New restaurant 13 feels like a secret that needs to be shared.
Having only been open for a few weeks, I heard about the restaurant online and decided to take my friend Katy along for a "girly catch-up" treat.
The double-door entrance in Kingston Street, Hull Marina, leads up a flight of stairs at Warehouse 13.
But the modest entrance does nothing to prepare you for treat for the senses that awaits within.
When we walked in, I was pleased to see not only that the decor was warm, inviting and modern, but that the views out over the Marina were enviably gargantuan.
After a pre-meal cocktail at the bar – a gorgeous wooden table with glittery brickwork underneath – we were seated at our table.
Both of us had a fantastic view over the rest of the restaurant and out onto the Marina itself.
If I hadn't been with a friend with the strongest Hull accent I've heard, I'd be convinced I was in the south of France.
After ordering a starter and main each, we didn't have to wait long for our meals.
Over a glass of white wine, we tucked into our starters of mussels and mezze, which were just the right portions to get us in the mood.
Our waitresses, Tracey and Hayley, were chatty and friendly and made us feel more like old acquaintances than customers.
We weren't the only ones either – everyone in the restaurant was laughing, joking and seemed to be having a convivial evening out.
When our main courses arrived and our glasses had been topped up, we couldn't wait to tuck in.
The chicken was that "melt in your mouth" texture where it doesn't take much knife work to cut a portion off.
Each of our plates came with a handsome portion of chips and side salad and I'm almost ashamed to admit that I devoured the lot.
After our main courses, we decided to have a little nosey around and walked around the other parts of the restaurant.
You can tell the building used to be a warehouse, as it still has that industrial chic vibe about it, but the features have been used to their best advantage and accentuated rather than covered up.
Yet the brickwork, pillars and windows worked well with the modern decoration.
Once our noseying was done, we decided the best way to finish off a lovely meal was with a Daim bar cheesecake and scoop of ice cream.
As someone afflicted with a sweet tooth, I cannot emphasis enough how nice it was and I would happily return again just for this.
I will be returning to this restaurant again. Luckily, the prices are in the range where it doesn't necessarily have to be a special occasion to enjoy and it may even become a regular haunt – although I fear my gym instructor won't be too pleased.
I'd strongly recommend anyone who wants to give it a go visits www.13bistro. co.uk to see the menu online.
If this article hasn't sold you – they certainly will.
Type: Bistro-style food including vegetarian, seafood, steaks, Italian and British dishes.
Quality of food: Excellent.
Atmosphere: Elegant without being pretentious.
Service: Friendly and prompt.
Value for money: Excellent.
Best for: Any occasion. Groups, couples and singles will all be made to feel at ease.
Would you go again? Try to stop me.
