TUCKED away in an intimate basement in Lyme Regis is Sotanos Tapas Restaurant and Bar. You could easily believe you are in a rustic Spanish eatery rather than in the middle of the busy high street for all its authentic charm and friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

We visited on an evening during the busy half-term and there was no mistaking it was paella night, given the strong aroma of fish and garlic filling the place.

A full tapas menu runs alongside the paella and changes regularly depending on the fresh ingredients bought in that day.

The traditional paella (£12.95) is made with organic chicken and fresh local fish, while the tapas menu includes a wide variety of fish, vegetables, meat and poultry dishes.

They advise two to three dishes per person and although this doesn’t sound enough, you probably don’t need as much as you think.

The portions are generous and given the sharing nature of tapas, you will inevitably end up dipping in to each other’s dishes.

After being seated in a cosy corner, the drinks service was very quick and we ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio (£13.95).

Our food order was not taken as quickly, this was probably due to every table in the restaurant being occupied, but we were pleased when the waitress immediately apologised.

There was only one item on the menu that was unavailable, and I opted for the Moroccan lamb tagine served with minted couscous (£5.95), and the traditional tortilla Espanola (£4.95).

I also shared with a friend a bowl of potatoes with salsa (£3.95), and a trio of meat skewers, made up of marinated lamb, pork and chicken (£5.95).

The lamb was so tender it melted in the mouth, the tortilla had plenty of flavour, and the meat skewers were cooked well but I would have liked slightly more seasoning.

One companion had the Samfaina – a stew of tomatoes, peppers and aubergines – delivered, instead of the baby peppers stuffed with cheese that she ordered.

My companion who opted for the paella cleared her plate, although the mussels were a fraction overcooked.

These small criticisms pale in comparison to the meal as a whole, which was authentic and full of Mediterranean flair.

Dessert for me was a melt-in-the mouth chocolate and hazelnut brownie served with ice-cream (£4.95), but I was glad I chose to share it with a companion as it was very rich.

We will definitely be returning to the family-run Sotanos to try the many more dishes, as there were simply too many appetising choices to select from.

Sotanos,57-58 Broad Street, Lyme Regis. 01297 445792 Opening times: Holiday season: 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 9pm (last orders). Out of season: 6pm to 9.30pm (last orders)