If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise …

No, not teddy bears eating jam sandwiches, but a decent place to eat. Because opening for lunch and dinner in St. John’s Wood is Osteria Stecca. The cosy local comes from Stefano Stecca, a bona fide Italian formerly at Zafferano and Brunello Restaurant at Baglioni Hotel.

On the menu: classic lasagna and minestrone alongside the more adventurous mozzarella and aubergine caviar, raspberry mille feuille with balsamic vinegar, and baked ice cream. Alternatively perch at the bar and enjoy stuzzichini — traditional Italian bar snacks like rice arancino, crispy deep-fried squid and tuna carpaccio crostino.

Fancy anything other than authentic Italian food?

You’d better go in disguise.

Osteria Stecca, 1 Blenheim Terrace, NW8 OEH (020 7328 5014 or osteriastecca.com).