*If and this is a big IF you could be transported anywhere in the world for your lunch break where would it be? Easy! To the Cantinas of Rome.

It's not that I'm stereotypical towards Italians; I mean I literally think this guy is Nintendo's Jesus. Maybe I've spent too long in the sun today or perhaps it was the 13 hour train journey from Paris with nothing but a cheap bottle of wine.

Super Mario has been cooking up lunch all morning and now standing over hot plates a few beads of sweat accost his brow. He serves up an array of Italian treats; fresh pasta, breads, cold meats and he seems especially proud of his pineapple rings. Mario points in the direction of a tray and by way of pointing, facial expressions and a little bit of tasting dished out the best meal I had whilst in the Italian capital, all for less than 5 Euros.

Lunchtime in Rome to the untrained eye is special, but to the locals popping downstairs for a quick spaghetti puttanesca and a chinwag is the norm.

Whizz back 900 or so miles to London and it’s mighty clear that popping downstairs for some puttanesca is definitely not on the agenda and your five Euros will get you half a greasy sandwich and a can of fizzy pop.

It's not just about the food; it's the whole lunchtime eating experience that London is missing out on. We would rather sit at our desks chomping down a processed ham on processed white bread sandwich whilst searching Facebook to see how many kids the school bully has accidentally had or watch the latest happy slapping fiasco on youtube than sit down for an hour chatting over a small glass of wine and a nice lunch.

Back in Rome on Via Flavia, a sidestreet away from the historical centre and there is an abundance of choice to grab lunch in, no Prets, no Eats and certainly no McDon**ds all serving up delicious Italian lunches. So is it a question of there not being anywhere to go in London or are we just not trying hard enough. There are plenty of good places to eat if you’ve a) got the time and b) got a wedge of cash to burn on lunch every day. It’s time we started branching out and discovering what our city has to throw at us. I’m not suggesting you splash out at the River Café every lunchtime, I am not even suggesting you have to eat Italian and it’s probably advisable you skip out an overindulgent déjeuner.

Over the next few weeks I’m getting myself out there, finsing the top class places for lunch on a budget. Been somewhere decent. Well let me know and I’ll go and have a gander.

First port of call is Covent Garden and Canela where you can get Portuguese and Brazilian fare for little more than a half decent bottle of wine in the supermarket. There is always a stew cooking which last week was a Feijoada of black bean and chorizo served with brown rice, the pancakes stuffed with roasted vegetables and cheese are fantastic, also get various sandwiches and snacks. Post main course and if you think you can last he afternoon without falling asleep there is a range of divine cakes and pastries. Banana and Cinnamon cake was the winner although the traditional Portuguese custard tart was a close second. The café is small but a massive ceiling makes up for this and the interior design is spot on.