Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 30 October 2021

A NEW independent Italian restaurant, owned by Haithem Eltaief and Depeka Patel, opened their doors in Upper Abbey Street, Nuneaton, last night (29 October), where they were met with rave reviews from diners thanks to Haithem’s 15 years’ experience as a Head Chef.

Haithem previously worked as the Head Chef of Rossini’s in Hinckley, but he had decided to launch the brand new Upper Abbey Street-based eatery as he ‘always wanted his own place’ after being a head chef for an impressive grand total of 15 years.

His friends had suggested Nuneaton as a good place to set up as there are not many independent Italian restaurants in the area.

The eatery, named Amore Mio, was greeted with a ‘warm welcome’ by diners, who had pre-booked and filled tables for the grand opening, which was complimented with live swing solos by Dean Thomas – a former footy manager-turned-crooner from Burbage.

Thomas provided the soundtrack to the evening whilst diners tried the food menu, made up of fish, lamb, chicken, gluten-free and vegetarian dishes, as well as the drinks menu which has been filled with authentic Italian wines specially supplied from Italy.

Owners Haithem and Depeka spoke to the Free Press today (30 October), following their successful first night of trading.

Mr. Eltaief explained that the menu boasts “something for everybody”, including those who are vegetarian, or those who can only eat gluten-free foods.

He has chosen the menu items by using dishes that are ‘customer’s favourites’ that he has seen prove popular with diners in the past.

The owners have revealed that future live music nights will be in the works – and that they are already thinking of working with Dean Thomas again.

They explained: “We plan to have more live music, we’ve already spoke to Dean [Thomas] to perform more future dates whenever we are need some live music. We’re looking to put on a few events.”

“We had many good reviews from diners on our opening day – those who left positive reviews said that they’re wanting to come back, and some have booked in advance. We’ve even got tables booked for December time”, they further added.

A beer garden is currently in the process of being fitted at the rear of the restaurant, which will sport a large seating area and is looking to be opened to members of the public in Spring.

It is currently undergoing renovation works at the time of publication (30 October), so it remains out of bounds.

But, in the meantime, Haithem told the Free Press that beer lovers will soon be able to enjoy a nice cold glass of Italian beer, Birra Moretti on draught, as well as bottled, inside of the restaurant.

Those wanting to try out the new restaurant can book over the phone, by calling 0247 5922 691, or by placing a booking on their website, amoremio.co.uk.