AN Italian restaurant has been named as one of the finest places to find good food on a budget.

Lucca, in Manningtree, was listed amongst the 30 best places for great food on a budget by The Times newspaper.

It is in prestigious company, with the list including high-end eateries in London and Edinburgh.

The entry said: “This trattoria in the tiny town of Manningtree is led by a team of Italian chefs.

“It has a menu of traditional staples and a range of authentic Naples-style wood-fired-oven-cooked pizzas."

Lucca, owned by Sherri Singleton and David McKay, was opened in 2007 and based on memorable meals enjoyed by the pair in Southern Italy.

Sherri spent time in the kitchen of the famous La Notizia pizzeria, in Naples, receiving tips and recipes.