A highly anticipated new Italian takeaway and restaurant is set to open in Bristol next week.
Ciccio's Kitchen is opening in place of a former cleaning supplies shop on Sandy Park Road in Brislington, headed up by a chef with a background working in Michelin-starred restaurants.
After starting out as a pot washer in his native Italy, Francesco Mangione later trained as a chef and went on to head up the kitchens of top restaurants across the country, as well as in Germany and Switzerland.
The 32-year-old launched Ciccio's L'arancino after moving to the UK, serving delicious arancini and other Italian delicacies at markets across Bristol.
And now the Sicily-born cook - assisted by his wife Edina Grof - is just days away from opening his first bricks and mortar site.
Ciccio's Kitchen, which opens on Tuesday (April 20), will serve authentic stone-baked pizza, pasta dishes, arancini balls and a range of sweet treats such as cannoli and chocolate brownies, with everything made fresh on site.
"We've spent about a year preparing and planning the restaurant so we're really excited to finally open on Tuesday," said Edina.
"People in the area seem just as excited about us opening as we are which is lovely. There's a great community feel around here and we're really happy to be part of it.
"We've invested a lot in the transformation of the building and we can't wait to start serving."
There will be a small number of tables outside the restaurant, depending on the weather, for customers who want to enjoy their food on site, or there's the option to take it away.
The couple will also continue their home delivery service which has proved hugely popular throughout lockdown.
On May 17, when indoor hospitality is due to return as part of the Government's roadmap to exit lockdown, Francesco and Edina hope to add a few tables inside.
Ciccio's Kitchen will continue operating from the Tobacco Factory Market in Southville - which returns this weekend - as well as from a mobile van in Redcatch Park, Knowle every Sunday.
The new restaurant is located at 69 Sandy park road BS4 3PQ. For more information, head to its Facebook page.
