I had been hearing a lot about these wise guys in my inner detective circles.

3 Ragazzi they're called. But before you jump to conclusions, these guys are only wise about one thing - and that's Italian food.

I took the moll with me to investigate more and we travelled to a place called Muirhead in the outskirts of the city.

Upon arrival, the first thing that dawned on me is how traditional this joint was. Dean Martin was blaring from the speakers as each waiter walked past with a friendly hello to myself and Toots.

"They are awfully nice in here, aren't they honey," beamed the moll who was taking in the surroundings and looking impressed for a change.

We were then taken to our table which was in a booth, adding to the cosy atmosphere. Once seated we were handed a menu and the lights were dimmed as candles around us were lit. This move was smooth and really helped create a warm atmosphere in the venue.

As myself and the moll perused the menu, we overhead one of the wise guys talking, his name was Carlo.

He was telling his regulars that he had rebranded the restaurant from Capolanda to 3 Ragazzi in a bid to re-engage with the locals.

Being the good detective I am, I naturally continued to have one ear in this conversation.

"21 years we have been trading," I heard him tell the next table.

Must be good if they have lasted that long I thought to myself. I also thought he is a stand-up guy mingling with his diners. I like that.

Before my natural thirst for tips got the better of me, I made my decision about the menu.

I choose the Funghi Fritti to start which is deep fried mushrooms with a garlic dip while the moll went for the more expensive dish, of course she did, of Gamberoni al Vino Bianco which is king prawns cooked with garlic and white wine with a touch of chilli.

While we were waiting on the starters we decided to have a taste of the bread, which turned out to be a big mistake.

For the starters were huge when they arrived and the bread left us stuffed. While in most Italian restaurants you expect three or four mushrooms in the classic Funghi Fritti starter, the 3 Ragazzi gave me at least a dozen. My starter was nothing special despite the overkill of mushrooms but the moll's was a taste sensation. The prawns were cooked to perfection and the dressing had a spicy kick. I regretted my starter option after the first bite of her ladyship's prawns.

But I more than made up for it with my main. I went for the classic Penne All'Arrabiata which is pasta with garlic, fresh basil, tomato and chilli sauce.

The moll choose the Pollo E Broccoli risotto which is saute chicken with broccoli, onions, chilli in a cream and parmesan sauce.

My pasta was cooked al dente and it tasted al dente. Despite all the Italians I have tried, getting that balance is hard but the chefs at 3 Ragazzi appear to have mastered it. I absolutely loved the pasta for that reason and I would be as bold to say it is the best pasta I have tasted on my diner adventures.

The moll tucked into her risotto and scoffed up every grain of rice, despite the huge portions.

'That was just gorgeous,' she beamed while cleaning cream off her face.

Due to hunger when we initially arrived, we ordered sides of fries and cheesy garlic bread but we could barely manage them. It was an eyes bigger than our belly moment.

3 Ragazzi, however, can be forgiven for their portion sizes because they do Italian well. They have captured the authenticity that any Italian restaurant worth its pasta should have. And they have the wise guy knowledge about the cuisine to back it up. If anyone asks me back, it will be an offer I couldn't refuse.

3 Ragazzi, 112 Cumbernauld Road, Muirhead, Glasgow, G69 9AA

Telephone: 0141 779 9362

Food: ****

Atmosphere: ****

Service: ****

The menu:

Funghi Fritti £5.95

Gamberoni al Vino Bianco £10.95

Penne All'Arrabiata £8.95

Pollo E Broccoli Risotto £11.95

Fries £3.65

Cheesy Garlic Bread £3.65

Soft drinks £2.20 each £8.80

Total: £53.90