FROM takeaway to restaurant, Italian couple Nadia and Dino Trimarco have enjoyed their first few weeks running Caffe Italiano.

The pair used to run pizza takeaway Dino's, in Castle Street, Trowbridge, and while they still offer takeaways, they have moved round the corner to Mill Street, where they now have a full lunchtime and evening eat-in menu.

Mrs Trimarco said: "In Italy I ran a coffee shop, a restaurant, a hotel and a pub and I did this for 20 years. It's my life and I wanted somewhere bigger to work."

Mrs Trimarco, who is originally from Milan, met her husband, from Salerno, in Italy and they married 25 years ago. They moved to Britain about six years ago and Mr Trimarco worked as a chef in a Devizes restaurant.

The couple ran Dino's for about 18 months before deciding to branch out. "It is good, authentic Italian food. At lunchtime we offer pizza, panini and foccacia bread all at a good price. In the evening it is a pizzeria and restaurant and there is a different menu," said Mrs Trimarco.

Business has been going well so far and the café is regularly busy at lunchtime, with evening trade gradually building up.

The pizzas are proving a big seller with the most popular toppings including Hawaiian, ham and mushroom and Calzone, a folded pizza.

A range of pasta dishes are on offer including all the Italian favourites and a wide variety of Italian cakes are available for dessert.

Mrs Trimarco said: "I think the restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and is reasonably priced. It's a family-run business, just me and my husband. Our two children also help out at the weekends.

"We hope to stay here for the next few years. There aren't many Italian restaurants in the area. It's different from other places.

"You can come in for just a coffee at lunch time then have a meal in the evening or just come in for a take-away."

At the moment the restaurant does not have a licence to serve alcohol but customers are allowed to bring their own drinks.

Mrs Trimarco said: "I do miss life in Italy but I like it here and enjoy meeting the local people."

FACT FILE:
  • Caffe Italiano is at 5 Mill Street, Trowbridge
  • Opening hours Monday to Saturday 10am-3pm and 6-11pm (last order 10.30pm).
  • Disabled access
  • Half portions available for children
  • Contact (01225) 760600