy stuff but attention to detail is impressive, the focaccia's almost famous, sorrel risotto unmissable, wines not too heavily marked up. Superb, simple main courses might be sea bass, lamb cutlets or rabbit with garlic and rosemary. Around £25-£30 a head. It's fully booked on Wednesday.

Heartstone, 106 Parkway, London NW1 (020-7485 7744). Tue-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Storming new organic café that's healthily delicious. Bread's baked there, salads are raw, salt is used sparingly, juices are fresh. But you can still have a pork chop from a happy pig, beautifully cooked with roast red onions. Main courses £7.50-£12.50, juices £3, pear and almond tart recommended. Unlicensed, bring your own booze and book for lunch.

Bleeding Heart, Bleeding Heart Yard, off Greville Street, London EC1 (020-7242 8238). Mon-Fri lunch and dinner. Three variations - tavern, bistro, and restaurant. Food is fine French, prices vary by level: restaurant lunch £29.95, dinner £24.95, the bistro has a £16.95 lunch or dinner menu, but expect to spend £30-odd, wine drinkers. The Bordeaux-strong wine list will set pulses racing. It's located in a historic courtyard taking its name from a tragic incident of 17th-century lover's revenge. This shouldn't deter latter-day trysters, but it's fully booked for Valentine's Day.