The cluster of businesses in Botley seems to be growing almost by the day. Seacourt Tower is filling up rapidly, while the Minns Business Park is a hive of activity and, of course, there is plenty of hustle and bustle through the West Way shopping centre.

Predictably, this means there are a lot of hungry people spilling on to the pavements come lunch time and the options for a decent meal are not vast.

This was obviously an opportunity picked up on by the people behind Rococo, which has been open in the main shopping centre for about 18 months.

What Botley lacks in sophisticated surroundings, it more than makes up for in sheer convenience with its ample free parking and proximity, not just for diners on the doorstep, but those down the Botley Road to Osney Mead, and even up the hill towards Cumnor.

And once inside Rococo, you really could be in any reasonable eaterie. It is light and modern with a bar area leading to the kitchen and simple wooden furniture.

A rather incongruous pink wall clashes with the otherwise tasteful surroundings but overall, there is an impression of cleanliness and efficiency.

We settled quickly into a table for two near the door and were rapidly presented with menus.

Rococo is one of those restaurants that is impossible to pigeonhole. It serves pizza and pasta but also a wide selection of other dishes from different backgrounds.

So I chose birowat for a starter, which is a Moroccan dish comprising pastry parcels of chicken seasoned with coriander, cumin and roast pimento, all covered in a tomato coulis (£5.50).

This was a pleasant, delicately-flavoured dish which melted in the mouth and whetted the appetite rather than suppressing it, which is often not the case.

My companion opted for the crisp tiger prawns (£6.75). There were just four prawns on the plate and these were covered in too much olive oil dressing. The accompanying salad featured guacomole which was too hot. Not a good choice for the money.

Moving on, I had chosen the salmon, cod and dill fish cakes (£8.95) which I ordered with French fries (£1.95) and a rocket and parmesan salad (£3.50).

The fish cakes were among the best I have had. A good size and packing flavour without being too overpowering, and perfectly complemented by the side dishes and a tangy lemon and herb mayonnaise.

Across the table, the choice had been oven-baked aubergine served with peppers, mushroom, roast tomato, parmesan and risotto (£7.95).

This was neatly presented, with the colourful vegetables offset against the risotto. But, as with many vegetarian dishes, it was a little bland.

The verdict was that given the option, she would not choose the dish again.

But we both agreed that the high point of the meal was the excellent house white wine. Being Francophiles, the Le'Egide vin de pays was right up our street, beautifully balanced and very dry. And at £10.95 a bottle, reasonably priced.

For dessert we chose to share a pecan pie which came served with ice cream (£4.95). Unless I'm mistaken, this was clearly bought in' as it had a cloying sweetness while the pastry was thick and stodgy. A major disappointment.

On balance this had been a very average meal which is a shame, because Rococo has a lot going for it with attentive, friendly service which is very fast - just the job for a business lunch.

Although our bill topped £50, it is possible to have two courses and a glass of wine for £10 from a more limited menu.

There is also an extensive list of cocktails which are half price between 5.30pm and 7pm, in a bid to attract the after work crowd.

And the surroundings are pleasant - when the weather is good there are also chairs and tables outside.

A little more attention to detail on the food side could only add to its popularity.

n Contact: Rococo 01865 792696