A NEW fine dining but “affordable” Italian restaurant is opening in the old home of one of Colchester’s most celebrated town centre eateries, which has now closed.
Cibus will open its doors to its first customers on Wednesday inside the old Il Padrino pizzeria, in Church Street.
Il Padrino had been a fixture of the town centre since 2013, with two sites in Church Street which have now closed.
Colchester resident Ali Chaudry said he has invested £160,000 in revamping the premises before opening.
Cibus is the new sister restaurant to Franco’s, in Colne Road, Clacton, and celebrated chef Franco Murgia has trained the staff himself.
Mr Chaudry, 27, is an entrepreneur who owns several restaurants and takeaways in Essex and further afield.
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He said: “We took over from Il Padrino during the first lockdown as we bought the premises. Sadly Il Padrino is no more.
“It was a great restaurant but we will be bringing something completely different to Colchester.
“We will be offering a fine dining experience for Colchester but still affordable for everyone.
“Our front of house team have come over from one of our restaurants in Italy. We hope to provide a totally authentic Italian experience.”
The chefs have been recruited locally with the menu including Italian favourites with a focus on fresh seafood and steaks.
Mr Chaudry said: “We have a pastry chief in house who cooks all of our bread and cakes.
“All of the stock comes fresh from Italy except the seafood and meat which are sourced locally.”
The revamped premises has space for 52 diners and will be open Tuesday to Sunday going forward.
So far, 13 new jobs have been created.
Mr Chaudry added: “We have done a total renovation of the premises. We have created something unique for Colchester which would be at home in Knightsbridge in London.”
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