Because they deserve a break from mushroom risotto, from rolled eyes and being asked “is fish meat”?

A vegetarian meal without the compromise, this simple menu is no fuss and no meat. Perfect for a summer evening spent dining outdoors, start with a Caprese-inspired tart and thank your vegetarian friends for showing you the way.

The Starter

Valli Little’s simple tart takes perfect puff pastry and tops it with Italy’s favourite salad. Drinks writer Mike Bennie says, “Flavoursome vegetarian dishes deserve flavoursome, vibrant wines to match. This Italian-accented menu will marry well with delicious wines made from Italian varieties.”

Drink match: Young, fresh Italian white (try Denavolo ‘Dinavolino’)

The Main

The Italians know a thing about how to make a perfect dish without meat. This warm rice salad with shaved Parmesan and zucchini ribbons with convert any carnivore.

Drink match: White with texture (try Unico Zelo Fiano)

The Dessert

Pull out all the stoppers at dessert with this pretty apple tart, studded with sultanas, aromatic with amaretti, and dolloped with a rich mascarpone custard.

Drink match: Italian dessert-style cocktail (try Sgroppino – sorbet with prosecco and vodka)