On Friday, January 30, Botanico opens its doors in Liverpool city centre on the site of what was the much-loved Il Forno Italian restaurant – and there will be free coffee and croissants on offer. Tony McDonough reports
There will be free coffee and croissants on offer on Friday, January 30, to the first 100 customers through the doors of the new Botanico restaurant in Liverpool.
For more than two decades Il Forno has been one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Liverpool. However, owners the Cillo family have decided to rebrand the outlet as Botanico.
This is another Italian food brand launched by the Cillos via their P&D Group in Woolton Village in October 2023. Il Forno has been synonymous with traditional Italian dining, whereas Botanico is an all day eatery.
It will serve guests for morning coffee, fresh croissants and pastries, breakfast and brunch, afternoon tea and lunch, through to its evening bistro menu.
It opens its doors at 8.30am on Friday and the first 100 customers through the doors will be treated to a free coffee and freshly baked croissant. There will be additional treats available for guests visiting throughout the day.
This opening also strengthens the Cillo family’s growing collection of Italian-led hospitality venues across Liverpool, which includes Gran Caffè, A Tavola, Antonietta, Brunchin, Hey Farina and Panoramic 34.
Donato Cillo said: “This opening is about creating a place that fits naturally into people’s lives. Botanico is somewhere you can start your day, come together with friends or family, or wind down in the evening, always with great food, great coffee and genuine hospitality.
“Il Forno will always be part of our story, but Botanico allows us to move forward in a way that feels right for Liverpool today.”