IF a picture paints a thousand words, then an empty plate is a recipe for success. Step forward, Bridge of Allan's Paparazzi.

The caf� bar and family bistro is a delightful venue for either a snack, slap-up meal or romantic dinner with a loved one.

Recently it was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by popular online review site TripAdvisor.

Found at the corner of Henderson Street and Fountain Road, to the front of the building are tables and chairs for when the sun is shining. Head inside and the restaurant has an airy and relaxed feel.

In the middle, behind the main bar, is a mezzanine floor providing the venue with a function area for a celebratory group or the odd large family gathering. Photographs of famous faces - James Dean, Robert De Niro, etc - may adorn the bistro's walls but the main faces on view are satisfied customers.

During the day, background music is just the correct volume for having a chat. Even if you're not feeling in the mood for talking, the eclectic mix of tunes will definitely start you off - be it old skool boyband classics from Backstreet Boys or modern hits from the likes of Lady Gaga (yes, Paparazzi was one of the tunes).

There is a good selection of beers, soft drinks and spirits on offer. Wine drinkers have no fear, there is an extensive selection of your favourite tipple - reds, whites and, for those wanting to celebrate, a choice of bubbly. Anyone with a keen eye and palate for wine can browse the "connoisseur section".

On to the menu and, being an Italian-style restaurant, if it is pizza and pasta you are after, look no further. For anyone who likes a good burger, you could be in burger heaven with the choice available.

For my starter I had the wild mushrooms. The mushrooms were creamy and tender, complementing perfectly the nest of rocket leaves and bread which it was served on.

Service was friendly and helpful with the added bonus of a "you tell me" system - a device on the table that allows customers to press a button to alert their server of what they want, be it the bill or more drinks, without having to wait to catch their eye.

The restaurant boasts that it uses "the freshest and highest quality" ingredients. It's hard to argue after sampling their culinary delights.

For the main course I had that day's "special" of scallops in a dressed salad with crispy bacon and bread. Manager Richard Fergie informed me afterwards that the scallops and salmon are caught off the coast of the Shetland Isles by Blydoit Fish of Scalloway. The catches are landed at 5am and smoked at 7am before being vacuum-packed and sent down to Bridge of Allan on a weekly basis. That freshness comes through in taste and texture.

Finally, the desserts, and if you have to try one then you won't go wrong with one of the huge pancakes on offer. My selection, The Terminator, featured cream, ice-cream, raspberries and brownies. The fact that I wasn't able to finish my dessert was testament to the quantity and quality of the portions.

I dined during the day however Paparazzi is open from 8am-late (Monday to Saturday) and 10am-9pm on Sundays and also holds special events such as a Rat Pack night with singer Jim McMail (next at the venue on 28 June) and cocktail masterclasses.

To book a table call (01786) 834969 or go online to http://www.paparazzibistros.com/