Over the past few years the Cillo family have opened a number of Italian food outlets in Liverpool city centre – now they are expanding into the suburbs and creating 25 new jobs. Tony McDonough reports
Father and son Donato Cillo and Antonio Cillo are to open a new restaurant and bakery in south Liverpool in October, creating 25 new jobs.
Over the past few years the Cillo family have opened a number of Italian food outlets in Liverpool city centre. They include Brunchin, P&D Gran Caffe, Antonietta Cakes, Gelato and Hey Farina which opened in January this year.
Originally from Potenza in Italy both Donato and Antonio have worked in the hospitality industry since they were 13.
Now they are to open Botanico in Woolton Village on the site of the former Il Ristorante by Crust. It will offer a brunch menu, afternoon tea and a Bistro evening menu.
There will also be an all-day pizza and bakery offering homemade breads and pastries. Botanico will be open every day from 9am until 9pm.
Botanico’s afternoon tea selection is made up of sandwiches from the freshly baked bread and desserts that are handmade by the team from Antoinetta Bakery with Donato’s wife and Antonio’s mother, Antoinetta Cillo, creating bakes for more than 20 years.
The bakery will see freshly made croissants, cannolis, pastries, macarons, cakes and breads baked with sourdough, the authentic Italian way, on display to eat in the restaurant or available for take away.
Pizza will be available from 12pm until close, and a versatile bistro menu will also carry guests through until the evening. Creating 25 jobs of varying positions, Botanico will have a capacity of 90 in the main restaurant with an additional 30 in the dedicated tea room.
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Donato said: “Botanico will bring an exciting and fresh approach to this space in Woolton Village, giving guests a venue to visit in couples or groups of friends and family.
“It’s an inclusive venue with something for everyone – from classic brunch dishes, to an all day pizza menu, a delicate and delicious afternoon tea as well as a full evening bistro menu with starters and main courses.”
Antonio added: “We’ll have a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as a fresh bakery section where our guests can take away their favourite loaves, or stock up on home baked pastries.”