Bella Roma will be opened by Francesco Cangemi this Tuesday, June 17, on Claughton Street.
Francesco, 36,who helps run Little Italy, in Rainford, is excited to be launching his own restaurant, with the name a nod to the former Bella Roma that was run by his parents on George Street for around 15 years.
Bella Roma will also offer a variety of Italian dishes and Francesco says the premises will be able to offer a “couple of added extras”.
The menu will include classic Italian choices including lasagne, bolognaise, calamari, garlic pizza and carbonara.
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Meanwhile, the bar will offer drafts of Birra Moretti and sea salt Moretti, and there is a range of Italian bottled beers.
There are also plans in the pipeline for a wine bar space next to the restaurant for customers.
“We’ve not got an extensive menu, we’ll keep it small for now and as we get bigger we’ll expand,” added Francesco.
“We’ve got a nice selection of wines and pretty much everything you need.
“We have home-made desserts and all of our products are bought from Italy and delivered twice a week.”
Francesco hopes the venue will offer a place for people to relax and help to change attitudes in support of the town centre’s regeneration.
“I just want people to know the restaurant is here, it’s a family-run business.
“I want it to be a nice place where people can come and enjoy the food and relax.
“People are negative about St Helens’ regeneration but unless there’s people willing to take the risk and are willing to support it, it will never change.”